Complex Needs Teaching Assistant

Academics; Trowbridge; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PAYE weekly pay

September 2026 start

Full-time and part-time opportunities

Job summary

Academics in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, is seeking a committed Complex Needs Teaching Assistant to join from September 2026. You will work closely with teachers and specialists to help children access the curriculum, participate in activities, and develop skills at a pace suitable for each learner.

The role supports children with diverse needs, including communication, mobility, and daily living. It offers full-time or part-time hours, with PAYE weekly pay and a focus on personalised, compassionate

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with SEND or complex needs is preferred.
• Ability to follow care plans, risk assessments, and specialist guidance.
• Willingness to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team in a school setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support during lessons and activities.
• Assist with personalised learning resources to meet individual needs.
• Support communication using AAC, visuals, signing, or devices where appropriate.
• Help with mobility and personal care while maintaining dignity.
• Encourage independence in routines and everyday tasks.
• Collaborate with teachers, SEN staff, therapists, and healthcare colleagues.
• Observe and share progress and changes in needs with the team.

Skills

One-to-one support

Small-group support

AAC communication strategies

Mobility support

Personal care

Promoting independence

Team collaboration

Observation & reporting

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 Trowbridge, 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.

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.

Your duties may include:

• 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.

About You

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.
• Promote independence while providing appropriate levels of support.
• Treat every child with dignity and respect.

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

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