SEN Teaching Assistant

SEN Teaching Assistant - SEN School (Post-16, Autism & Complex Communication)

Location: Wakefield (WF4) - easily commutable from Dewsbury, Normanton, Pontefract & surrounding areas
Pay: £101.40 - £120 per day
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm
Start Date: ASAP

Make a Real Difference for Post-16 Learners with Autism & Complex Needs

Are you passionate about supporting young adults with complex communication needs, autism, and additional learning challenges? We're recruiting a SEN Teaching Assistant for a forward-thinking SEN school in Wakefield, working with Secondary topost-16 students.

This is a highly rewarding role for someone committed to helping learners build confidence, independence, and essential life skills, preparing them for life beyond school.

About the Aspire Pathway

The Aspire Pathway delivers an individualised, experiential curriculum for learners with Autism and complex communication needs, focusing on:

• Communication development using Total Communication strategies, SCERTS, and the Engagement Model

• Independence, life skills, and community inclusion

• Health, wellbeing, and emotional regulation

• Experiential, sensory-based learning in familiar, structured environments

• Planning is holistic and needs-led, with EHCP outcomes central to all activities

• A mix of adult-led and learner-initiated sessions ensures engagement and meaningful progress

• Some learners may access integrated enrichment from the Connect Pathway

What You'll Be Doing

• Supporting learners 1:1 or in small groups with autism and complex communication needs

• Assisting with the delivery of structured, experiential learning activities

• Helping pupils develop independence, confidence, and functional communication

• Supporting emotional regulation and promoting positive behaviours

• Using sensory strategies and communication tools (Makaton, PECS, symbols) to enhance engagement

• Collaborating with teachers, therapists, and senior staff to deliver individualised learning plans

• Team Teach experience is desirable but not essential

What We're Looking For

• Experience supporting learners with SEND, autism, or communication challenges

• A calm, patient, and empathetic approach

• Strong communication and teamwork skills

• Commitment to a full-time, term-time position (Monday-Friday, 8:30-3:30)

• Open to candidates with backgrounds in SEN, youth work, social care, psychology, criminology, or support work

• Ideal for candidates living in Wakefield, Dewsbury, Normanton, Pontefract, or nearby areas

Why Join Us

• Competitive pay: £101.40 - £120 per day

• Long-term, full-time role in a supportive, highly specialised SEN setting

• Ongoing CPD and training, including communication strategies, sensory regulation, and behaviour support

• Work in a structured, nurturing environment with experienced staff

• Make a tangible impact on learners' independence, communication, and life skills

Ideal For

• Experienced Learning Support Assistants

• Graduates in Psychology, Criminology, Education, or related fields

• Support workers looking to transition into education

• Anyone passionate about autism, communication, and post-16 SEND provision

Apply Today

If you're ready to transform lives and support post-16 learners to reach their full potential, we'd love to hear from you.

INLDS