At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with complex needs in a nurturing and structured environment.
- Company: A specialist school in Leeds focused on inclusive education.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, specialist training, and opportunities for career development.
- Other info: Join a compassionate team dedicated to supporting every child's unique journey.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives every day.
- Qualifications: Empathy, patience, and experience with complex needs are essential.
The predicted salary is between 23100 - 26000 £ per year.
A specialist school in Leeds is seeking a dedicated and empathetic Complex Needs Teaching Assistant with a September start. This is a long-term opportunity to work as part of a skilled, nurturing team that puts communication, connection and consistency at the centre of every day. If you’re calm, caring, and driven by purpose, this could be the role where your impact truly matters.
You’ll be supporting pupils with a broad range of complex needs, including Autism, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), and complex medical or physical needs. Your support will be essential to helping each child feel safe, regulated and ready to learn in a way that works for them.
Key responsibilities include:
- Using communication systems such as PECS, Makaton, and visual timetables
- Supporting pupils in sensory rooms and structured play sessions
- Assisting in creative and confidence-building activities like swimming and outdoor learning
- Helping pupils regulate emotions and engage in learning at their own pace
- Providing consistent personal care, with sensitivity and dignity
- Working closely with teachers, therapists and support staff to meet individual needs
Who You Are
You might already work in education or care—or be looking to transition your experience into a classroom environment. More than anything, you’ll bring empathy, patience and a willingness to learn. Ideally, you’ll have:
- Experience supporting individuals with complex needs or disabilities (formal or informal)
- A calm and resilient approach to challenges
- A genuine interest in SEND and inclusive practice
- A relevant qualification in care, health, support work or teaching assistance (desirable)
The School
This Leeds-based specialist school offers highly individualised support in a structured yet nurturing setting. With small class sizes and a strong team ethos, pupils are supported to feel safe, valued, and celebrated for who they are. Staff are known for their compassion, collaboration and commitment to inclusive education.
Working Hours
- Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 3.15pm
- Term time only
- Full-time and part-time applications welcome
Why Apply?
- Competitive pay
- A consistent, purposeful role in a supportive team
- Specialist training and opportunities to develop in SEND education
- Long-term placement with potential for permanency
- A chance to make a real difference every single day
Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.
Complex Needs Teaching Assistant in Leeds employer: Sense Education
Sense Education in Kendal is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its staff while fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture. With a focus on professional development, employees are encouraged to enhance their skills and make a meaningful impact in the lives of pupils with Autism and complex needs. The term-time role offers a unique opportunity to work in a dedicated team, making a real difference in a rewarding environment.
