Complex Needs Support Worker, Wakefield

Complex Needs Support Worker (Autism, SLCN & Personal Care Support) – EYFS & KS1
📍 Wakefield
🕒 Full-time (Mon–Fri) | Long-term | Temp-to-Perm Opportunity
🚀 Immediate Start Available

We are recruiting on behalf of a specialist primary setting in Wakefield that provides high-quality support and education for children in EYFS and KS1 with Autism, Speech, Language & Communication Needs (SLCN), and additional complex needs. This welcoming and nurturing setting is seeking a dedicated Complex Needs Support Worker who is patient, resilient, and passionate about supporting young children in their early development.

About the School

This well-established specialist provision supports pupils in the early years and Key Stage 1 who require highly personalised support to access learning and develop communication, independence, and social skills. Many pupils have Autism, communication difficulties, sensory needs, and varying developmental needs.

The school prides itself on creating a calm, structured, and nurturing environment where every child is supported to thrive through consistency, positive relationships, and tailored interventions.

The Role

As a Complex Needs Support Worker, you will work closely with pupils across EYFS and KS1, providing both educational and emotional support throughout the school day. You will support children with Autism and SLCN, helping them regulate emotions, engage in learning, and develop communication and independence skills.

This role also includes supporting pupils with personal and intimate care needs, requiring a compassionate, respectful, and child-centred approach at all times.

The successful candidate will be adaptable, calm under pressure, and able to build trusting relationships with children who may present with sensory-led behaviours or communication barriers.

Key Responsibilities

Supporting pupils with Autism, SLCN, and additional complex needs
Assisting children within EYFS and KS1 classrooms and structured learning environments
Supporting communication, emotional regulation, and social interaction
Managing behaviours linked to sensory needs and communication difficulties using calm and consistent approaches
Providing personal and intimate care where required
Creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment
Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, parents, and wider multidisciplinary teams
Encouraging independence, confidence, and positive developmental outcomes

What We’re Looking For

Experience supporting children or individuals with Autism, SLCN, or additional needs (personal or professional experience considered)
Background in support work, care, SEN, childcare, or a related field
Comfortable supporting pupils with personal and intimate care needs
A patient, nurturing, and adaptable approach
Confidence managing challenging or dysregulated behaviour in a calm and supportive manner
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Reliability, resilience, and a genuine passion for inclusive education

Additional Information

Full-time role (Monday–Friday)
Immediate start available
Long-term opportunity with potential for a permanent contract

If you are passionate about supporting young children with additional needs and want to make a meaningful difference in a specialist primary setting, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today to find out more about this rewarding opportunity.