SEND Learning Support Assistant - Communication Pathway

Milk Education; Leeds; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialized education provider in Leeds is seeking a Learning Support Assistant to support children with communication and interaction needs. Candidates should have experience with SEN and be confident using visual communication. This full-time role offers competitive daily pay and opportunities for professional development within an inclusive school community.

Benefits

£101.42 - £115 per day

Ongoing professional development

Supportive and inclusive school community

Qualifications

• Calm, empathetic, and consistent approach to behaviour
• Full-time, term-time availability
• Experience with autism and communication challenges

Responsibilities

• Support pupils aged 5-16 with communication challenges
• Encourage engagement and attention through structured teaching
• Help implement sensory diets and personal sensory passports

Skills

Experience supporting children with SEN

Confidence in using visual communication

Strong teamwork and communication skills

Education

Graduates in Psychology, Criminology, Speech and Language, or Education

Job description

Are you passionate about supporting children with communication and interaction needs? We're working with a specialist SEN school in Leeds that supports children and young people across primary and secondary age groups who are on the Communication Pathway - focusing on developing communication, engagement, independence, and emotional regulation.

This role is ideal for experienced Learning Support Assistants, SEN practitioners, or graduates in Psychology, Criminology, Speech and Language, or Education who want to make a real impact in a structured, nurturing environment.

About the Communication Pathway

The Communication Pathway supports learners typically working within Curriculum Stages 1-3. The focus is on helping pupils make clear choices, express preferences, and develop both receptive and expressive language skills through engaging and meaningful learning experiences.

You will be working closely with teaching staff and therapists to help learners communicate, regulate, and grow in confidence — using approaches proven to make a difference.

What You'll Be Doing

• Supporting pupils aged 5-16 with autism, communication challenges, and sensory needs
• Using visual communication methods such as Makaton, symbols, and objects of reference
• Encouraging engagement and attention through structured teaching and consistent routines
• Supporting pupils to develop independence, emotional regulation, and social skills
• Helping implement sensory diets and personalised sensory passports
• Working collaboratively with teachers and SENCOs to track progress and celebrate achievements
• Supporting offsite learning and sensory-based activities that build life skills and confidence

Teaching and Support Approaches You'll Use

• TEACCH
• Attention Autism
• Intensive Interaction
• The Curiosity Approach
• Sensory Circuits and Sensory Integration
• Makaton and Communication Aids
• Lego Therapy and Six Bricks
• Forest School and Outdoor Learning

What We're Looking For

• Experience supporting children with SEN, communication difficulties, or autism
• Confidence in using visual communication and structured routines
• A calm, empathetic, and consistent approach to behaviour and engagement
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Full-time, term-time availability

Desirable Backgrounds

• SEN, Learning Mentor, or Behaviour Support roles
• Psychology, Speech & Language, or Education graduates
• Care, residential, or social support backgrounds

What's On Offer

• £101.42 - £115 per day (paid weekly)
• Supportive and inclusive school community
• Ongoing professional development and CPD opportunities
• A chance to genuinely improve the lives of children with complex communication needs
• Long-term, stable role with opportunities for career growth

How to Apply

If you're passionate about supporting children with communication and learning needs and want to be part of an exceptional SEN provision in Leeds, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now or contact Samuel Agbana Below.

(phone number removed)