Complex Needs Teaching Assistant

Castle Education; Harrogate; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Castle Education in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, is seeking Complex Needs Teaching Assistants for long-term, ongoing opportunities across partner specialist schools. You will support pupils with diverse needs, build trusting relationships, and contribute to personalised learning plans.

The role offers regular hours, a supportive team environment, safeguarding responsibilities and opportunities to develop SEND experience within a specialist setting.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with complex needs is beneficial.
• Ability to follow individualised plans and safeguarding procedures.
• Commitment to pupil wellbeing and inclusive learning.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support to pupils with complex learning and development needs.
• Support communication, social interaction and independence.
• Collaborate with teachers to deliver individual learning activities.
• Assist with sensory activities, practical learning and personalised programmes.
• Support positive behaviour and emotional regulation.
• Follow individual support plans and school guidance.
• Work with teachers, support staff and other professionals.
• Provide personal care when required, per pupil needs.

Skills

Patience

Empathy

Teamwork

Communication

Job description

Job Title: Complex Needs Teaching Assistant
Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Job Type: Long-term, ongoing
Working Pattern: Full-time opportunities available
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Do you have experience supporting children or young people with complex needs? Are you looking for a rewarding role where you can make a real difference every single day?

Castle Education is working in partnership with 3 specialist schools in the Harrogate area to recruit dedicated Complex Needs Teaching Assistants for long-term, ongoing opportunities.

We are looking for caring, patient and committed individuals who understand that every child is different and that progress can look different for every pupil.

This is an opportunity to secure regular work in a specialist school, build strong relationships with pupils and colleagues, and become part of a team that makes a genuine difference to children’s lives.

A little bit about the schools

Our partner schools support children and young people with a range of complex needs, including severe learning difficulties, profound and multiple learning difficulties, autism, physical disabilities and communication difficulties.
Pupils benefit from personalised learning, a nurturing environment and a team approach that focuses on their individual needs, wellbeing and development.

What will the role involve?

• Providing tailored support to pupils with complex learning and developmental needs.
• Supporting children with communication, social interaction and everyday independence.
• Working alongside teachers to deliver individual learning activities.
• Helping pupils engage with sensory activities, practical learning and personalised programmes.
• Supporting positive behaviour and emotional regulation.
• Following individual support plans and guidance from the school team.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, support staff and other professionals.
• Providing personal care where required, in line with the pupil’s needs and school procedures.

What are we looking for?

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with complex needs would be beneficial.
• A patient, compassionate and understanding approach.
• Confidence adapting to different needs, abilities and communication styles.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• A reliable and consistent approach to supporting pupils.
• Someone who understands the importance of dignity, safeguarding and individualised support.

Experience in a special school, residential setting, care environment, nursing support or a similar role could be particularly relevant.
We are interested in speaking to people who genuinely want to support children and are willing to learn and develop their skills within a specialist setting.

Why work with Castle Education?

• A genuine long-term, ongoing opportunity.
• Consistent work with guaranteed hours available.
• The chance to develop specialist SEND experience.
• The opportunity to build trusting relationships with pupils over time.
• A supportive school environment with a collaborative team.
• Ongoing support from Castle Education throughout your placement.

This is a particularly rewarding role for someone who wants to see the difference their support makes, whether that means helping a pupil communicate a need, take a step towards independence or feel confident participating in a classroom activity.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, along with other relevant pre-employment checks. Shortlisted candidates may also be subject to an online search.