SEN Teaching Assistant - Immediate Start

SEN Teaching Assistant - Communication Pathway

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 SEN Teaching Assistant with a focus on communication and sensory support.

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 personalised through EHCP targets.

This role sits within the Communication Pathway, which focuses on developing engagement, interaction, choice-making, and early communication skills. Many learners are non-verbal and may communicate through behaviour, sensory responses, or emotional regulation. Some learners may display spiky or challenging behaviour, particularly when sensory or emotional needs are unmet.

Staff are expected to respond calmly, consistently, and compassionately, supporting regulation, communication, 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 and augmentative communication methods, including Makaton, symbols, and objects of reference

• Provide sensory support, including sensory circuits where appropriate

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

• Support emotional development, co-regulation, and self-regulation

• Work effectively as part of a high staff-to-learner ratio team

• Contribute to off-site learning experiences where required

• Provide personal care in line with individual care plans and dignity standards

Requirements

• Experience working with learners with complex SEN needs

• Experience supporting challenging behaviour

• Experience providing personal care

• Patient, empathetic, resilient, and proactive approach

• Strong understanding of safeguarding and accurate record-keeping

• Enhanced DBS (or willingness to apply)

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

Apply Now

If you're passionate about supporting children and young people aged 2-19 with complex needs to communicate, engage, and thrive, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply directly via this advert or email your CV to:
📧 charlotte@nextgenteachers.co.uk

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