SEN Teaching Assistant

SEN Teaching Assistant – SEN School (Post-16, Autism & Complex Communication)

Location: Wakefield (WF4) – easily commutable from Dewsbury, Normanton, Pontefract & surrounding areas
Pay: £101.40 – £120 per day
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm
Start Date: ASAP

Are you passionate about supporting young adults with complex communication needs, autism, and additional learning challenges? We’re recruiting a SEN Teaching Assistant for a forward-thinking SEN school in Wakefield
, working with Secondary to
post-16 students
.

This is a highly rewarding role for someone committed to helping learners build confidence, independence, and essential life skills
, preparing them for life beyond school.

The Aspire Pathway delivers an individualised, experiential curriculum for learners with Autism and complex communication needs, focusing on:

• Communication development using Total Communication strategies, SCERTS, and the Engagement Model

• Independence, life skills, and community inclusion

• Health, wellbeing, and emotional regulation

• Experiential, sensory-based learning in familiar, structured environments

• Planning is holistic and needs-led
  , with EHCP outcomes central to all activities

• A mix of adult-led and learner-initiated sessions ensures engagement and meaningful progress

• Some learners may access integrated enrichment from the Connect Pathway

• Supporting learners 1:1 or in small groups with autism and complex communication needs

• Assisting with the delivery of structured, experiential learning activities

• Helping pupils develop independence, confidence, and functional communication

• Supporting emotional regulation and promoting positive behaviours

• Using sensory strategies and communication tools (Makaton, PECS, symbols) to enhance engagement

• Collaborating with teachers, therapists, and senior staff to deliver individualised learning plans

• Team Teach experience is desirable but not essential

• Experience supporting learners with SEND, autism, or communication challenges

• A calm, patient, and empathetic approach

• Strong communication and teamwork skills

• Commitment to a full-time, term-time position (Monday–Friday, 8:30–3:30)

• Open to candidates with backgrounds in SEN, youth work, social care, psychology, criminology, or support work

• Ideal for candidates living in Wakefield, Dewsbury, Normanton, Pontefract, or nearby areas

• Competitive pay: £101.40 – £120 per day

• Long-term, full-time role in a supportive, highly specialised SEN setting

• Ongoing CPD and training
  , including communication strategies, sensory regulation, and behaviour support

• Work in a structured, nurturing environment with experienced staff

• Make a tangible impact on learners’ independence, communication, and life skills

• Experienced Learning Support Assistants

• Graduates in Psychology, Criminology, Education, or related fields

• Support workers looking to transition into education

• Anyone passionate about autism, communication, and post-16 SEND provision

If you’re ready to transform lives and support post-16 learners to reach their full potential
, we’d love to hear from you.

sam

INLDS