Complex Needs Teaching Assistant

Empowering Learning Ltd; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work in specialist SEN schools

Rewarding role helping children daily

Develop SEND-related skills

Support from recruitment team

Immediate-start registration

Job summary

Empowering Learning Ltd is seeking a Complex Needs Teaching Assistant in Sunderland to support pupils with SEND in specialist SEN schools. You will collaborate with teachers to provide tailored support and help children access education and develop essential life skills.

Experience with Makaton or PECS is advantageous. The role is full-time, Mon–Fri, 8:30 am–3:30 pm, with an immediate start after DBS and references.

Qualifications

• Compassionate and patient with a genuine passion for supporting children with complex needs.
• Reliable and punctual, understanding the importance of consistency and routine for pupils.
• Resilient and adaptable, able to stay calm in challenging situations.
• Willing to provide personal care where required.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support to pupils with SEND in specialist SEN schools.
• Assist with personal care where required and support communication using alternative methods.
• Work closely with teaching staff to enable access to education and life-skill development.
• Support in building meaningful relationships and consistent routines for pupils.

Skills

Compassionate

Patient

Reliable and punctual

Resilient and adaptable

Team player

Education

Enhanced DBS

Job description

Complex Needs Teaching Assistant

Empowering Learning | Immediate Starts Available | Sunderland

Make a difference. Change lives. Empower learning.

Empowering Learning is working with a range of specialist SEN schools to recruit compassionate, reliable and resilient Complex Needs Teaching Assistants who are passionate about supporting children with additional needs.

This is an incredibly rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children who require additional support to access their education, develop essential life skills and reach their full potential.

The Role

As a Complex Needs Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teaching staff to provide tailored support to pupils with a range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Some children may require personal care, while others may be non-verbal and need alternative methods of communication. Experience using Makaton, PECS or other communication systems would be a significant advantage.

The role can be challenging, both physically and emotionally, but it offers the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with pupils and celebrate their progress, no matter how big or small.

The Ideal Candidate

• Compassionate and patient, with a genuine passion for supporting children with complex needs.
• Reliable and punctual, understanding the importance of consistency and routine for pupils.
• Resilient and adaptable, able to remain calm and positive in challenging situations.
• Willing to support pupils with personal care where required.
• Experienced in SEN, SEND or complex needs settings (highly desirable).
• Familiar with Makaton, PECS or alternative communication methods (an advantage).
• Committed to working collaboratively with teachers and other support staff. Above all, we are looking for people with the right attitude, a caring nature and a genuine desire to make a difference.

Essential Requirements

• Hold an Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or be willing to apply and pay for a new Enhanced DBS check.
• Be able to provide two years of professional references to support your employment history.
• Be available to work full-time, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm.
• Be able to complete the registration process within 48 hours of applying, as these positions are available for immediate starts. Consistency is key for the children we support, so full availability during these hours is essential.

What Empowering Learning Offers

• The opportunity to work in a variety of specialist SEN schools.
• A rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference every day.
• The chance to develop your experience and skills within special educational needs.
• Support from a dedicated recruitment team.
• Immediate-start opportunities for candidates who are ready to complete registration promptly.