Learning Support Assistant

Milk Education; Purston Jaglin; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading SEND school in Pontefract seeks Learning Support Assistants to support children with autism and complex needs. Responsibilities include providing 1:1 care, assisting with personal care, and utilizing sensory tools like PECS. Ideal candidates should have prior SEND experience and a calm, nurturing approach. Competitive pay between £101.40 - £120 per day, with strong training and career progression opportunities. A fulfilling role that makes a real difference in children's lives.

Benefits

Competitive daily pay

High-quality training and CPD

Long-term career stability

Qualifications

• Experience in school, care, or residential settings supporting children with SEND.
• Ability to travel to Pontefract, preferable for candidates living in Doncaster.
• Desirable experience includes youth work, care, or residential childcare.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to children who require consistent, high-quality care.
• Support pupils with autism using PECS, Makaton, and sensory tools.
• Assist with personal care and basic medical needs.

Skills

Experience supporting children with SEND

Knowledge of autism and communication needs

Calm and patient approach

Strong reliability and commitment

Education

Background in SEN support, psychology, or criminology

Job description

Learning Support Assistant - SEND School (Autism, Communication & Complex Needs)
Location: Pontefract (WF7) - commutable from Castleford, Normanton, Wakefield, Featherstone & Doncaster (drivers strongly encouraged)
Salary: £101.40 - £120 per day
Hours: 8:30am - 3:30pm, Monday to Friday
Start Date: January

A Brilliant Opportunity to Make a Real Difference in a Leading SEND School

Are you someone who genuinely cares about helping children with additional needs thrive?

Are you searching for a long‑term, stable position where you can grow, develop and be valued?

We are looking to appoint five exceptional Learning Support Assistants to join a highly regarded SEND school in Pontefract. The school supports pupils aged 5‑16 with autism, communication differences (including non‑verbal pupils), sensory needs, medical needs and complex learning difficulties.

If you're committed, compassionate and eager to build a meaningful career in SEND, this is an opportunity not to miss.

Your Role Will Include:

• Providing 1:1 and small‑group support to children who require consistent, high‑quality care
• Supporting pupils with autism and communication needs using PECS, Makaton, visuals and sensory tools
• Helping pupils self‑regulate and manage behaviour in a calm, structured and nurturing way
• Assisting with personal care and basic medical needs (full training provided)
• Using routine‑based learning and sensory play to support individual EHCP outcomes
• Working in partnership with teachers, SENCOs, therapists and behaviour specialists

We'd Love to Hear From You If You Have:

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEND (school, care or residential backgrounds welcome)
• Knowledge of autism, communication needs or SEMH
• A calm, patient, resilient and nurturing approach
• Strong reliability and commitment to full‑time work
• The ability to travel to Pontefract — ideal if you live in Doncaster and drive
• Desirable backgrounds include: SEN support, youth work, care, psychology, criminology, behaviour mentoring or residential childcare

What Makes This Role Stand Out?

• Excellent daily pay: £101.40 - £120
• A supportive, well‑resourced SEND school with strong leadership
• High‑quality training, CPD and clear progression pathways
• Long‑term stability and opportunities to grow your career
• The chance to make a genuine, life‑changing difference every day
• Pathways into teaching, therapy, pastoral and behaviour roles

This Role is Ideal For:

• Experienced SEN Learning Support Assistants
• Teaching Assistants looking for SEND experience
• Psychology / Criminology graduates
• Residential care workers or support workers
• Youth workers, behaviour mentors or family support staff
• Anyone passionate about supporting children with additional needs

Apply Today

If you want a rewarding, purposeful role within a fantastic SEND school in Pontefract, we'd love to hear from you.