Complex Needs Teaching Assistant

Location: East Leeds
Pay: £92.56–£95 per day
Job Type: Full-time, long-term temporary
Working Hours: Monday–Friday

About the Role

At Engage Education, we specialise in connecting passionate and dedicated people with rewarding opportunities in education. We are currently recruiting a Complex Needs Teaching Assistant to work within a specialist school in East Leeds, supporting children and young people aged 2–19 with a wide range of additional needs.

This specialist provision supports pupils with severe learning difficulties, complex medical needs, physical disabilities, Down’s syndrome, hearing and visual impairments, Autism and complex communication needs.

This is an incredibly rewarding opportunity for someone with a background in care, support work or healthcare who wants to transfer their skills into an educational setting. You will play a vital role in helping pupils access learning, develop life skills, communicate their needs and build greater independence.

You do not necessarily need previous school experience. We are particularly interested in individuals who have supported children or adults with complex needs and can bring a patient, compassionate and person-centred approach to the classroom.

The Role

As a Complex Needs Teaching Assistant, you will work alongside experienced teachers, therapists and support staff to deliver personalised support tailored to each pupil’s individual needs.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with complex learning and physical needs.

• Supporting children and young people with Autism, sensory processing difficulties and communication needs.

• Assisting pupils with their daily routines and personal care where required.

• Supporting pupils who may display distressed or challenging behaviours, using calm, consistent and positive strategies.

• Helping pupils engage in classroom activities and develop their communication, social and independence skills.

• Supporting pupils with mobility and physical needs in line with individual care plans and training.

• Creating a safe, structured and nurturing environment where every pupil feels valued.

• Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists and other professionals to ensure consistent, high-quality support.

Every pupil is different, so the ability to adapt your approach, recognise individual needs and respond with patience and understanding is essential.

What We’re Looking For

We would love to hear from candidates who have:

• Previous experience in care, support work, healthcare, SEN, residential care or youth work, supporting either children or adults.

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

• Confidence responding to challenging situations with a calm, 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 genuine passion for helping vulnerable children and young people achieve their potential.

• A flexible approach and willingness to support pupils across the 2–19 age range.

Experience within a school is not essential if you have relevant transferable experience and a genuine interest in supporting individuals with complex needs.

What We Offer

• Full-time, Monday–Friday working hours.

• A competitive daily rate of £92.56–£95.

• A long-term placement with the potential for a permanent opportunity.

• The chance to gain valuable experience within a specialist educational setting.

• Support from an experienced school team and your dedicated Engage Education consultant.

• Opportunities to develop your skills and access further training.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you have experience supporting individuals with additional needs and are looking for a rewarding role where your skills can genuinely change lives, we would love to hear from you.

Whether you come from a care, healthcare or support work background, this is an opportunity to use your experience to help children and young people learn, grow and reach their full potential.

Apply today to find out more about this Complex Needs Teaching Assistant opportunity in East Leeds.