SEND Teaching Assistant, Autism & SEMH

SEND Teaching Assistant, Autism & SEMH

📍 Wakefield, WF7
⏰ Full-Time | Long-Term | Temp to Perm
📅 Start Date: ASAP or October 2026

We are currently recruiting on behalf of a highly regarded secondary school in Wakefield for a dedicated and compassionate SEND Teaching Assistant to join their specialist Resourced Provision.

The provision supports students aged 11–16 with a range of needs including Autism , SEMH, speech, language and communication needs and associated learning differences.

Students may require additional support with social communication, sensory and emotional regulation, organisation and engagement with learning. The provision offers a calm and structured environment, while supporting students to access the wider mainstream school community wherever appropriate.

This is an excellent full-time, long-term opportunity with the potential to become permanent for the right person.

The Role

As part of the SEND team, you will support students throughout the school day to overcome barriers to learning and develop academically, socially and emotionally.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting students within lessons and targeted interventions
• Building positive, trusting relationships with young people
• Supporting emotional and sensory regulation using calm and consistent approaches
• Helping students develop their social communication and positive peer relationships
• Encouraging independence, confidence and engagement with learning
• Supporting students with organisation and transitions throughout the school day
• Working closely with teachers and SEND professionals to implement individual support strategies
• Promoting inclusion within both the Resourced Provision and mainstream lessons

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who is:

• Patient, empathetic and nurturing
• Passionate about supporting young people with Autism, SEND and additional needs
• Calm and resilient when supporting students who may struggle with emotional regulation
• Confident in building positive professional relationships with young people
• Adaptable and able to tailor their approach to individual needs
• Committed to promoting independence, inclusion and positive outcomes

Previous experience within education, SEND, youth work, residential care, health and social care, mental health or behaviour support would be advantageous, although we are also keen to hear from candidates with strong transferable experience.

What We Offer

• A supportive specialist SEND team
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Long-term stability with the opportunity to secure a permanent position
• Valuable experience within a specialist secondary Resourced Provision
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to young people’s education and development

If you are passionate about supporting young people with additional needs and want to build a career within SEND education, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today for immediate consideration.