Specialist SEND Learning Support Assistant

Connex Education; West of England; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Flexible supply work

Short/long-term placements

Temp-to-perm opportunities

Weekly PAYE payments

SEND Toolkit access

Training opportunities

Dedicated SEND consultant

Ongoing support

Diverse school settings

Job summary

Connex Education Partnership is seeking a Specialist SEND Learning Support Assistant to work across specialist schools in South Gloucestershire. The role offers flexible day-to-day supply, short- and long-term placements, and temp-to-perm opportunities with PAYE pay rates of £95–£110 per day.

September 2026 start. You will support pupils with a range of complex needs, collaborating with teachers and therapists to deliver an inclusive curriculum and develop communication, independence and social

Qualifications

• Experience supporting pupils with SEND in school or care settings.
• Ability to adapt to 1:1 and small-group support.
• Comfort working across multiple sites in South Gloucestershire.
• Knowledge of ASC, SEMH, SLD, and other needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1, small-group and classroom-based support.
• Support pupils to access an individualised curriculum.
• Encourage communication, independence and life skills.
• Assist with sensory and therapeutic activities.
• Support personal care when required.
• Work with teachers and therapists to follow plans.
• Help create a safe, inclusive learning environment.

Skills

1:1 support

Small-group support

Curriculum access

Behaviour support

Communication

Sensory needs

Personal care

Emotional regulation

Job description

Specialist SEND Learning Support Assistant

Location: South Gloucestershire
Pay: £95 – £110 per day PAYE
Job Type: Flexible Supply, Temporary, Long-Term & Temp-to-Perm Opportunities
Start Date: September 2026

Connex Education Partnership is looking for passionate and dedicated Specialist SEND Learning Support Assistants to work across specialist schools and SEND settings in South Gloucestershire and the surrounding areas.

This is a fantastic opportunity for experienced Learning Support Assistants, Teaching Assistants and SEND professionals looking to support children and young people with additional needs within specialist educational environments. We offer flexible day-to-day supply, short- and long-term placements, as well as temp-to-perm opportunities, allowing you to find a role that suits your experience, availability and career goals.

The Role

As a Specialist SEND Learning Support Assistant, you will work alongside teachers and specialist staff to provide high-quality support to pupils with a range of complex and additional needs.

Depending on the setting and your experience, you could support pupils with:

• Autism and ASC
• SEMH and emotional regulation needs
• SLD and PMLD
• Complex learning needs
• Communication and interaction difficulties
• Sensory needs
• Physical and medical needs
• Challenging behaviour
• Multiple and complex disabilities

Your responsibilities may include:

• Providing 1:1, small-group and classroom-based support
• Helping pupils access an individualised curriculum
• Encouraging communication, independence and life skills
• Supporting positive behaviour and emotional regulation
• Assisting with sensory and therapeutic activities
• Supporting personal care where required
• Helping pupils develop social and practical skills
• Working closely with teachers, therapists and other specialist staff
• Following individual education, care and support plans
• Creating a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment

Who Are We Looking For?

We are particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with children or young people with SEND, including:

• Specialist school experience
• Learning Support Assistant or Teaching Assistant experience
• PMLD / SLD
• ASC / Autism
• SEMH
• Complex needs
• Communication needs
• Sensory needs
• Physical or medical needs
• Behaviour support
• Care or support work
• Therapy or intervention-based settings

Team-Teach or other positive behaviour training is also welcomed.

Experience within a specialist setting is highly desirable, although we are also happy to speak with candidates from relevant care, support, youth work, prison/young offender and education backgrounds.

Why Work With Connex Education Partnership?

• Competitive daily PAYE rates
• Flexible specialist SEND supply work
• Day-to-day, short-term and long-term placements
• Temp-to-perm opportunities
• Weekly PAYE payments – no umbrella companies
• Access to our SEND Toolkit and professional development resources
• Funded formal qualifications and training opportunities
• Dedicated SEND specialist consultant
• Ongoing support throughout your assignments
• Opportunities across a range of specialist schools and SEND settings

If you’re passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs and would like to work within specialist educational settings in South Gloucestershire, we’d love to hear from you.

Connex Education Partnership is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants.

Connex Education Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and candidates to share this commitment. We adhere to Safer Recruitment practices in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, and other relevant legislation. All appointments are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check.