SEN Teaching Assistant - Communication

Communication and Sensory Support Assistant

Location: Leeds
Contract: Temporary to Permanent, Term-Time Only
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm
Start Date: ASAP
Pay: £90-£95 per day (dependent on experience)

About the Role

NextGen Teachers is working in partnership with a specialist SEN school in Leeds to recruit a Communication and Sensory Support Assistant.

The school supports children and young people aged 2-19 with complex needs, including Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD). Learners follow a pathway-based, non-subject-specific curriculum that is highly structured, routine-led, and tailored to individual needs through EHCP targets.

The Communication Pathway focuses on developing engagement, interaction, choice-making, and early communication skills. Some learners may display spiky or challenging behaviour as a form of communication, particularly when sensory or emotional needs are unmet. Staff are expected to respond calmly and consistently, supporting regulation and positive behaviour.

Key Responsibilities

• Support learners aged 2-19 with PMLD and complex communication needs, including non-verbal learners

• Implement EHCP targets using communication and sensory-based strategies

• Use alternative communication strategies such as Makaton, symbols, and objects of reference

• Provide sensory support, including sensory circuits where appropriate

• Support learners who may present with spiky or challenging behaviour, using positive behaviour and de-escalation strategies

• Support emotional development and co- and self-regulation

• Work effectively within a high staff-to-learner ratio team

• Contribute to offsite learning experiences where required

• Provide personal care in line with individual care plans

Requirements

• Experience working with learners with complex SEN needs

• Experience supporting challenging behaviour

• Experience providing personal care

• Patient, empathetic, resilient, and proactive

• Strong understanding of safeguarding and record keeping

• Enhanced DBS (or willingness to apply)

• GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English, Maths, and Science

If you're passionate about supporting children and young people aged 2-19 with complex needs to communicate, engage, and thrive, apply directly to this advert or email your CV to charlotte@nextgenteachers.co.uk.

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