Complex Needs Teaching Assistant

Academics; Chippenham; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PAYE weekly pay

September 2026 start

Full-time and part-time

Job summary

Academics in Chippenham, Wiltshire, is seeking a Complex Needs Teaching Assistant to support children with diverse needs from September 2026. You will work closely with teachers and specialists to help learners access the curriculum, develop independence, and participate in school life.

The role involves one-to-one and small-group support, adapting resources, and using AAC or other communication methods when appropriate. A compassionate, patient, and flexible approach is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in SEND or willingness to learn.
• Ability to work with children with complex needs and varied abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support during lessons and structured activities.
• Help children access the curriculum through adapted resources and personalised learning activities.
• Encourage communication using AAC, visual resources, symbols, signing, or devices where appropriate.
• Support mobility and physical needs in line with individual plans and guidance.
• Assist with personal care while maintaining dignity and wellbeing.
• Encourage independence with routines and tasks.
• Support participation in sensory, creative, practical, and recreational activities.
• Offer reassurance when children experience anxiety or difficulty communicating.
• Follow education, healthcare, and support plans accurately.
• Collaborate with teachers, SEN professionals, therapists, and healthcare staff.
• Share observations about progress, wellbeing and needs.

Skills

Patience

Observant

Communication

Collaborative

Job description

Would you like to work in a specialist educational setting where you can make a real difference to children's everyday experiences and development? Are you patient, compassionate, and interested in supporting children who require additional help with their learning, communication, physical needs, or medical requirements?

A specialist school in Chippenham, Wiltshire is looking for a committed Complex Needs Teaching Assistant to join its dedicated team from September 2026. This is an opportunity to work closely with children who benefit from personalised support, helping them access learning, develop independence, and participate in school life.

The children you support may have a range of complex needs, including Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), physical disabilities, medical needs, sensory differences, communication difficulties, and other significant SEND requirements.

Your Responsibilities

As a Complex Needs Teaching Assistant, you will provide practical, educational, and personal support throughout the school day. Working alongside teachers and specialist staff, you will help children participate in activities and develop skills at a pace that is appropriate for them.

• Providing one-to-one and small-group support during lessons and structured activities.
• Helping children access the curriculum through adapted resources and personalised learning activities.
• Encouraging children to communicate using their preferred methods, including AAC, visual resources, symbols, signing, or communication devices where appropriate.
• Supporting children with mobility and physical requirements in accordance with individual plans and school guidance.
• Assisting with personal care when required, while maintaining children's dignity, privacy, and wellbeing.
• Encouraging children to develop greater independence with routines and everyday tasks.
• Helping children participate in sensory, creative, practical, and recreational activities.
• Providing reassurance and encouragement when children experience anxiety, frustration, or difficulty communicating.
• Following individual education, healthcare, and support plans accurately.
• Working closely with teachers, SEN professionals, therapists, and healthcare staff.
• Sharing relevant observations about children's progress, wellbeing, and changing needs.
• Helping maintain a safe, positive, and inclusive environment throughout the school.

Understanding Each Child

Supporting children with complex needs requires patience, flexibility, and a willingness to see progress from an individual perspective.

As a Complex Needs Teaching Assistant, you will play an important role in recognising these achievements and providing the encouragement needed to help children continue developing their skills.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be caring, observant, patient, and confident working with children who have complex and varied needs.

You should be able to:

• Build trusting and respectful relationships with children.
• Remain composed and supportive when faced with challenging or unexpected situations.
• Follow care plans, risk assessments, and specialist guidance carefully.
• Adjust your communication style according to individual needs.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and other professionals.

Previous experience in SEND, specialist education, healthcare, childcare, social care, or support work would be advantageous. However, candidates without direct experience will also be considered if they can demonstrate the right attitude, reliability, and commitment to working with children.

The position could be particularly relevant for graduates or aspiring professionals interested in:

• Psychology and Educational Psychology
• Special Educational Needs
• Teaching and Education
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Nursing and Healthcare
• Social Care
• Child Development

What We Offer

• £85-£110 per day, depending on experience.
• PAYE weekly pay.
• Full-time and part-time opportunities.
• September 2026 start.
• Experience within a specialist school environment.
• Practical experience supporting children with complex SEND.
• The opportunity to work alongside experienced teachers, SEN professionals, therapists, and healthcare staff.
• Valuable transferable skills for future careers in education, healthcare, psychology, and therapy.

Salary will be determined by the successful candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, and will be in accordance with the client's pay policy.