School Support Worker – Specialist SEN School

Location: Leeds
Pay: £92.56–£95 per day
Hours: 08:30am – 15:30pm, Monday to Friday
Job Type: Full-time, Long-term / Temp to Perm

About the Role

At Engage Education, we specialise in recruiting dedicated and passionate support staff for schools across Leeds. We are currently looking to appoint a caring, patient and enthusiastic School Support Worker to work within a specialist special needs school in Leeds.

The school caters for primary-aged children with a wide range of additional needs, including Autism, complex learning difficulties, medical needs, communication difficulties and challenging behaviours. Some pupils are non-verbal and require additional support with personal care, mobility and their everyday routines.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who has previously worked within a care, support work, healthcare or residential setting and is looking to transfer their skills into a school environment.

You do not necessarily need previous school experience. We are particularly interested in individuals who have experience supporting children or adults with additional needs and are passionate about helping young people develop their confidence, independence and life skills.

The Role

As a School Support Worker, you will work alongside teachers and experienced support staff to provide personalised care and support to pupils throughout the school day.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with a range of complex needs.

• Supporting children with Autism, learning disabilities and communication difficulties.

• Assisting non-verbal pupils with their communication and interaction.

• Supporting children who may display challenging behaviours, using a calm, patient and consistent approach.

• Providing personal care, including toileting, changing and supporting pupils with their daily hygiene routines where required.

• Supporting pupils with medical needs and physical disabilities in line with individual care plans and relevant training.

• Encouraging independence through everyday activities and structured learning.

• Supporting pupils during mealtimes, play activities and classroom sessions.

• Helping children regulate their emotions and providing reassurance when needed.

• Creating a safe, positive and nurturing environment where every child feels valued.

This is a varied and rewarding role where no two days are necessarily the same. You will play an important part in ensuring pupils receive the care, attention and encouragement they need to thrive.

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience working within care, support work, healthcare, residential care or a school setting.

• Experience supporting individuals with Autism, learning disabilities, complex needs or additional needs.

• Confidence supporting personal care routines where required.

• Experience responding to challenging behaviours using a patient and positive approach.

• A caring, empathetic and resilient personality.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

• A flexible approach and willingness to adapt to the individual needs of each pupil.

• A genuine passion for supporting children and young people with SEND.

Candidates from care and support work backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Your previous experience supporting vulnerable individuals can be highly transferable to this role, and previous school experience is not essential.

What We Offer

• Full-time, Monday–Friday working hours.

• Competitive daily rate of £92.56–£95.

• Long-term opportunities, with potential for a permanent position.

• The opportunity to transfer your existing care and support skills into education.

• Valuable experience within a specialist SEND school.

• Support from an experienced school team.

• Dedicated guidance from your own Engage Education recruitment consultant.

• Opportunities to develop your skills and experience within the education sector.

Interested?

If you have a background in care or support work and are looking for a rewarding opportunity where you can make a genuine difference to children’s lives, we would love to hear from you!

Whether you have experience in residential care, healthcare, support work or a specialist school, this is a fantastic opportunity to use your skills to support children with additional needs.

Apply today to find out more about this School Support Worker opportunity in Leeds!