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Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Role Type: Full-Time / Long-Term
Salary: £21,500 – £24,500 FTE (depending on experience)
Start Date: ASAP
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About the School
This opportunity is based at a specialist SEN school in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, supporting pupils with complex and profound additional needs. The school caters for children from EYFS through to KS2, with a strong emphasis on autism, global developmental delay, sensory processing needs, speech and language difficulties, and associated medical or physical needs.
The school operates with a therapeutic and child-centred approach, where emotional regulation, communication, and safety are prioritised before academic learning. Class sizes are small, staffing ratios are high, and the environment is carefully structured to support children who may experience distress, sensory overload, or communication barriers.
Staff work collaboratively with speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, behaviour specialists, and family support teams, ensuring pupils receive holistic and consistent support throughout their school day. The school places a strong focus on predictability, routine, visual structure, and trauma-informed practice.
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The Role
As a SEN Teaching Assistant (Complex Needs), you will provide direct daily support to pupils with a range of complex learning, communication, and behavioural needs. This role is hands-on, rewarding, and requires a calm, resilient, and compassionate approach.
You will support children one-to-one and in very small groups, helping them access learning, regulate emotions, develop communication skills, and engage with peers. Many pupils require support with sensory regulation, transitions, emotional outbursts, and self-care routines, so consistency and patience are essential.
You will work closely with the class teacher and SEN professionals to implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Behaviour Support Plans, and therapy-led strategies throughout the school day.
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Key Responsibilities
* Provide one-to-one and small group support for pupils with autism and complex needs
* Support emotional regulation using sensory tools, visual timetables, and structured routines
* Assist pupils with communication using PECS, Makaton, symbols, or visual prompts
* Support learning activities adapted to pupils’ developmental levels
* Implement behaviour strategies consistently and calmly
* Assist with personal care, feeding, and toileting where required
* Support pupils during transitions, playtimes, and unstructured periods
* Record observations and contribute to progress reviews
* Work collaboratively with therapists and SEN specialists
* Maintain a safe, calm, and nurturing learning environment
* Follow safeguarding, health and safety, and SEND policies at all times
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Person Specification
The ideal candidate will:
* Have experience working with children with autism and/or complex needs
* Be calm, patient, and emotionally resilient
* Understand sensory processing differences and behaviour as communication
* Be confident supporting children with challenging behaviour
* Have strong teamwork and communication skills
* Be comfortable supporting personal care and physical needs
* Hold a relevant TA, SEN, or childcare qualification (desirable, not essential)
* Be committed to safeguarding and inclusive education
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Professional Development & Support
The school is deeply committed to staff development and wellbeing. Support includes:
* Autism and complex needs training
* Sensory integration and behaviour support workshops
* Ongoing mentoring from senior SEN staff
* Opportunities to progress into HLTA, SEN specialist, or therapy-support roles
* A supportive leadership team that values staff wellbeing
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Safeguarding Statement
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and safeguarding procedures.