At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with complex needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Specialist SEND provision dedicated to empowering students.
- Benefits: Term-time hours, ongoing training, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people every day.
- Qualifications: Empathy, patience, and a passion for supporting those with additional needs.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 24000 £ per year.
Location: Wavertree
Contract: Term-time only, full-time or part-time / Ad-Hoc
Salary: £90-£105 per day PAYE
Start Date: Immediate
About the Setting
This is a specialist secondary SEND provision supporting young people (11-19) with complex needs – including severe learning difficulties, physical disabilities, autism spectrum conditions, and associated medical and behavioural challenges. Pupils follow highly individualised pathways and benefit from a nurturing, skilled and supportive environment.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking caring, dedicated individuals – ideally with backgrounds in care, health or support work – who understand the demands and rewards of working with children or young people with complex needs:
- Healthcare Assistant or Support Worker
- Care / residential care staff
- Youth worker, mentor or community support worker
- Early years / childcare practitioner
- Nurse or nursing assistant
- Volunteer or carer supporting vulnerable children
No formal teaching qualifications required – what matters most is empathy, respect, patience, and the ability to follow care plans.
What You’ll Do
- Provide one-to-one and small-group support for pupils with complex medical, learning or physical needs
- Assist with personal care, mobility support, and daily living tasks where needed
- Help deliver learning, communication and life-skills programmes tailored to each student’s needs
- Work closely with teaching staff, therapists and support team to support pupils holistically - academically, socially and medically
- Support with behaviour, emotional regulation, inclusion and independence work
- Offer stability, patience and consistency - building trust and supporting wellbeing for vulnerable young people
What’s On Offer
- Term-time working hours (ideal work-life balance – no nights or weekends)
- A chance to make a real, positive difference in the lives of young people with profound needs
- Ongoing specialist training (moving & handling, medical and care support, safeguarding, SEND practices)
- A supportive, experienced multidisciplinary team environment
- Good working conditions - respect, support, understanding and fulfilment
- Opportunities for career development within SEND support and related roles
This Role Is For You If You
- Have experience or interest in supporting children or young people with additional needs
- Are patient, calm, compassionate and understanding
- Can work flexibly and follow individual care and support plans reliably
- Believe in dignity, respect and inclusion for all students
- Want a meaningful role where every day you help give young people the support and opportunities they deserve
How to Apply
If this sounds like the right role for you, please send your CV and a short covering letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are interested in working in SEND support. Make a real difference where it counts - strong support, real care, meaningful impact.
Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. Aspire People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects every candidate to share this commitment. Placements are subject to appropriate Child Protection screening, including checks with former employers and the Disclosure and Barring Checks.
Specialist Secondary SEND Teaching Assistant employer: Aspire People
Contact Detail:
Aspire People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Secondary SEND Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the SEND community, whether it's through social media or local events. Building connections can lead to job opportunities that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the specific needs of the students you'll be supporting. Show us you understand their challenges and how you can make a difference in their lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to empathy and patience. We want to see how you handle real-life scenarios with young people who have complex needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the quickest way to get your application seen. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining our team and making a positive impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Secondary SEND Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting young people with complex needs shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in making a difference in their lives, so share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience in care, health, or support work, and connect it to the specific needs of the SEND environment. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we do!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate when candidates can communicate effectively, as it reflects the kind of clarity we need when working with our students.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a positive impact in the SEND community.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspire People
✨Know Your Stuff
Before heading into the interview, make sure you understand the role of a SEND Teaching Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the students you'll be supporting and the types of challenges they face. This will show your potential employer that you're genuinely interested and prepared to make a difference.
✨Share Your Experiences
Think about your past experiences in care, health, or support work. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, patience, and understanding in challenging situations. This will help the interviewers see how your background aligns with their needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the training opportunities available, the support structure in place for staff, or how they measure success in their SEND provision. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in growing and contributing to the team.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your passion for working with young people with complex needs shine through. Talk about why you want to be a SEND Teaching Assistant and how you believe you can make a positive impact. A genuine enthusiasm for the role can set you apart from other candidates.