SEND Specialist Teaching Assistant – Sheffield (This school has multiple sites across Sheffield: S11, S9, S12)
Please note: experience supporting pupils with complex needs is essential for this role.
Please note: Full-Time availability is essential as the school need staff that can build up relationships with the students and familiarity is essential. Those who do well are likely to be kept on by the school after the booking.
We are looking for a patient, caring and confident Specialist Teaching Assistant to join a well-established specialist secondary school in Sheffield that supports pupils from Year 7 to Year 11 (and some post-16) with complex learning, communication and autism-related needs.
The school’s ethos is built on Connection, Belonging and Nurture, recognising that strong relationships, emotional safety and a calm, supportive environment are the foundations for meaningful learning. Staff work closely together to ensure pupils feel valued, understood and ready to engage at their own pace.
About the Role
As a Specialist Teaching Assistant, you will support pupils across a highly personalised, student-led curriculum delivered through a range of tailored pathways. You will play a vital role in helping pupils access learning, develop independence and build confidence.
Your role may include:
Supporting personalised learning programmes across a range of curriculum pathways
Working with pupils following Engagement, Independence or Re-Engagement pathways, adapting support to meet individual needs
Assisting with informal, semi-formal and flexible learning approaches
Supporting communication, interaction and independence skills throughout the school day
Helping pupils access multi-sensory activities, structured routines and thematic learning
Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists and external professionals
Providing mobility support and personal care where required
Supporting pupils during community-based learning and alternative provision activities
Creating a calm, nurturing and respectful learning environment
Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils and families
Curriculum and Pathways
The curriculum is designed to be flexible, inclusive and responsive, allowing pupils to access learning in a way that best suits their needs.
Engagement Pathway: An informal, theme-based curriculum focused on communication, engagement and independence, with highly personalised delivery and access to relevant accreditation where appropriate
Independence Pathway: A semi-formal, cross-curricular model supporting skill development, independence and accreditation
Re-Engagement Pathway: A fully personalised approach, often supported on a 1:1 or 2:1 basis, incorporating community learning, alternative provision and flexible timetables
Teaching Assistants play a key role in supporting pupils as they move between pathways and learning opportunities, responding to changing needs and levels of engagement.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking someone who is genuinely passionate about SEND and understands the importance of patience, empathy and consistency within a specialist setting.
The ideal candidate will have:
Experience supporting pupils with PMLD, SLD and/or autism
Confidence managing challenging behaviour in a calm and supportive way
A compassionate, nurturing and proactive approach
The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
A good understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries
Up-to-date Moving & Handling training
What You’ll Gain
The opportunity to make a meaningful difference every single day
A supportive and experienced staff team who value collaboration
Access to ongoing CPD and specialist SEND training
A varied and rewarding role where progress is measured in confidence, communication and independence
Interested?
If you’re looking for a fulfilling role within a specialist secondary setting that places relationships, well-being and individual progress at the heart of everything it does, we’d love to hear from you.
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All applicants will be contacted to discuss suitability and then invited to register with TeacherActive.
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