Teaching Assistant; SEND - Complex needs

Position: Teaching Assistant (SEND - Complex needs)

Teaching Assistant (SEND - Complex needs)

Yorkshire and Humber/ temporary / £90 - 100 per day

SEND Specialist Teaching Assistant – Sheffield (This school has multiple sites across Sheffield: S11, S9, S12)

Please note: experience supporting pupils with complex needs is essential for this role.

Please note:
Full-Time availability is essential as the school need staff that can build up relationships with the students and familiarity is essential. Those who do well are likely to be kept on by the school after the booking.

We are looking for a patient, caring and confident Specialist Teaching Assistant to join a well-established specialist secondary school in Sheffield that supports pupils from Year 7 to Year 11 (and some post‑16) with complex learning, communication and autism‑related needs.

The school’s ethos is built on Connection, Belonging and Nurture
, recognising that strong relationships, emotional safety and a calm, supportive environment are the foundations for meaningful learning. Staff work closely together to ensure pupils feel valued, understood and ready to engage at their own pace.

About the Role

As a Specialist Teaching Assistant, you will support pupils across a highly personalised, student‑led curriculum delivered through a range of tailored pathways. You will play a vital role in helping pupils access learning, develop independence and build confidence.

Your role may include:

• Supporting personalised learning programmes across a range of curriculum pathways
• Working with pupils following Engagement, Independence or Re‑Engagement pathways, adapting support to meet individual needs
• Assisting with informal, semi‑formal and flexible learning approaches
• Supporting communication, interaction and independence skills throughout the school day
• Helping pupils access multi‑sensory activities, structured routines and thematic learning
• Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists and external professionals
• Providing mobility support and personal care where required
• Supporting pupils during community‑based learning and alternative provision activities
• Creating a calm, nurturing and respectful learning environment
• Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils and families

Curriculum and Pathways

The curriculum is designed to be flexible, inclusive and responsive, allowing pupils to access learning in a way that best suits their needs.

Engagement Pathway: An informal, theme‑based curriculum focused on communication, engagement and independence, with highly personalised delivery and access to relevant accreditation where appropriate

Independence Pathway: A semi‑formal, cross‑curricular model supporting skill development, independence and accreditation

Re‑Engagement Pathway: A fully personalised approach, often supported on a 1:1 or 2:1 basis, incorporating community learning, alternative provision and flexible timetables

Teaching Assistants play a key role in supporting pupils as they move between pathways and learning opportunities, responding to changing needs and levels of engagement.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone who is genuinely passionate about SEND and understands the importance of patience, empathy and consistency within a specialist setting.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience supporting pupils with PMLD, SLD and/or autism
• Confidence managing challenging behaviour in a calm and supportive way
• A compassionate, nurturing and proactive approach
• The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• A good understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries
• Up‑to‑date Moving & Handling training

What You’ll Gain

The opportunity to make a meaningful difference every single day

A supportive and experienced staff team who value collaboration

Access to ongoing CPD and specialist SEND training

A varied and rewarding role where progress is measured in confidence, communication and independence

Interested?

If you’re looking for a fulfilling role within a specialist secondary setting that places relationships, wellbeing and individual progress at the heart of everything it does, we’d love to hear from you.

Click Apply to get started.

Send your CV to em

All applicants will be contacted to discuss suitability and then invited to register with Teacher Active.

Registration involves an enhanced DBS check, s and will require you to supply good professional references. We pride ourselves on excellent service. We can provide a wide range of opportunities in schools and other educational institutions, with good rates of pay, at times to suit your needs.

Regular external audits have shown repeatedly that our standards are exceptional. We are passionate about finding the right staff for each environment.

Teacher Active is an equal opportunities employer, and operates as an Employment Business in providing temporary or contract job‑seeking services.

Register with Teacher Active or learn more about our services.

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