SEN Teaching Assistant
SEN Teaching Assistant – SEN School (Post-16, Autism & Complex Communication)
Location: Wakefield (WF4) – easily commutable from Dewsbury, Normanton, Pontefract & 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 Wakefield, 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 the role
You would be delivering individualised, experiential curriculum for learners with Autism and complex communication needs, focusing on:
1. Communication development using Total Communication strategies and the Engagement Model
2. Independence, life skills, and community inclusion
3. Health, wellbeing, and emotional regulation
4. Experiential, sensory-based learning in familiar, structured environments
5. Planning is holistic and needs-led, with EHCP outcomes central to all activities
6. A mix of adult-led and learner-initiated sessions ensures engagement and meaningful progress
7. Some learners may access integrated enrichment
What You’ll Be Doing
8. Supporting learners 1:1 or in small groups with autism and complex communication needs
9. Assisting with the delivery of structured, experiential learning activities
10. Helping pupils develop independence, confidence, and functional communication
11. Supporting emotional regulation and promoting positive behaviours
12. Using sensory strategies and communication tools (Makaton, PECS, symbols) to enhance engagement
13. Collaborating with teachers, therapists, and senior staff to deliver individualised learning plans
14. Team Teach experience is desirable but not essential
What We’re Looking For
15. Experience supporting learners with SEND, autism, or communication challenges
16. A calm, patient, and empathetic approach
17. Strong communication and teamwork skills
18. Commitment to a full-time, term-time position (Monday–Friday, 8:30–3:30)
19. Open to candidates with backgrounds in SEN, youth work, social care, psychology, criminology, or support work
20. Ideal for candidates living in Wakefield, Dewsbury, Normanton, Pontefract, or nearby areas
Why Join Us
21. Competitive pay: £101.40 – £120 per day
22. Long-term, full-time role in a supportive, highly specialised SEN setting
23. Ongoing CPD and training, including communication strategies, sensory regulation, and behaviour support
24. Work in a structured, nurturing environment with experienced staff
25. Make a tangible impact on learners’ independence, communication, and life skills
Ideal For
26. Experienced Learning Support Assistants
27. Graduates in Psychology, Criminology, Education, or related fields
28. Support workers looking to transition into education
29. Anyone passionate about autism, communication, and post-16 SEND provision
Apply Today
If you’re ready to transform lives and support post-16 learners to reach their full potential, we’d love to hear from you.
0113 418 0100
Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are proudly APSCo Compliance+ accredited, reflecting our dedication to the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be subject to thorough compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and APSCo guidelines.
INLDS