Specialist Learning Support Assistant (Autism & Complex Needs)
Bradford (BD9)
Full‑Time | Monday–Friday | Long‑Term Role | Temp‑to‑Perm Opportunity | Immediate Start
Are you passionate about supporting children and young people with Autism and complex needs?
Do you have experience in SEND, care, support work, autism services, residential care, early years, healthcare, youth work, mental health, or specialist education?
We are currently recruiting Specialist Learning Support Assistants (Autism & Complex Needs) to join a highly respected specialist Autism provision in Bradford, supporting pupils aged 3–19 years with Autism, Communication & Interaction needs, and complex learning difficulties.
This is a rewarding opportunity for nurturing, resilient and committed individuals who are passionate about helping children and young people develop communication, independence, confidence, and emotional regulation in a specialist setting.
No two days are the same; every day is an opportunity to make a genuine difference.
About the School
This well‑established specialist setting supports children and young people with:
* Autism
* Complex communication needs, including non‑verbal learners
* Sensory processing differences
* Social, emotional and behavioural needs
* Learning difficulties and additional complex needs
The school provides a structured, nurturing and highly supportive environment, where learning is tailored to each pupil’s developmental stage and individual needs.
Staff work closely together to support pupils with:
* Communication development
* Emotional regulation
* Independence and life skills
* Social interaction and relationship building
* Access to learning through personalised approaches
You will join an experienced and welcoming team committed to delivering meaningful support to every learner.
As a Specialist Learning Support Assistant, you will support pupils across a range of ages and developmental stages within the school. Many pupils require support with communication, emotional regulation, sensory needs, routines, and accessing learning, often through play‑based, developmental, or highly personalised approaches, similar to EYFS and early learning frameworks, regardless of chronological age.
You will work alongside teachers, therapists and specialist staff to create positive learning experiences and support pupils to thrive.
Key Responsibilities
* Support children and young people with Autism and complex needs
* Build positive, trusting and nurturing relationships with pupils
* Support learners with communication differences, including non‑verbal communication
* Assist pupils in accessing learning through personalised strategies
* Support emotional regulation, sensory needs and social interaction
* Encourage independence, confidence and life skills
* Use calm, consistent and proactive approaches to support behaviours linked to communication or sensory needs
* Adapt support to meet individual developmental and learning needs
* Provide personal care where required
* Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and specialist SEND staff
* Contribute to creating a safe, engaging and supportive learning environment
Ideal Candidate
We welcome applicants from backgrounds including:
* Autism Support Worker
* SEND Teaching Assistant
* Learning Support Assistant
* Care Worker
* Residential Support Worker
* Behaviour Mentor
* Mental Health Support Worker
* Youth Worker
* Nursery Practitioner / Early Years Practitioner
* Healthcare Assistant
* Support Worker
* SEN Practitioner
* Specialist Education Support
You may be a great fit if you have:
* Experience supporting children, young people or adults with Autism or additional needs
* Experience within SEND, care, residential, healthcare or support settings
* A calm, patient and nurturing approach
* Understanding of communication differences and sensory needs
* Emotional resilience and adaptability
* Strong teamwork and communication skills
* A genuine passion for supporting children and young people with complex needs
Relevant personal or lived experience is also highly valued.
What We Offer
* Full‑time, long‑term opportunity
* Monday to Friday working hours
* Temp‑to‑perm potential
* Immediate start available
* Supportive and experienced specialist school team
* Valuable experience within Autism and complex needs education
* Ongoing development within SEND and specialist support
* Opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day
Job Details
Role: Specialist Learning Support Assistant (Autism & Complex Needs)
Location: Bradford (BD9)
Hours: Full‑Time | Monday–Friday
Contract: Long‑term with temp‑to‑perm opportunity
Start Date: Immediate start available
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