SEND Teaching Assistant, Leeds

  • Location: Leeds
  • Duration: Ongoing
  • Salary: £90 per day
  • Start date: As soon as possible
  • Job Type: Temporary
  • Sector: Additional Learning Needs (ALN)
  • Posted:

Job Description

Are you passionate about supporting young people with additional needs? Do you have the resilience, patience, and confidence to help secondary‑aged pupils overcome barriers to learning? Settings across the Pontefract area are looking for committed SEND Teaching Assistants to join their teams on a temp‑to‑perm basis.


This is a fantastic opportunity to make a genuine difference while developing specialist skills and building a long‑term career in SEND.

About the Roles
-We are recruiting enthusiastic SEND Teaching Assistants to support students aged 11–16 across local secondary schools and specialist provisions. These roles involve working with young people with a variety of needs, including:
-Autism (ASC)
-ADHD
-SEMH needs (anxiety, behavioural challenges, self‑regulation)
-Speech, Language & Communication Needs
-Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD)
-Sensory processing needs
-Complex or multiple learning needs
-Support may be provided 1:1, in small groups, or within the classroom environment.

Key Responsibilities
-Provide tailored support to pupils with SEND, helping them access learning effectively
-Assist with emotional regulation, communication, and behaviour management
-Help students develop social, independence, and life‑skills
-Adapt activities and resources under the direction of the class teacher or SENCO
-Encourage engagement, confidence, and participation in lessons
-Build positive relationships with pupils, supporting their wellbeing and progress
-Record observations and contribute to pupil progress reviews
-Support teachers and leaders in creating an inclusive, safe classroom environment

What We’re Looking For
-Experience supporting children or young people with SEND (school‑based or similar)
-Strong behaviour‑management skills and the ability to de‑escalate situations
-A patient, empathetic, and resilient approach
-Confident communication and relationship‑building skills
-Ability to adapt quickly and respond calmly under pressure
-Any SEND‑related training (Team Teach, MAPA, Autism Awareness, Makaton) is an advantage but not essential
-Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one)

APPLY NOW!

What New Directions Education Ltd offers:

  • A dedicated and expert Account Manager
  • Regular and varied supply work
  • Competitive rates of pay
  • Potential long-term teaching roles
  • Full compliance with the Agency Workers Regulation (AWR)
  • A network of branches across the UK
  • Preferred supplier to more than 20 boroughs across the UK
  • Recommend-a-friend scheme
  • Respected reputation across the education and recruitment industry

New Directions Education Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

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