Secondary SEND Teaching Assistant - Complex Needs

Senploy; Manchester; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Cover People are seeking a compassionate Secondary SEND Teaching Assistant to work with pupils with complex needs at a South Manchester school. You will provide one-to-one and small-group support, help pupils access learning, and work closely with teachers to maintain a safe, inclusive classroom.

The role suits patient, adaptable individuals who can follow individual education plans, support communication and behaviour, and promote independence in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

SEND experience

Communication

Teamwork

Patience

Adaptability

Behaviour support

Inclusion focus

Job description

Secondary SEND Teaching Assistant - Complex Needs

Secondary SEND Teaching Assistant - Complex Needs

Location: South Manchester

Start Date: ASAP

Role: School-based SEND support

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

We look forward to hearing from experienced Teaching Assistants who enjoy helping young people with complex needs overcome barriers to learning.

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.