Complex Needs Teaching Assistant - Specialist SEN School

Tradewind Recruitment; Chesterfield; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment in Chesterfield is seeking an experienced Complex Needs Teaching Assistant to support children and young people with very complex and high‑level needs in a specialist SEN setting. The role is full‑time, term‑time only, paying £95-£120 per day depending on experience, and requires resilience, calmness, and strong communication.

You will work 1:1 or in small groups, follow individual support plans, and collaborate with teachers and support staff to help pupils develop

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or adults with complex needs or challenging behaviour.
• Calm, resilient and nurturing approach.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to work in days that can be demanding.

Responsibilities

• Supporting pupils with complex and additional needs on a 1:1 or small-group basis
• Providing a calm, nurturing and consistent approach
• Supporting communication, learning and emotional regulation
• Managing challenging situations professionally and safely
• Working closely with teachers and specialist staff
• Supporting pupils to develop independence and confidence
• Following individual support plans and school procedures

Skills

SEN experience

Behaviour management

Communication

Teamwork

Job description

Complex Needs Teaching Assistant - Specialist SEN School
Tradewind Recruitment - Chesterfield
Location: Chesterfield
Pay: £95-£120 per day (depending on experience)
Contract: Full-time | Term Time Only

Tradewind Recruitment are currently recruiting for an experienced and resilient Teaching Assistant to join a specialist school within a multi-academy trust, supporting children and young people with very complex and high-level needs.

This is a rewarding role, but it is important to be realistic about the demands involved.

The pupils may present with challenging behaviour, communication difficulties, physical needs and behaviours that can include aggression or other behaviours of concern.

This is not a straightforward classroom-based TA position, and the successful candidate will need to be prepared for days that can be physically and emotionally demanding.

We are looking for someone with a calm, patient and nurturing approach who can build strong relationships while maintaining appropriate boundaries.

Experience within SEN, complex needs, challenging behaviour, care, residential support, healthcare or similar environments would be highly beneficial.

The Role

• Supporting pupils with complex and additional needs on a 1:1 or small-group basis
• Providing a calm, nurturing and consistent approach
• Supporting communication, learning and emotional regulation
• Managing challenging situations professionally and safely
• Working closely with teachers and specialist staff
• Supporting pupils to develop independence and confidence
• Following individual support plans and school procedures

What We're Looking For

• Experience working with children or adults with complex needs or challenging behaviour
• A patient, resilient and nurturing approach
• The ability to remain calm under pressure
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Someone who understands that every day can be different and challenging
• A genuine commitment to supporting children with additional needs

Pay

The role pays £95-£120 per day. The exact rate offered will depend on your experience, availability and the individual school's budget.