Specialist SEND Learning Support Assistant

Specialist SEND Learning Support Assistant

Temporary No working from home possible
Connex Education

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support children with additional needs in specialist educational settings.
  • Company: Join Connex Education Partnership, a leader in SEND support.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible work options, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Ongoing support and training provided, with opportunities for career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people with complex needs.
  • Qualifications: Experience with SEND or relevant care/support backgrounds preferred.

Location: South Gloucestershire

Pay: £95 – £110 per day PAYE

Job Type: Flexible Supply, Temporary, Long-Term & Temp-to-Perm Opportunities

Start Date: September 2026

Connex Education Partnership is looking for passionate and dedicated Specialist SEND Learning Support Assistants to work across specialist schools and SEND settings in South Gloucestershire and the surrounding areas. This is a fantastic opportunity for experienced Learning Support Assistants, Teaching Assistants and SEND professionals looking to support children and young people with additional needs within specialist educational environments. We offer flexible day-to-day supply, short- and long-term placements, as well as temp-to-perm opportunities, allowing you to find a role that suits your experience, availability and career goals.

The Role

As a Specialist SEND Learning Support Assistant, you will work alongside teachers and specialist staff to provide high-quality support to pupils with a range of complex and additional needs. Depending on the setting and your experience, you could support pupils with:

  • Autism and ASC
  • SEMH and emotional regulation needs
  • SLD and PMLD
  • Complex learning needs
  • Communication and interaction difficulties
  • Sensory needs
  • Physical and medical needs
  • Challenging behaviour
  • Multiple and complex disabilities

Your responsibilities may include:

  • Providing 1:1, small-group and classroom-based support
  • Helping pupils access an individualised curriculum
  • Encouraging communication, independence and life skills
  • Supporting positive behaviour and emotional regulation
  • Assisting with sensory and therapeutic activities
  • Supporting personal care where required
  • Helping pupils develop social and practical skills
  • Working closely with teachers, therapists and other specialist staff
  • Following individual education, care and support plans
  • Creating a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment

Who Are We Looking For?

We are particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with children or young people with SEND, including:

  • Specialist school experience
  • Learning Support Assistant or Teaching Assistant experience
  • PMLD / SLD
  • ASC / Autism
  • SEMH
  • Complex needs
  • Communication needs
  • Sensory needs
  • Physical or medical needs
  • Behaviour support
  • Care or support work
  • Therapy or intervention-based settings

Team-Teach or other positive behaviour training is also welcomed. Experience within a specialist setting is highly desirable, although we are also happy to speak with candidates from relevant care, support, youth work, prison/young offender and education backgrounds.

Why Work With Connex Education Partnership?

  • Competitive daily PAYE rates
  • Flexible specialist SEND supply work
  • Day-to-day, short-term and long-term placements
  • Temp-to-perm opportunities
  • Weekly PAYE payments – no umbrella companies
  • Access to our SEND Toolkit and professional development resources
  • Funded formal qualifications and training opportunities
  • Dedicated SEND specialist consultant
  • Ongoing support throughout your assignments
  • Opportunities across a range of specialist schools and SEND settings

If you’re passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs and would like to work within specialist educational settings in South Gloucestershire, we’d love to hear from you.

Connex Education Partnership is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Connex Education Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and candidates to share this commitment. We adhere to Safer Recruitment practices in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, and other relevant legislation. All appointments are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check.

Specialist SEND Learning Support Assistant employer: Connex Education

Connex Education Partnership is an exceptional employer, offering a flexible working environment that allows PMLD Tutors to tailor their schedules while making a meaningful impact on the lives of students with complex needs. With a strong commitment to professional development, including access to a comprehensive Tutor Toolkit and ongoing support, employees are empowered to grow in their roles and achieve excellence in tutoring. The inclusive work culture fosters collaboration with parents and professionals, ensuring a supportive atmosphere where every achievement is celebrated.

Connex Education

Contact Details:

Connex Education Recruitment Team

We think you need these skills to ace Specialist SEND Learning Support Assistant

Experience with SEND
Knowledge of Autism and ASC
Understanding of SEMH and emotional regulation needs
Familiarity with SLD and PMLD
Ability to support complex learning needs
Skills in communication and interaction difficulties
Experience with sensory needs