At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with Special Educational Needs in a hands-on, rewarding role.
- Company: Leader Education, partnering with SEND specialist schools in Leeds.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, training opportunities, and support from dedicated consultants.
- Other info: Opportunities for temp-to-perm roles and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring your passion and empathy.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 € per year.
Leader Education are recruiting Learning Support Assistants to work within SEND specialist schools across Leeds, supporting children and young people with a wide range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). These specialist settings cater for pupils with Moderate and Severe Learning Difficulties (MLD & SLD), Complex and Multiple Learning Needs (PMLD), Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), including Asperger’s, as well as physical, medical, communication, sensory, visual and hearing impairments.
This is a highly rewarding, hands-on role where you will work closely with pupils throughout the school day to support their learning, independence, emotional regulation, and life skills development. Support may take place:
- Within the classroom alongside the teacher
- On a 1:1 basis or in small groups
- During therapy-led or sensory-based activities
- In specialist provision areas tailored to individual needs
Many pupils require personalised approaches, structured routines, and consistent adult support to help them thrive both academically and socially. These roles are initially temporary, with genuine opportunities for a temp-to-perm transition for candidates who demonstrate commitment, reliability, and a strong fit within the school environment.
The Ideal Candidate
You do not need previous school-based experience to apply. We welcome applicants who are:
- Patient, empathetic, and resilient
- Adaptable and calm under pressure
- Passionate about supporting children with additional needs
- Comfortable supporting personal care where required
Experience from the following backgrounds is highly relevant:
- Care or support work
- Health and social care
- Youth work
- Psychology graduates
- Sports coaching
- Creative or performing arts
- Residential or community support roles
You should be confident working as part of a multidisciplinary team, following guidance from teachers, SENCOs, and therapists, and adapting your approach to meet individual pupil needs.
Why Work with Leader Education
Leader Education work in partnership with SEND specialist schools across Leeds to place candidates in settings where they can succeed and progress. We provide:
- PAYE pay through our in-house payroll team
- Access to SEND and behaviour management training, including Team Teach
- Ongoing support from a dedicated consultant
- Full AWR compliance for fair pay and conditions
- Clear routes into permanent school roles
All roles are subject to safer recruitment checks. An Enhanced Child or Child and Adults DBS is required to work in a school.
Learning Support Assistant (SEND) in Leeds employer: Leader Education
Leader Education is an exceptional employer for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer comprehensive training opportunities, ongoing support from dedicated consultants, and clear pathways to permanent roles within our partner schools in Leeds. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and adaptability, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully to the educational journey of our pupils.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant (SEND) in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with SEND. They might know of opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEND. Think about scenarios where you've shown patience and adaptability, as these traits are key in this role. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, share why you're dedicated to supporting children with additional needs. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We have loads of roles that could be perfect for you, and applying directly can help us match you with the right school environment where you can truly make a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant (SEND) in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that align with the role of a Learning Support Assistant. We want to see how your background in care, youth work, or any relevant field makes you a great fit for supporting children with SEND.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with children with additional needs shine through in your application. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people, so don’t hold back on sharing your motivation!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points if necessary to make your skills and experiences stand out!
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 working in SEND specialist schools across Leeds.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leader Education
✨Know Your SEND Basics
Familiarise yourself with the different types of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) that you might encounter. Understanding terms like MLD, SLD, PMLD, and ASC will show your commitment to the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, share specific examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated patience and empathy. Whether it's from care work or youth support, these stories will highlight your suitability for supporting children with additional needs.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Prepare for questions that ask how you would handle specific situations in a classroom setting. Think about how you would adapt your approach for different pupils and be ready to discuss strategies for emotional regulation and personal care.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the school's approach to supporting SEND pupils or how they foster a multidisciplinary team environment. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
