SEN Teaching Assistant – Post-16 Provision Sense Education

Sense Education Limited; Leeds; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education organization in Leeds seeks a dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant. The role involves supporting students with Autism and learning differences, promoting independence and practical life skills. Ideal candidates are practical, patient, and motivated to help young people thrive, contributing to their future development.

Benefits

Weekly pay through Sense Education

Structured training and ongoing support

Long-term and permanent opportunities available

Qualifications

• Experience in education or care
• Understanding of managing challenging behavior calmly
• Proactive attitude towards promoting independence

Responsibilities

• Supporting students with social, emotional, and learning needs.
• Helping with life skills like travel training and budgeting.
• Assisting with work placements and vocational tasks.

Skills

Communication Skills

Patience

Adaptability

Education

Experience supporting individuals with Autism or learning difficulties

Job description

Sense Education are working with a specialist Post-16provision in Leeds that focuses on supporting young people with Autism, learning differences, and communication needs as they take the next steps toward adulthood. This setting offers an alternative to the traditional classroom: one that emphasises life skills, confidence, and employability.

We’re looking for a dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant to join the team in the Post-16 Provision—someone who can guide, support, and encourage students as they grow in independence and explore real opportunities in the community and workplace.

The Role

You’ll work closely with experienced educators, therapists, and external partners.

Your Role Will Involve

• Supporting students (1:1 and in small groups) with social, emotional, and learning needs
• Helping young people develop life skills like travel training, budgeting, and communication
• Assisting with work placements and vocational tasks
• Managing and de-escalating behaviours calmly and respectfully
• Working with teachers, therapists, and external providers to support each student’s goals
• Supporting Students to transition to adulthood, including career preparation, independent living, and further education

Whether you’re supporting someone through a placement interview, helping a young person develop a weekly shopping list, or encouraging a student to manage their daily schedule, you’ll be playing a key role in shaping their future.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone who’s practical, patient, and driven by the belief that every young person deserves a chance to thrive. Ideally, you’ll bring:

• Experience supporting individuals with Autism, learning difficulties, or mental health needs (in education, care, or personal life)
• An understanding of how to manage and de-escalate challenging behaviour calmly and respectfully
• A willingness to learn and adapt—this is a dynamic setting
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team
• A proactive attitude toward promoting independence, whether in the classroom, kitchen, or community
• Confidence in managing challenging behaviour with empathy and structure

The School

This is a specialist post-16 provision in Leeds, part of a special needs school. It is deeply focused on building independence and preparing students for adult life in practical, meaningful ways.

You’ll be part of a team that values trust, teamwork, and growth. Staff here take real pride in helping students work toward personal goals—whether that’s mastering a bus route, completing a supported internship, or preparing for a college transition.

Hours & Schedule

Schedule:Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm
Contract:Long-term, full-time or part-time available

The Benefits

• Weekly pay through Sense Education
• Structured training and ongoing support
• Enhance your career in education, youth work, or psychology
• Long-term and permanent opportunities available

Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do, and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such, we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education, you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.

If you’re calm, committed, and ready to help young people take meaningful steps toward their future—we’d love to hear from you.

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