At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with autism in small classes, creating calm learning spaces.
- Company: A warm and supportive specialist school in West Leeds.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, free training, and school holidays off for a great work-life balance.
- Other info: Join a team that celebrates small wins and values every pupil's progress.
- Why this job: Make a genuine difference in students' lives while growing your skills in SEND education.
- Qualifications: Compassionate attitude; experience in SEND or related fields is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Flexible school hours, term-time only, and weekends that actually feel like weekends.
Looking for a role where you can make a genuine difference, without sacrificing your work-life balance? Whether you’re experienced in SEND or just someone with the right calm, caring energy, this specialist school in West Leeds could be exactly what you’ve been searching for.
We’re working with a brilliant specialist school supporting children and young people with autism, complex needs, and communication differences. The team? Warm, supportive, and refreshingly ego-free. No drama. No sink-or-swim mentality. Just people who genuinely care about helping pupils thrive.
Can you stay calm when things feel a little chaotic? Do you know that sometimes a quiet thumbs-up says more than a big speech? Can you spot when a child is becoming overwhelmed before the room notices?
What you’ll be doing:
- Supporting pupils in small classes of 6 to 9 students
- Working closely with teachers, therapists, and support staff who genuinely work as a team
- Supporting both primary and secondary-aged pupils, so no two days feel the same
- Helping children build confidence, independence, and trust in the classroom
- Learning loads along the way, with free SEND training and CPD opportunities included
- Creating calm, organised learning spaces where pupils feel safe and supported
What we’re looking for:
- Someone compassionate, patient, and curious about SEND education
- A calm and adaptable approach, especially during busy moments
- A team player who’s happy to muck in and support colleagues
- An Enhanced DBS on the Child & Adult Workforce Update Service, or willingness to apply for one
- Experience working with autism, SEND, care, youth work, support work, or mental health support is helpful, but not essential. Personality and attitude matter just as much here.
What’s in it for you:
- FREE CPD including Team Teach, SEND training, and behaviour support courses
- A dedicated consultant who actually listens and keeps in touch
- Opportunities to grow within SEND education and specialist schools
- School holidays off, because rest matters too
- Thrive-trained? Amazing. Not yet? No worries, we offer FREE Thrive training to help build your skills and confidence in the classroom.
Why this school?
This isn’t a place where staff are “just getting through the week.” It’s a school where small wins are celebrated loudly, relationships matter deeply, and every pupil is given the time and support they deserve. You’ll leave each day knowing you’ve genuinely helped someone. And honestly? That’s hard to beat.
Legal and safeguarding
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, which may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants. We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.
Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, visit the Protocol Education website.
Location: Teaching Assistant SEND • Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
Teaching Assistant Send in Ledston employer: Protocol Education
Protocol Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the professional development of its staff. With flexible hours and comprehensive training opportunities, employees can grow their skills while making a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties in Gateshead. The company values its team members, providing competitive pay and dedicated consultant support to ensure a rewarding and fulfilling work experience.
