Complex Needs Teaching Assistant

GUARDIAN SELECTION LIMITED; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

GSL Education Hull Branch is seeking a patient Complex Needs Teaching Assistant to support students with complex learning profiles in a specialist setting in York. You will provide one-to-one and small group assistance to help learners access the curriculum.

The role requires familiarity with ASC, safeguarding knowledge, and an enhanced DBS or willingness to apply. Flexible contracts (temporary, supply, part-time, full-time) with start date September 2026.

Qualifications

• Previous experience supporting children with complex needs, SEND, or challenging behaviour.
• Familiarity with ASC profiles and sensory/communication differences.
• Resilient, patient, and adaptable approach.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Strong safeguarding and child protection knowledge.
• Up-to-date CV for last ten years with gaps explained.
• DBS certificate registered on update service or willingness to apply.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support to students with complex needs.
• Support ASC and SEND students to access learning and participate.
• Adapt activities to meet individual learning, sensory, and communication needs.
• Promote emotional regulation, positive behaviour, and independence.
• Monitor engagement and share observations with teachers.
• Maintain a calm, structured, inclusive classroom environment.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Interpersonal skills

Safeguarding knowledge

ASC awareness

Behaviour management

Job description

Job Title: Complex Needs Teaching Assistant

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Job Title:Complex Needs Teaching Assistant
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Contract Type: Temporary, Supply, Part-Time, Full-Time
Start Date: September 2026
Salary Scale: £92 – £115 per day (Depending on experience)

Are you a resilient and compassionate Complex Needs Teaching Assistant looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people with additional needs?

GSL Education Hull Branch are currently seeking a Complex Needs Teaching Assistant to work within a specialist and supportive educational setting in York. We are looking for a patient, adaptable, and dedicated support professional who is confident supporting students with complex learning profiles and passionate about helping them overcome barriers to learning and develop greater independence.

Complex Needs Teaching Assistant Role:

The successful Complex Needs Teaching Assistant will provide personalised support to students with a range of complex learning, communication, social, and behavioural needs. We are looking to recruit a Complex Needs Teaching Assistant who is resilient and familiar with ASC profiles, with the ability to understand individual sensory, communication, and behavioural needs and provide consistent, positive support.

• Provide one-to-one and small group support to students with complex learning and additional needs
• Support students with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and other SEND needs to access learning and participate positively in school life
• Adapt activities and use appropriate communication approaches to meet individual learning, sensory, and communication needs
• Promote emotional regulation, positive behaviour, confidence, and independence through consistent support
• Monitor student engagement and progress, sharing relevant observations with teachers and the wider support team
• Help maintain a calm, structured, predictable, and inclusive environment where students feel safe and supported

Complex Needs Teaching Assistant Requirements:

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with complex needs, SEND, Autism, or challenging behaviour is highly desirable
• Familiarity with ASC profiles, including an understanding of sensory needs, communication differences, social interaction, and individual behaviours
• A resilient, patient, and adaptable approach to supporting young people with diverse and complex needs
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships
• A strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures
• An up-to-date CV covering the last ten years (with any gaps explained)
• An enhanced DBS certificate registered on the update service, or willingness to apply

Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection and that successful applicants must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks including providing an enhanced DBS certificate registered on the update service or completing an application for a new check.

As an ethical, inclusive, and independent recruitment agency GSL Education are committed to providing quality teaching and support staff in schools throughout York.