Complex Needs Teaching Assistant - Specialist Pupil Support

Aspire People; Manchester; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspire People in Manchester is seeking experienced Teaching Assistants to support pupils with complex needs across primary and specialist settings. The role focuses on consistent, individualised support to help pupils access learning, communicate their needs and take part in daily activities.

Successful candidates will work closely with teachers and SENCOs, follow detailed pupil plans, and contribute to a safe, structured, and inclusive classroom.

Qualifications

• Recent UK-based school experience supporting pupils with SEND within the last two years.
• Experience with pupils who have complex or multiple additional needs.
• Able to follow detailed support plans and maintain routines.
• Committed to safeguarding and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with complex SEND
• Supporting access to adapted learning activities and individual learning targets
• Encouraging communication using verbal and non-verbal strategies
• Supporting sensory activities and structured routines in line with pupil plans
• Helping pupils develop independence and participate in classroom activities
• Supporting transitions throughout the school day
• Observing pupil engagement, wellbeing and progress
• Working collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs and specialist professionals
• Following safeguarding, health and safety and individual care procedures
• Supporting personal care where required, in line with school policies and training

Job description

Complex Needs Teaching Assistant - Specialist Pupil Support

Full-Time & Long-Term Opportunities Manchester & Surrounding Areas Aspire People

Aspire People are looking for experienced and compassionate Teaching Assistants to support pupils with complex and multiple additional needs within primary schools and specialist learning environments.

This role is suited to someone who can provide consistent, individualised support while helping pupils access learning, communicate their needs and participate in daily school activities.

Depending on the placement, pupils may have a combination of autism, significant communication difficulties, learning disabilities, sensory needs or physical support requirements. The successful candidate will work closely with teaching staff to follow individual plans and create a safe, structured and inclusive learning environment.

The Role:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with complex SEND
• Supporting access to adapted learning activities and individual learning targets
• Encouraging communication using appropriate verbal and non‑verbal strategies
• Supporting sensory activities and structured routines in line with pupil plans
• Helping pupils develop independence and participate in classroom activities
• Supporting transitions throughout the school day
• Observing pupil engagement, wellbeing and progress
• Working collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs and specialist professionals
• Following safeguarding, health and safety and individual care procedures
• Supporting personal care where required, in line with school policies and training

The Ideal Candidate:

• Has recent UK-based school experience supporting pupils with SEND within the last two years
• Has experience with pupils who have complex or multiple additional needs
• Is patient, attentive and able to respond to individual communication styles
• Can follow detailed support plans and maintain consistent routines
• Understands the importance of dignity, respect and promoting independence
• Is comfortable supporting personal care where required, with appropriate guidance and training
• Communicates well with teaching staff and other professionals
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to safeguarding and inclusion

Experience in a special school, specialist provision or a mainstream school supporting pupils with high levels of need would be advantageous.

Why Work with Aspire People?

• Opportunities across mainstream and specialist settings
• Daily supply and longer-term placements
• Competitive daily pay rates
• Dedicated consultant support
• Opportunities to develop experience within specialist SEND education

If you have relevant experience supporting pupils with complex needs and are passionate about helping every child access education in a way that works for them, apply today.

Aspire People welcomes applications from committed support staff who want to make a difference.

Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. Aspire People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects every candidate to share this commitment. Placements are subject, to appropriate Child Protection screening, including checks with former employers and the Disclosure and Barring Checks.