Trainee Teaching Assistant

Trainee Teaching Assistant – Specialist SEND School

Bradford (BD9)
Full-Time | Monday–Friday | Long-Term Role | Temp-to-Perm Opportunity | Immediate Start

Are you looking to start a rewarding career working with children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)?

Perhaps you have experience in care, support work, youth work, childcare, mental health, residential care or working with vulnerable individuals and would love the opportunity to transfer your skills into a school environment.

We are currently recruiting Trainee Teaching Assistants to join a highly respected specialist school in Bradford supporting pupils aged 3–19 with Autism, Communication & Interaction needs and complex learning difficulties.

Previous school experience is not essential. We are looking for people with the right personality, attitude and commitment who are keen to learn and develop within specialist education.

About the School

This is a well-established specialist provision in Bradford supporting children and young people with a range of additional needs, including:

• Autism
• Complex communication needs
• Sensory processing difficulties
• Social, emotional and behavioural needs
• Learning difficulties and additional needs

The school provides a structured, nurturing and highly supportive environment where pupils are encouraged to develop their communication, confidence, independence and life skills.

You will be joining an experienced and welcoming team who will support you as you develop your skills and confidence as a Teaching Assistant.

The Role – Trainee Teaching Assistant

As a Trainee Teaching Assistant, you will work alongside experienced teachers and support staff to help pupils access learning and get the most from their time at school.

You may support pupils across different age groups and ability levels, from Early Years through to Post-16.

Every pupil is different. Some children may be non-verbal or have limited communication, some may require support with sensory or emotional regulation, and others may display behaviours that challenge when they become overwhelmed or unable to communicate their needs.

You don’t need to know everything from day one. What matters most is that you are patient, resilient, caring, willing to learn and genuinely passionate about supporting young people.

Key Responsibilities

• Support children and young people with SEND and complex needs
• Assist pupils with classroom activities and learning
• Work alongside experienced Teaching Assistants and Teachers
• Build positive and trusting relationships with pupils
• Support communication, social interaction and emotional regulation
• Encourage pupils to develop confidence and independence
• Respond calmly and consistently to behaviours that challenge
• Adapt your approach to suit individual pupils
• Support with personal care where required
• Follow individual support plans and guidance from experienced staff
• Work collaboratively as part of the wider school team

Who Are We Looking For?

You do not need previous Teaching Assistant experience to be considered.

We would particularly like to hear from people with backgrounds in:

• Care or support work
• Residential care
• Youth work
• Mental health support
• Nursery or childcare
• Healthcare
• Behaviour support
• Sports coaching
• Community or voluntary work
• Other roles supporting vulnerable children or adults

We are also happy to consider individuals looking to start their first career within education who can demonstrate the right attitude and transferable skills.

You Could Be a Great Fit If You Are:

• Calm, patient and nurturing
• Resilient and able to remain composed in challenging situations
• Reliable and committed to working Monday to Friday
• Comfortable working with children with complex needs
• Open to supporting with personal care when required
• Confident working as part of a team
• Willing to take guidance and learn from experienced staff
• Passionate about developing a long-term career within SEND education

Relevant personal or lived experience of SEND is also highly valued.

What We Offer

• Full-time, Monday-to-Friday position
• Long-term opportunity with temp-to-perm potential
• No previous school experience required
• Support and guidance from experienced SEND professionals
• Fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on specialist school experience
• Develop valuable Teaching Assistant and SEND skills
• Opportunity to build a long-term career within education
• Immediate start available
• A genuinely rewarding role where you can make a difference every day

Job Details

Role: Trainee Teaching Assistant
Location: Bradford, BD9
Role Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Monday–Friday
Start Date: Immediate
Contract: Long-term with temp-to-perm opportunity

Apply Now

If you’re looking for an opportunity to start your career as a Teaching Assistant and want to make a genuine difference to children and young people with additional needs, we would love to hear from you.

Whether you’re coming from care, support work, childcare, youth work or looking for your first opportunity within education, your attitude, resilience and willingness to learn are what matter most.

Apply today to discuss this Trainee Teaching Assistant opportunity in Bradford further.