SEN Teaching Assistant

SEN Teaching & Support Staff - Specialist Schools & SEN Units (Mainstream & Specialist Settings) Leicester & Leicestershire Full-Time | Long-Term | Permanent Opportunities Available Immediate Start & September 2026 Roles

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and young people with additional needs?

We are currently recruiting experienced SEN professionals to work across a range of specialist SEN schools, resource bases, and SEN units within mainstream primary and secondary schools across Leicester and Leicestershire.

These settings support some of the most vulnerable learners, and we are looking for candidates with proven, hands-on experience supporting a range of complex needs .

The Role
You will be working with children and young people who present with a wide spectrum of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including:

Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)

Supporting pupils with communication differences, sensory needs, and social interaction challenges
Using structured routines, visual timetables, PECS, Makaton, and personalised strategies
Creating calm, predictable environments to reduce anxiety and support engagement

Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) Needs

Supporting pupils who may display challenging behaviour linked to trauma, anxiety, or emotional regulation difficulties
Using de-escalation strategies, restorative approaches, and trauma-informed practice
Building trusting relationships to support emotional development and resilience

Behavioural Needs

Working with pupils who may present with disruptive, dysregulated, or aggressive behaviours
Implementing consistent behaviour management strategies and individual behaviour plans
Supporting reintegration into learning and promoting positive behaviour change

Complex & Additional Needs

Supporting pupils with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN)
Working with children with hearing impairments or sensory processing difficulties
Supporting pupils with moderate to severe learning difficulties (MLD/SLD)
Delivering highly differentiated or personalised learning approaches

School Settings You May Work In
We are recruiting for a variety of specialist environments, including:

Specialist SEN Schools

Highly structured environments supporting complex and profound needs
Small class sizes with high staffing ratios
Multi-disciplinary teams including therapists, SENCOs, and behaviour specialists

SEN Units Within Mainstream Schools

Integrated provision within mainstream settings
Supporting pupils who require targeted intervention while accessing mainstream education
Working closely with class teachers to adapt curriculum delivery

Mainstream Schools with High SEND Needs

Inclusive classrooms with significant SEN populations
Differentiated teaching and 1:1 or small group intervention support

Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking strong, experienced candidates who can demonstrate:

Proven experience working with children or young people with SEN (school, care, youth work, or specialist settings)
Confidence supporting vulnerable learners with complex needs
Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills
Understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures
Ability to build trusting, consistent relationships with pupils
Resilience, patience, and emotional intelligence

Ideal Candidates May Include

SEN Teaching Assistants / Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA)
Behaviour Mentors or Pastoral Support Workers
Youth Workers or Residential Care Workers
Teaching Staff with SEN specialism (QTS desirable but not essential for support roles)
Candidates from education, care, or therapeutic backgrounds

What We Offer

Long-term and permanent SEN opportunities available
Roles across specialist schools and mainstream SEN provisions
Immediate starts and September 2026 positions
Competitive rates of pay (PAYE available)
Dedicated SEN consultant support
Opportunities for training and professional development
Clear pathways into permanent school roles

Why This Role Matters
This is not just a job-it is a chance to have a meaningful impact on the lives of children who require consistency, understanding, and specialist support to thrive.

Every day brings the opportunity to support emotional development, build confidence, and help pupils access learning in a way that works for them.

Apply Now
If you have solid SEN experience and are ready to work in rewarding, challenging and highly impactful environments, we want to hear from you.

Immediate and September opportunities are available - apply today to secure your place in specialist education settings across Leicester and Leicestershire.