Secondary SEND Teaching Assistant - Complex Needs

Cover People UK; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Cover People UK is seeking a dedicated Secondary SEND Teaching Assistant to support pupils with complex needs at a South Manchester school. You will work alongside teaching staff to enable pupils to access learning in a safe, structured environment, providing individualised support as required.

The role suits patient, adaptable individuals who can promote communication, independence and positive behaviour while following an education plan and collaborating with the school team.

Qualifications

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with SEND.
• Understanding of complex learning needs and individualized support.
• Calm, caring and flexible approach.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Confidence in encouraging engagement and managing challenging situations.
• Ability to follow guidance and work effectively as part of a team.
• Commitment to promoting dignity, inclusion and independence.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support during lessons.
• Help pupils access learning activities and develop new skills.
• Support pupils with complex learning and developmental needs.
• Use strategies to encourage communication and engagement.
• Promote independence and confidence where possible.
• Support emotional regulation and positive behaviour.
• Adapt activities and resources to meet individual needs.
• Follow individual education plans and agreed support strategies.
• Assist with personal care where required and per care plans.
• Collaborate with teachers and specialist staff.
• Share observations about pupil progress, engagement and wellbeing.
• Help maintain a safe, respectful learning environment.

Skills

SEND experience

Complex needs understanding

Calm demeanor

Communication skills

Engagement coaching

Team player

Inclusion focus

Job description

Secondary SEND Teaching Assistant - Complex Needs

Location: South Manchester

Start Date: ASAP

Role: School-based SEND support

Pay: £95-£120 per day, depending on experience

Cover People are looking for a compassionate and experienced SEND Teaching Assistant to work with secondary-aged pupils with complex additional needs at a school in South Manchester.

This role would suit someone who is patient, adaptable and confident providing individualised support to young people who may need additional help with learning, communication, behaviour and day-to-day school activities.

The role

You will work alongside teachers and other support staff to help pupils access education in a safe, structured and inclusive environment.

Responsibilities may include:

• Providing one-to-one and small-group support during lessons.
• Helping pupils access learning activities and develop new skills.
• Supporting young people with complex learning and developmental needs.
• Using appropriate strategies to encourage communication and engagement.
• Promoting independence and confidence wherever possible.
• Supporting emotional regulation and positive behaviour.
• Adapting activities and resources to meet individual needs.
• Following individual education plans and agreed support strategies.
• Assisting with personal care where required and in line with individual care plans.
• Working collaboratively with teachers and specialist staff.
• Sharing observations about pupil progress, engagement and wellbeing.
• Helping maintain a safe, respectful and supportive learning environment.

About you

We're looking for a dedicated Teaching Assistant who understands that pupils with complex needs may require different approaches, consistent routines and patient encouragement to engage with learning.

You should have:

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with SEND.
• An understanding of complex learning needs and individualised support.
• A calm, caring and flexible approach.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Confidence encouraging engagement and managing challenging situations appropriately.
• The ability to follow guidance and work effectively as part of a team.
• A commitment to promoting dignity, inclusion and independence.

Experience in a special school, complex-needs provision or secondary SEND setting would be particularly beneficial. Experience supporting pupils with autism, communication difficulties, physical disabilities or personal care needs would also be advantageous.

Why Work Through Cover People?

• Opportunities to develop your experience in secondary SEND education.
• Work alongside teachers and specialist support teams.
• The chance to make a meaningful difference to young people's learning and development.
• A supportive recruitment process and ongoing consultant support.

All pay rates include 12.07% statutory holiday pay where applicable.

Cover People are acting as an employment business on behalf of these schools. Successful applicants will be subject to safeguarding and vetting procedures in line with statutory guidance, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Cover People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.