Secondary Additional Needs Support Assistant

Aspire People; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive weekly pay

£100 joining bonus after 10 shifts

£250 Refer-a-Friend bonus

Long-term opportunities

Career progression in SEND education

Job summary

Aspire People is seeking a compassionate Secondary Additional Needs Support Assistant to support pupils with severe learning difficulties, PMLD and autism in a dedicated SEND school in Liverpool.

You will work closely with teachers and therapists, delivering planned activities, assisting with personal care, promoting communication through Makaton and PECS, and recording progress.

The role offers term-time hours, 08:30–15:30, and opportunities for training and career progression in SEND education.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with additional needs in a school or similar setting.
• Ability to support pupils with SLD, PMLD and autism.
• Willingness to participate in training on safeguarding and SEND strategies.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SLD, PMLD and autism on 1:1 and small groups.
• Deliver planned activities under the teacher's guidance.
• Assist with personal care and promote independence.
• Support therapy programmes and administer medications after training.
• Encourage communication using Makaton and PECS.

Skills

Compassionate approach

Communication support

Makaton/PECS use

Behaviour support

Tools

Assistive communication tech

Job description

Secondary Additional Needs Support Assistant

Are you passionate about supporting young children with additional needs and looking for a rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference every day?

A specialist SEND school is looking for a compassionate and dedicated Secondary Additional Needs Support Assistant to support children with severe learning difficulties (SLD), profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), and autism.

If you're looking for a meaningful career with sociable hours, excellent work-life balance and the opportunity to help young children thrive, this could be the perfect role for you.

Why this role is so rewarding

As an Secondary Additional Needs Support Assistant, you'll play a vital role in helping young pupils overcome barriers to learning while supporting their development, communication, social skills and emotional wellbeing in a safe, nurturing environment.

What you'll be doing

Working closely with teachers, therapists and other professionals, you will:

• Support young children with severe learning difficulties, PMLD and autism on a one-to-one and small group basis
• Deliver planned learning activities under the guidance of the class teacher, adapting support to meet individual needs
• Assist with personal care, including toileting, dressing, eating and promoting independence where appropriate
• Support therapy programmes and administer medication following appropriate training and agreed care plans
• Encourage communication using Makaton, PECS and assistive communication technology
• Promote children's social, emotional, physical and cognitive development through structured learning and play-based activities
• Monitor and record pupil progress, providing feedback to teaching staff
• Support positive behaviour management strategies and assist with physical intervention where trained and required
• Prepare engaging classroom resources and maintain a stimulating learning environment
• Support pupils during snack times, outdoor learning, educational visits and off-site activities
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, parents and external professionals to provide the best outcomes for every child
• Support in Post 16 classrooms to promote independent living

Why you'll love this role

• Monday to Friday, term-time only
• Typical working hours of 08:30 - 15:30
• Excellent work-life balance with no evenings or weekends
• The opportunity to build meaningful relationships with young pupils and celebrate their developmental milestones
• Ongoing training in SEND, safeguarding, communication strategies, behaviour support, moving and handling and medical care
• Supportive school environment with excellent opportunities for career development

Additional benefits

• Competitive weekly pay
• £100 joining bonus after 10 shifts
• £250 Refer-a-Friend bonus
• Long-term opportunities with the potential for permanent employment
• Excellent progression opportunities within SEND education