At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with additional needs in a nurturing learning environment.
- Company: Welcoming SEN school in Leeds dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, ongoing training, and supportive leadership.
- Other info: Ideal for graduates or those looking to transition into education.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on pupils' lives every day.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND is a plus; passion for helping others is essential.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 27000 £ per year.
Are you a compassionate, dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant looking to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with additional needs? We are seeking enthusiastic individuals to join a welcoming and supportive SEN school in Leeds, where every day brings the opportunity to help pupils develop confidence, independence, and a love for learning.
This is a rewarding role for someone who is patient, resilient, and passionate about supporting children with a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including Autism (ASC), ADHD, Speech and Language needs, and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
Why join our Leeds SEN school team?
- Competitive daily pay that reflects your skills and experience
- Flexible working options to suit your lifestyle
- Opportunities for long‑term and permanent positions
- Ongoing training and professional development in SEND
- Supportive leadership team and experienced SEN professionals
- A rewarding role where every day makes a difference
What you’ll bring to the role
- Provide tailored 1:1 and small‑group support to pupils with additional needs
- Assist teachers in delivering engaging and accessible learning activities
- Support pupils with communication, emotional regulation, and social development
- Implement individual learning plans and behaviour support strategies
- Help create a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment
- Encourage pupil independence, confidence, and personal achievements
- Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, SENCOs, and pastoral teams
- Support personal care needs where required
Who we’re looking for
- Previous experience working with children or young people with SEND is desirable
- Experience in an SEN school, alternative provision, care setting, or mainstream school is advantageous
- A patient, nurturing, and empathetic approach
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Resilience, adaptability, and a positive attitude
- A genuine passion for supporting pupils with additional needs to reach their full potential
Ideal for:
- Experienced SEN Teaching Assistants
- Mainstream Teaching Assistants looking to move into SEN
- Graduates considering a career in education, psychology, or therapy
- Support workers or care professionals with experience supporting young people
Full training and ongoing support are available for the right candidate. If you’re ready to make a lasting impact and help pupils thrive in a supportive SEN school environment, we’d love to hear from you. Contact the team today to find out more about this exciting opportunity in Leeds.
SEN Teaching Assistant – Leeds – September 2026 employer: Castle Education
Castle Education is an excellent employer for primary teachers seeking a flexible and supportive work environment in Thirsk. With competitive pay rates, reduced workloads, and a commitment to professional development, we prioritise your work-life balance while empowering you to make a meaningful impact in the classroom. Join us to benefit from our strong community ties and ongoing support as you grow in your teaching career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant – Leeds – September 2026
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Castle Education.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Castle Education!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Castle Education, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Castle Education or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant – Leeds – September 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Castle Education:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Castle Education! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Castle Education
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
