SEN Teaching Assistant - Complex Needs OR Personal Care

GSL Education - Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

GSL Education - Manchester is seeking a compassionate SEN Teaching Assistant to support pupils with complex needs in a specialist setting.

You will provide 1:1 and small-group support, assist with personal care and daily routines, and work closely with teachers and therapists to help learners access learning in a calm, nurturing environment.

The role is full-time and long-term in Manchester, with a daily rate of £95–£115 depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young people or adults with complex needs.
• Willingness to support personal care and daily routines.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support.
• Assist with personal care, toileting, changing and feeding routines as needed.
• Support pupils' communication using visuals or other aids.
• Help pupils regulate with calm routines and sensory strategies.
• Work with teachers, therapists and SENCOs to enable learning.

Skills

Care experience

Personal care

Support work

Resilience

Job description

SEN Teaching Assistant Complex Needs / Personal Care

Location: Manchester / Greater Manchester
Start Date: September
Contract: Full-Time, Long-Term
Rate: £95 £115 per day, depending on experience

A Role Where Your Care Experience Can Make a Real Difference

Are you experienced in care, support work, residential care, personal care, or working with vulnerable children or adults?

A specialist SEN setting is looking for a compassionate and reliable SEN Teaching Assistant to support pupils with a range of complex needs. This role would suit someone who is naturally nurturing, calm under pressure, and confident supporting personal care and daily routines.

This is not just a classroom support role. You will be helping pupils feel safe, regulated, understood, and ready to access learning in a way that works for them.

About the Pupils

You may be supporting pupils with:

• Autism Spectrum Condition
• PMLD or SLD
• Speech, Language and Communication Needs
• Sensory processing needs
• Physical disabilities or mobility needs
• Complex medical or personal care requirements
• Emotional regulation needs

Many pupils will have EHCPs and require a consistent adult who can support their learning, communication, personal development and independence.

About the Role

As a SEN Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support
• Assist with personal care, toileting, changing, feeding routines or mobility where required
• Support pupils with communication using visuals, symbols, Makaton, PECS or AAC where appropriate
• Help pupils regulate through calm routines, sensory strategies and reassurance
• Support access to learning through practical, sensory and adapted activities
• Work closely with teachers, therapists, SENCOs and support staff
• Promote independence, dignity, confidence and emotional wellbeing

Who This Role Suits

This role would be ideal for someone from a background in:

• Care work
• Residential support
• Mental health support
• Youth work
• SEN support
• Personal care
• Nursing assistance
• Support work with children or adults with additional needs

School experience is helpful, but a strong care background can be just as valuable in this type of setting.

What We re Looking For

• Experience supporting children, young people or adults with additional needs
• Confidence with personal care or willingness to support this as part of the role
• A calm, patient and nurturing approach
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Resilience and emotional maturity
• A genuine interest in supporting pupils with complex needs
• An enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply for one

Why Apply?

• Use your care skills in a rewarding education setting
• Full-time, long-term stability
• Supportive SEN team and structured environment
• Opportunity to develop specialist SEND experience
• Make a visible difference to pupils who need consistency, patience and care

All applicants will require a fully enhanced DBS and two professional references covering the last two years.