Job Description
Supporting pupils with Complex Needs
Pay: £88.92 – £100 per day (dependent on experience)
Location: Wirral
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:00pm (must be able to commit to all days)
New Directions is seeking a dedicated, resilient, and compassionate SEND Teaching Assistant to join a specialist secondary provision supporting pupils aged 11–19 with complex learning needs.
This role is centred around providing personalised classroom support across all curriculum areas. You will work closely with pupils who may have significant cognitive difficulties, communication needs, sensory processing differences, and associated behavioural or emotional challenges. Your primary focus will be to build strong, trusting relationships that help pupils feel safe, supported, and ready to engage in learning.
This is a highly rewarding opportunity for someone with previous experience supporting individuals with complex needs in a school or care setting who is passionate about helping young people develop independence and essential life skills.
About the School
This specialist provision supports pupils aged 11–19 with complex learning needs within a purpose-built environment designed to promote accessibility, engagement, and independence. The setting provides high-quality education in a structured, nurturing, and highly supportive learning environment where every young person is encouraged to develop academically, socially, and emotionally.
The school delivers a bespoke curriculum tailored to meet a wide range of complex needs, ensuring that each pupil is supported at their individual point of learning. A skilled team of teachers, therapists, and support staff work collaboratively to provide personalised pathways that promote communication, life skills, and independence, preparing pupils for adulthood and positive future outcomes.
Staff prioritise consistency, routine, and emotional regulation strategies to create a calm and engaging atmosphere. Every achievement is recognised and celebrated, and pupils are supported to progress at a pace that reflects their individual needs and abilities.
The Role of a Teaching Assistant
As a SEND Teaching Assistant, you will:
• Provide one-to-one and small group classroom support
• Support pupils with complex learning difficulties and additional needs
• Assist with emotional regulation and behaviour support strategies
• Encourage communication, independence, and social development
• Work collaboratively with teachers and specialist staff
• Help implement personalised learning and support plans
• Support pupils with personal care where required (if applicable)
• Promote a safe, structured, and positive learning environment
This role requires patience, empathy, and resilience. Building trust and consistency will be central to your success.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
• Experience supporting children, young people or Adults with complex needs (school or care background)
• A calm, nurturing, and adaptable approach
• Confidence supporting pupils with communication and sensory needs
• Understanding of behaviour as communication
• Strong teamwork and relationship-building skills
• A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people
Why Work in a Specialist Complex Needs Setting?
• Make a meaningful difference to young people with significant additional needs
• Work in smaller classes with personalised support
• Be part of a highly skilled, collaborative multidisciplinary team
• Access specialist SEND and ongoing CPD training
• Experience a rewarding role where every small step is a big achievement
• Support pupils in developing independence and preparing for adulthood
How to Apply
To apply for this SEND Teaching Assistant position, please click ‘Apply Now’ and submit an up-to-date copy of your CV.
Alternatively, for an informal chat about the role, please contact our Wirral office in Ellesmere Port.
Helen will be in touch to arrange the next steps in the recruitment process. Successful applicants will be invited to interview (online or in person) and must complete all safeguarding checks, including a full application form, two years of references, and an enhanced DBS check. All offers are subject to the successful completion of these checks.
Make a real difference every day — apply now and help shape positive futures.
What New Directions Education Ltd offers:
1. A dedicated and expert Account Manager
2. Regular and varied supply work
3. Competitive rates of pay
4. Potential long-term teaching roles
5. Full compliance with the Agency Workers Regulation (AWR)
6. A network of branches across the UK
7. Preferred supplier to more than 20 boroughs across the UK
8. Recommend-a-friend scheme
9. Respected reputation across the education and recruitment industry
We are fully committed to the protection of children and vulnerable adults. All applicants must undertake a full enhanced DBS check.
Please select Apply Now to enquire about this job vacancy with New Directions Education Ltd, Wirral branch.
New Directions Education Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.