Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with complex needs in a nurturing classroom environment.
- Company: Leader Education, dedicated to making a difference in special education.
- Benefits: Weekly pay, ongoing training, and a supportive consultant.
- Other info: Ideal for those from youth work, care, or creative arts backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for supporting children; experience in SEND is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Leader Education is seeking compassionate and dedicated Complex Needs & SEND Classroom Assistants to support children and young people with complex learning difficulties in specialist schools across Leeds. These are long-term temporary roles, ideal for candidates seeking a consistent, full-time position in a supportive and structured environment.
The Role
You will work with pupils who have a wide range of additional needs, including communication and interaction difficulties, sensory needs, physical or medical requirements, and complex learning difficulties. Personal care will be part of this role.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing 1:1 and small group support to help pupils access the curriculum
- Assisting in the development of life skills, independence, and confidence
- Supporting communication using methods such as Makaton, PECS, or other visual aids
- Adapting your approach to meet the individual needs of each pupil
- Contributing to a nurturing and structured learning environment
Many pupils will have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), requiring patience, empathy, and a proactive approach to teaching and care.
Role Requirements
Experience in a SEND or complex needs setting is desirable but not essential. What matters most is a genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to a long-term placement. We welcome candidates from backgrounds such as:
- Youth Work
- Care
- Psychology
- Health & Social Care
- Sport
- Creative Arts
- Other relevant fields
About Leader Education
Leader Education provides expert support to schools and candidates across the Education Sector. We partner with specialist schools to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children with complex learning needs, providing consistent and high-quality staffing solutions.
What We Offer
- Weekly pay via compliant umbrella payroll
- Ongoing support and training opportunities
- Access to in-house Team Teach and SEND-specific training
- A dedicated consultant to support you
- Full compliance with AWR to ensure correct pay and working conditions
All candidates must complete our Safer Recruitment process. An Enhanced Child or Child & Adult DBS is required. If you do not currently hold one, you can apply through Leader Education.
Complex Needs SEND Assistant in Leeds employer: Leader Education
Contact Detail:
Leader Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Complex Needs SEND Assistant in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those working with SEND. Join relevant groups on social media or attend local events to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEND roles. Think about your experiences and how they relate to supporting children with complex needs. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let them know why you care about working with children who have additional needs. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that perfect role.
We think you need these skills to ace Complex Needs SEND Assistant in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children 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 Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Complex Needs SEND Assistant. We’re looking for candidates who can adapt their approach to meet individual needs, so be specific about how you’ve done this in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and focus on communicating your qualifications and enthusiasm effectively.
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 education sector.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leader Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with complex learning difficulties. Research methods like Makaton and PECS, as well as the importance of EHCPs. This shows your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs shine through. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your dedication and empathy, as this will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations in the classroom. Think about examples where you've demonstrated patience, adaptability, and creativity in supporting individuals with diverse needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the training opportunities available or how the school supports staff in adapting to the needs of their pupils. This shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in the role.