Teaching Assistant

New Directions; Ledston; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Regular supply work

Competitive pay rates

DBS check arranged

Job summary

New Directions Education are seeking compassionate Teaching Assistants to join our pool of support staff across Resource Provisions in Leeds, supporting learners with Speech, Language and Communication Needs.

You will work 1:1 and in small groups, using symbols, Makaton signs, and objects of reference to aid understanding. You'll collaborate with teachers and therapists to ensure inclusive learning and safety for all pupils.

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting pupils with Speech, Language and Communication Needs and/or Autism Spectrum Condition.
• Willingness to learn Makaton, picture communication, and symbol-based systems.
• Patient, empathetic and able to promote positive communication and emotional regulation.

Responsibilities

• Use symbols, Makaton signs, and objects of reference to support understanding.
• Collaborate with teachers, speech and language therapists, and families for consistent approaches.
• Promote independence, confidence, and self-expression in each learner.

Skills

SLCN support

Makaton basics

Communication

Empathy

Job description

New Directions Education are searching for compassionate Teaching Assistants to join our pool of support staff working across a range of Resource Provisions in Leeds.

This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about supporting learners with Speech, Language and Communication Needs.

As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting learners who use communication aids, including a combination of symbol, signs and spoken language to understand and communicate. Working closely with teachers and therapists, you will help to create an inclusive and accessible learning environment where every pupil can thrive and achieve their potential.

You will support pupils both 1:1 and in small groups, encouraging interaction, engagement, and independence through clear, consistent communication strategies tailored to each learner’s individual needs and EHCP.

We are looking for individuals who are:

• Experienced in supporting pupils with Speech, Language and Communication Needs and/or Autism Spectrum Condition.
• Confident in using or keen to learn Makaton, picture communication, objects of reference, and symbol-based systems.
• Patient, empathetic, and skilled in promoting positive communication and emotional regulation.
• Trained in Team-Teach or other therapeutic behaviour strategies – desirable, not essential.

Key Responsibilities:

• Use symbols, Makaton signs, and objects of reference consistently to reinforce understanding and communication.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, speech and language therapists, and families to ensure consistent approaches across settings.
• Promote independence, confidence, and self-expression in every learner.
• Prioritise the safety, and wellbeing of all learners in your care.

What New Directions Education Ltd offers:

• A dedicated and expert Account Manager
• Regular and varied supply work
• Competitive rates of pay
• Potential long-term teaching roles
• Full compliance with the Agency Workers Regulation (AWR)
• A network of branches across the UK
• Preferred supplier to more than 20 boroughs across the UK
• Respected reputation across the education and recruitment industry

We are fully committed to the protection of children and vulnerable adults. All applicants must undertake a full enhanced DBS check.

New Directions Education Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.