Teaching Assistant (SEN)

New Directions Holdings Limited; Leeds; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

New Directions Education in Leeds is recruiting motivated Learning Support Assistants to help learners aged 16-19 with SEN. You will work in classrooms and in community settings, supporting independence and employability while promoting confidence.

You will collaborate with tutors and therapists, implement tailored plans, monitor progress, and contribute to reviews. DBS check required or willingness to obtain one; travel within Leeds area is expected.

Qualifications

• Experience or interest in working with young people.
• Willingness to undertake safeguarding training.
• Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to apply).
• Ability to travel within the Leeds area for community-based sessions.
• Previous experience supporting young people with SEN is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Support learners with a range of additional needs including autism, learning difficulties, and SEMH needs.
• Encourage independence through practical life-skills sessions and community-based learning.
• Support learners during work experience placements and vocational activities.
• Implement individual education and support plans in collaboration with tutors and therapists.
• Promote positive behaviour, engagement, and wellbeing through person-centred support.
• Record progress and contribute to reviews and target setting.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment at all times.

Skills

Empathetic patient resilient

Engaging creative

Flexible adaptable

Team player communication

Job description

New Directions Education is recruiting motivated, engaging, and compassionate Learning Support Assistants to join a Leeds based Post-16 Provision supporting young people aged 16-19 with a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference, supporting learners both in the classroom and out in the community as they develop vital life and work skills that promote confidence, independence, and employability.

You will be part of a supportive and dynamic team dedicated to helping young people achieve their personal and educational goals in an inclusive and empowering environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support learners with a range of additional needs including autism, learning difficulties, and social, emotional, and mental health needs.
• Encourage independence through practical life-skills sessions and community-based learning.
• Support learners during work experience placements and vocational activities.
• Implement individual education and support plans in collaboration with tutors and therapists.
• Promote positive behaviour, engagement, and wellbeing through person-centred support.
• Record progress and contribute to reviews and target setting.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment at all times.

We want to hear from you, if you are:

• Empathetic, patient, and resilient with a genuine passion for supporting young people.
• Engaging and creative, able to motivate and connect with learners in varied settings.
• Flexible and adaptable, comfortable supporting both in the classroom and community.
• A team player who communicates effectively with staff, parents, and external partners.

Previous experience supporting young people with SEN is desirable but not essential, we value the right attitude, enthusiasm, transferable skill set and commitment to inclusion.

Requirements

• Experience or interest in working with young people.
• A willingness to undertake any necessary training (including safeguarding).
• Ability to travel within the Leeds area for community-based sessions.
• Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to apply).

All roles are subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check.