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- Tasks: Support pupils with complex needs in a nurturing and engaging learning environment.
- Company: A well-established specialist secondary school in Sheffield focused on connection and belonging.
- Benefits: Make a meaningful difference, access ongoing training, and work with a supportive team.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help students thrive in their learning journey.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND, patience, empathy, and teamwork skills are essential.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and potential long-term employment.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
Please note: experience supporting pupils with complex needs is essential for this role. Full-Time availability is essential as the school needs staff that can build up relationships with the students and familiarity is essential. Those who do well are likely to be kept on by the school after the booking.
We are looking for a patient, caring and confident Specialist Teaching Assistant to join a well-established specialist secondary school in Sheffield that supports pupils from Year 7 to Year 11 (and some post-16) with complex learning, communication and autism-related needs. The school’s ethos is built on Connection, Belonging and Nurture, recognising that strong relationships, emotional safety and a calm, supportive environment are the foundations for meaningful learning. Staff work closely together to ensure pupils feel valued, understood and ready to engage at their own pace.
About the Role
As a Specialist Teaching Assistant, you will support pupils across a highly personalised, student-led curriculum delivered through a range of tailored pathways. You will play a vital role in helping pupils access learning, develop independence and build confidence. Your role may include:
- Supporting personalised learning programmes across a range of curriculum pathways
- Working with pupils following Engagement, Independence or Re-Engagement pathways, adapting support to meet individual needs
- Assisting with informal, semi-formal and flexible learning approaches
- Supporting communication, interaction and independence skills throughout the school day
- Helping pupils access multi-sensory activities, structured routines and thematic learning
- Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists and external professionals
- Providing mobility support and personal care where required
- Supporting pupils during community-based learning and alternative provision activities
- Creating a calm, nurturing and respectful learning environment
- Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils and families
Curriculum and Pathways
The curriculum is designed to be flexible, inclusive and responsive, allowing pupils to access learning in a way that best suits their needs.
- Engagement Pathway: An informal, theme-based curriculum focused on communication, engagement and independence, with highly personalised delivery and access to relevant accreditation where appropriate
- Independence Pathway: A semi-formal, cross-curricular model supporting skill development, independence and accreditation
- Re-Engagement Pathway: A fully personalised approach, often supported on a 1:1 or 2:1 basis, incorporating community learning, alternative provision and flexible timetables
Teaching Assistants play a key role in supporting pupils as they move between pathways and learning opportunities, responding to changing needs and levels of engagement.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking someone who is genuinely passionate about SEND and understands the importance of patience, empathy and consistency within a specialist setting. The ideal candidate will have:
- Experience supporting pupils with PMLD, SLD and/or autism
- Confidence managing challenging behaviour in a calm and supportive way
- A compassionate, nurturing and proactive approach
- The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
- A good understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries
- Up-to-date Moving & Handling training
What You’ll Gain
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference every single day
- A supportive and experienced staff team who value collaboration
- Access to ongoing CPD and specialist SEND training
- A varied and rewarding role where progress is measured in confidence, communication and independence
If you’re looking for a fulfilling role within a specialist secondary setting that places relationships, well-being and individual progress at the heart of everything it does, we’d love to hear from you. Click Apply to get started. Send your CV to (url removed)
All applicants will be contacted to discuss suitability and then invited to register with TeacherActive. Registration involves an enhanced DBS check, ID checks and will require you to supply good professional references. We pride ourselves on excellent service. We can provide a wide range of opportunities in schools and other educational institutions, with good rates of pay, at times to suit your needs. Regular external audits have shown repeatedly that our standards are exceptional. We are passionate about finding the right staff for each environment. TeacherActive is an equal opportunities employer, and operates as an Employment Business in providing temporary or contract job-seeking services.
SEND Teaching Assistant - Sheffield Special School - Complex Needs employer: TeacherActive
Contact Detail:
TeacherActive Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Teaching Assistant - Sheffield Special School - Complex Needs
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research their ethos and values, especially around connection and nurture. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions related to SEND. Think about specific examples from your experience that highlight your patience, empathy, and ability to manage challenging behaviour.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former staff if possible. They can provide insights into the school's culture and what they value in a teaching assistant, which can give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of students with complex needs.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Teaching Assistant - Sheffield Special School - Complex Needs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for SEND: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting pupils with complex needs shine through. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your understanding of patience, empathy, and the importance of building strong relationships in a specialist setting.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your experience with PMLD, SLD, and autism, and mention any specific training or skills that align with the job description. This will help us see how you fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We want to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm without getting lost in lengthy explanations.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at TeacherActive
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), especially regarding complex needs. Familiarise yourself with the different pathways mentioned in the job description, like Engagement, Independence, and Re-Engagement. This will show that you understand the role and can contribute effectively.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've supported pupils with complex needs in the past. Highlight your patience and nurturing approach, as these qualities are essential for building strong relationships with students. Use specific anecdotes to illustrate your ability to manage challenging behaviour calmly.
✨Team Player Vibes
This role requires collaboration with teachers, therapists, and other professionals. Be prepared to discuss your experience working in multidisciplinary teams. Emphasise your communication skills and how you’ve contributed to a supportive environment in previous roles.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's approach to personalised learning or how they support staff development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school’s ethos aligns with your values.
