SEN Teaching Assistant

Support young people to thrive—every day, every lesson, every step forward.

We are looking for a SEN Teaching Assistant (Special Educational Needs) to join our team—someone patient, curious, and committed to helping children overcome barriers to learning. We are working with a nurturing, well-resourced special school in Leeds that supports pupils with Autism, learning differences, and communication needs.

The Role

You’ll work closely with experienced teaching staff and therapists in a structured, supportive environment. Your role will focus on helping pupils build confidence, social understanding, emotional regulation, and learning skills in a way that works for them.

Your day-to-day may include:

• Supporting one-to-one or small groups of pupils with additional needs
• Assisting in the delivery of engaging, accessible lessons
• Adapting activities or learning materials to match pupils’ abilities and communication styles
• Helping students manage emotions and behaviour with calm, consistent support
• Encouraging independence and life skills in and out of the classroom
• Facilitating personal care when needed, always with dignity and respect
• Collaborating with teachers, therapists, and other professionals to follow EHCPs and support plans

You’ll be a key person in each child’s school experience—and your patience, flexibility, and insight will shape their learning and wellbeing every day.

What We’re Looking For

What matters most is your attitude and willingness to learn. We’re looking for someone who is:

• Patient, empathetic, and proactive in their approach
• A strong communicator who can work well with both pupils and colleagues
• Genuinely interested in supporting children with SEND
• Familiar with (or open to learning about) strategies like sensory regulation, visual communication, and Makaton or AAC
• Ideally experienced in schools, care, or youth support—but we also welcome applications from those with personal experience or relevant transferable skills

Full training and support will be provided.

The School

This inclusive school in Leeds focuses on empowering students with Autism and communication challenges. With small class sizes, a specialist team, and a deeply nurturing ethos, every pupil receives the attention they need to thrive. The school provides a tailored learning environment for pupils with autism, communication difficulties, and complex needs. Class sizes are small and well-resourced, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and consistent routines. Staff receive ongoing training and support.

Hours & Schedule

• Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm
• full-time and part-time roles available

The Benefits

• Weekly pay through Sense Education
• Structured support and professional development
• Potential for long-term or permanent placement
• A role where your work truly makes a difference

If you’re calm under pressure, kind at heart, and excited about working with children who experience the world differently—we’d love to hear from you.

Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do, and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such, we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education, you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.