School Support Worker

School Support Worker

Location: Leeds
Pay: £92.56–£95 per day
Job Type: Full-time, Monday–Friday
Contract: Long-term, temporary

Make a Real Difference in a Specialist SEND School

Are you an experienced Care Support Worker, Support Worker, Healthcare Assistant or Residential Support Worker looking for a rewarding opportunity to transfer your skills into education?

We are currently recruiting a compassionate and dedicated Special Needs Teaching Assistant to work within a specialist SEND school in Leeds, supporting primary and secondary-aged pupils with a range of complex additional needs.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong background in care or support work who is passionate about helping children and young people feel safe, develop their independence and reach their full potential.

Previous experience in a care or support-based role is essential, as many pupils require a high level of individualised support throughout the school day.

About the School

The school provides specialist education and care for children and young people aged 3–19 with a range of complex needs, including:

• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
• Complex communication and interaction needs
• Hearing impairments
• Profound and multiple learning difficulties
• Additional physical, developmental and personal care needs

You will work alongside experienced teachers and support staff to ensure pupils receive the care, encouragement and support they need to access learning and participate in school life.

The Role

As a Special Needs Teaching Assistant, you will play an important role in supporting pupils both in the classroom and throughout their wider school day. You will help create a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment where every pupil is supported according to their individual needs.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing dedicated 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with complex additional needs.
• Supporting pupils with their communication, interaction and engagement.
• Assisting pupils to access classroom learning, activities and personalised learning programmes.
• Providing personal care and practical assistance where required.
• Supporting pupils with physical needs, mobility and everyday routines, in line with individual care plans.
• Encouraging independence, confidence and the development of essential life skills.
• Supporting emotional regulation and promoting positive behaviour.
• Helping pupils transition between activities, lessons and different stages of their education, including preparation for college where appropriate.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists and other support staff to meet pupils’ individual needs.

About You

We are particularly interested in candidates who have previous experience working in a care or support environment, such as:

• Care Support Worker
• Healthcare Assistant
• Residential Support Worker
• Adult or Children’s Support Worker
• Complex Needs Support Worker
• Mental Health Support Worker
• SEN Teaching Assistant with relevant care experience

Experience supporting individuals with autism, profound learning difficulties, complex communication needs, physical disabilities or personal care requirements would be highly beneficial.

You do not necessarily need previous experience working in a school, provided you have relevant care or support work experience and are confident supporting individuals with complex needs.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Patient, compassionate and understanding.
• Confident providing personal care and practical support where required.
• Able to remain calm and reassuring in challenging situations.
• Reliable, adaptable and comfortable working as part of a team.
• Passionate about helping children and young people develop their independence and achieve their potential.

What We Offer

• Competitive daily pay of £92.56–£95.
• Full-time, Monday–Friday working hours.
• A long-term opportunity within a specialist SEND setting.
• The chance to transfer your existing care and support skills into education.
• Valuable experience working with children and young people with complex additional needs.
• Support from an experienced school team.
• Opportunities to develop your skills and progress within education.
• The opportunity to work towards a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification.

Interested?

If you have a background in care or support work and would like to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people with complex needs, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today to find out more about this rewarding opportunity!