Job Title: Speech and Language Support Assistant – Autism & Complex Needs
Location: Sheffield
Contract Type: Full-time / Part-time / Term-time only
Salary: £90 - £100 dependent on experience
Start Date: ASAP
About Us
We are a vibrant and inclusive educational setting dedicated to supporting children and young people with autism and complex communication needs. Our multidisciplinary team is passionate about creating a nurturing environment where every learner can thrive and achieve their full potential.
The Role
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Speech and Language Support Assistant to join our team. In this role, you will work closely with Speech and Language Therapists, class teachers, and support staff to deliver targeted interventions and promote effective communication strategies across the school day.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the implementation of individual communication plans and therapy programmes
* Work directly with children and young people to develop their speech, language, and communication skills
* Use a range of tools including visuals, PECS, AAC, and Makaton
* Assist in monitoring and recording progress under the guidance of the therapist or SENCO
* Promote inclusive communication across the classroom and wider school environment
* Contribute to a positive, respectful, and safe atmosphere for all students
What We’re Looking For
* Experience working with children or young people with autism and/or complex needs
* Understanding of speech, language, and communication difficulties
* Knowledge of communication aids and strategies (e.g., PECs, Makaton, AAC) is highly desirable
* Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills
* Patience, empathy, and a genuine passion for supporting learners with additional needs
* Relevant qualifications (e.g., Level 2 or 3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning, or equivalent experience)
We Offer
* A supportive and collaborative team environment
* Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
* Opportunities to work closely with qualified therapists and SEN specialists
* The chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people
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How to Apply:
Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the role to joe.palmerprotocol-education
Closing Date: ongoing
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.
Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.