Communication Specialist Assistant

Communication Specialist Assistant

Location: Leeds

Contract: Temporary to permanent (term time only). Monday to Friday (8:30-3:30)

Start date: ASAP

Salary: £90 - £95 per day (dependant on experience)

About the Role

NextGen Teachers are proud to collaborate with a network of Specialist SEN schools across Leeds, committed to supporting learners with a wide range of needs through innovative, individualised education.

These schools follow a pathway-based learning model, ensuring that teaching is tailored to each learner's abilities, communication style, and developmental goals. Every student's journey is guided by their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), ensuring the right support is in place to promote meaningful progress.

For learners on the Communication Pathway, progress is celebrated in many ways - from photos and observations to family feedback and updates on electronic assessment records - capturing every achievement, no matter how small.

The schools are now seeking communication Specialist Assistants to join their dedicated teams. In this role, you'll contribute to a multi-sensory, non-subject-specific curriculum designed to foster communication, engagement, and independence. Your support will help learners build social interaction skills, express themselves, and connect with the world around them.

Teaching within this pathway is highly structured and predictable, creating a calm, supportive environment where learners can build confidence, make choices, and develop both receptive and expressive language skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Support learners with complex needs, including Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD), who may be non-verbal
• Contribute to communication-focused learning by following EHCP targets and implementing relevant strategies
• Work collaboratively within a high staff-to-learner ratio environment
• Use a range of visual communication methods such as symbols, Makaton, and objects of reference
• Support learners in developing emotional regulation and positive behaviour strategies to help them express feelings effectively
• Provide sensory support where needed, including facilitating sensory circuits
  
  

Requirements

• Previous experience working with learners who have complex SEN needs
• Experience providing personal care
• Patience, empathy, and strong positive behaviour management skills
• Willingness to support offsite learning experiences
• A genuine passion for helping learners achieve their full potential
• Understanding of safeguarding procedures and accurate record-keeping
• Team Teach trained (or willingness to undertake training)
• Enhanced DBS (on the Update Service or willingness to apply)
• Minimum Grade C/4 in GCSE English, Maths, and Science
  
  

If you meet the above requirements and are eager to contribute to the safe, happy environment that supports the learning of every student, please email your CV to charlotte@nextgenteachers.co.uk, or apply directly to this advert.

Huntress does not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and complies with all relevant UK legislation. PLEASE NOTE! You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to your situation before applying for any jobs. We are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this role.