SEN Learning Support Assistant

Tradewind Recruitment; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education support agency in the UK is seeking a dedicated SEN Learning Support Assistant for a full-time role in Gloucester. The position involves supporting pupils aged 10-19 with autism and complex learning needs, collaborating closely with educators and specialists. Ideal candidates will have experience in educational or care settings and a compassionate, resilient approach. Competitive pay and ongoing professional development opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Long-term opportunity with potential to become permanent

Full support from specialist SEN team

Ongoing CPD opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in a school, residential, or care setting with children/young people with additional needs.
• Willingness to apply for Enhanced DBS or is already on the Update Service.
• Ability to adapt communication and behaviour strategies for individual needs.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with autism and complex learning needs.
• Implement communication strategies like Makaton and PECS.
• Work closely with teachers and specialists for individualised educational plans.

Skills

Experience working with children with additional needs

Calm, consistent approach

Compassion for neurodiverse learners

Positive behaviour strategies

Emotional resilience

Job description

SEN Learning Support Assistant

Full-time Long-term to permanent opportunity Term-time only
Pay: 100 - 120 per day (depending on experience)
Location: Bristol

About Us

At Tradewind Recruitment, we're proud to partner with exceptional schools and specialist provisions across the Southwest - all united by one shared purpose: transforming the lives of children and young people with additional needs.

We're currently working with a specialist education setting in Bristol that offers a highly personalised learning environment for pupils with severe and profound learning difficulties, autism and complex communication needs. Many of the children also experience sensory processing differences and may at times display behaviours that challenge, often as a means of expressing anxiety, frustration, or communication difficulties.

Each pupil has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and is supported to develop key skills in communication, independence, and emotional regulation within a calm, structured and nurturing environment.

The Role

We're looking for a patient, caring and resilient SEN Teaching Assistant to join a skilled team supporting pupils aged 10-19. Each pupil follows a personalised timetable focused on communication, sensory learning, independence and emotional regulation - often in a 1:1, 2:1 or very small group setting.

• Supporting pupils with autism, complex learning needs and challenging behaviour
• Using strategies such as Makaton, PECS, TEACCH and sensory regulation activities
• Helping pupils to manage transitions, regulate emotions and access learning in their own way
• Working closely with teachers, therapists and behaviour specialists to ensure consistency and progress

This role requires emotional resilience, empathy and the ability to stay calm and positive, even during challenging moments.

The Pupils You'll Support

• Non‑verbal or use alternative communication methods
• Experience heightened anxiety in new or unpredictable situations
• Have sensory sensitivities (e.g. to noise, light or touch)
• Display physical or verbal behaviours when overwhelmed or unable to communicate needs
• Need predictable routines and clear boundaries to feel safe and supported

With the right support and consistency, these pupils make remarkable progress building trust, engagement, and independence every day.

What You'll Need

• Experience working with children or young people with additional needs (school, residential or care background welcome)
• A calm, consistent approach and genuine compassion for neurodiverse learners
• Willingness to use positive behaviour strategies and learn new techniques
• Resilient, child centred nature
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply for one)

What's in It for You

• A long‑term opportunity with potential to go permanent
• Full support from Tradewind's specialist SEN team
• Ongoing CPD including Team Teach, Autism Awareness, De‑escalation and Safeguarding
• A chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of exceptional young people

Why Join Tradewind

• Your income matters: We'll always secure the best rate for your skills
• Your development matters: 2,500+ FREE CPD courses via The National College
• Your flexibility matters: Roles that fit your lifestyle and goals
• Your wellbeing matters: Sunday Times Top 100 Employer four years running
• Your values matter: We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and truly inclusive

If you're motivated by the idea of helping children who learn differently, and you thrive in a setting where no two days are the same - we'd love to hear from you.