SEN Teaching Assistant – SEN School (Post-16, Autism & Complex Communication)
Location: Leeds (easily commutable from Wakefield, Dewsbury & surrounding areas)
Pay: £101.40 – £120 per day
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm
Start Date: ASAP
Make a Real Difference for Post-16 Learners with Autism & Complex Needs
Are you passionate about supporting young adults with complex communication needs, autism, and additional learning challenges? We’re recruiting a SEN Teaching Assistant for a forward-thinking SEN school in Leeds, working with secondary to post-16 students.
This is a highly rewarding role for someone committed to helping learners build confidence, independence, and essential life skills, preparing them for life beyond school.
About this role
You would be delivering an individualised, experiential curriculum for learners with Autism and complex communication needs, focusing on:
Communication development using Total Communication strategies and the Engagement Model
Independence, life skills, and community inclusion
Health, wellbeing, and emotional regulation
Experiential, sensory-based learning in familiar, structured environments
Planning is holistic and needs-led, with EHCP outcomes central to all activities
A mix of adult-led and learner-initiated sessions ensures engagement and meaningful progress
Some learners may access integrated enrichment from the Connect Pathway
What You’ll Be Doing
Supporting learners 1:1 or in small groups with autism and complex communication needs
Assisting with the delivery of structured, experiential learning activities
Helping pupils develop independence, confidence, and functional communication
Supporting emotional regulation and promoting positive behaviours
Using sensory strategies and communication tools (Makaton, PECS, symbols) to enhance engagement
Collaborating with teachers, therapists, and senior staff to deliver individualised learning plans
Team Teach experience is desirable but not essential
What We’re Looking For
Experience supporting learners with SEND, autism, or communication challenges
A calm, patient, and empathetic approach
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Commitment to a full-time, term-time position (Monday–Friday, 8:30–3:30)
Open to candidates with backgrounds in SEN, youth work, social care, psychology, criminology, or support work
Why Join Us
Competitive pay: £101.40 – £120 per day
Long-term, full-time role in a supportive, highly specialised SEN setting
Ongoing CPD and training, including communication strategies, sensory regulation, and behaviour support
Work in a structured, nurturing environment with experienced staff
Make a tangible impact on learners’ independence, communication, and life skills
Ideal For
Experienced Learning Support Assistants
Graduates in Psychology, Criminology, Education, or related fields
Support workers looking to transition into education
Anyone passionate about autism, communication, and post-16 SEND provision
Apply Today
If you’re ready to transform lives and support secondary to post-16 learners to reach their full potential, we’d love to hear from you.
(phone number removed)
INLDS