Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Contract Type: Flexible / Ad Hoc / Supply
Start Date: September 2026
Are you an empathetic and dedicated teaching assistant committed to helping children with complex learning needs reach their full potential? Do you possess the energy, patience, and creativity needed to make a positive impact in an inclusive specialist environment? Are you looking for flexible, day-to-day work starting this September that fits around your personal routine?
If so, Randstad Education wants to hear from you. We are currently recruiting adaptable SEN Teaching Assistants for flexible, day-to-day cover within a world-class, purpose-built specialist provision based in the Leeds area.
About the School
They are an outstanding, state-of-the-art SEN school catering to pupils aged 2 to 19 with a wide spectrum of complex needs, including severe learning difficulties (SLD), profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), autism spectrum conditions (ASC), and social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. They pride themselves on providing a vibrant, highly supportive, and multi-sensory environment equipped with specialist hydrotherapy, immersive light rooms, and tailored outdoor spaces. By working collaboratively with therapists, families, and specialist educators, they ensure every young person experiences a rich, individualised curriculum designed to develop independence, communication, and confidence.
Role and Responsibilities
In this flexible cover role, you will step in on an ad hoc basis to support class teachers and permanent support teams across various age groups and learning levels. Your key duties will include:
- 1:1 and Small Group Engagement: Assisting pupils with tailored learning activities aligned with their individual Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) objectives.
- Communication & Mobility: Utilising specialist communication methods-such as PECS, Makaton, and visual schedules-to support non-verbal and pre-verbal learners, while assisting with physical mobility routines where appropriate.
- Sensory & Emotional Regulation: Guiding pupils through sensory movement breaks, quiet-space routines, and positive de-escalation strategies during moments of anxiety or overwhelm.
- Classroom Collaboration: Working alongside lead teachers, healthcare professionals, and therapists to maintain a safe, structured, and consistent learning environment.
- Promoting Independence: Encouraging pupil autonomy during learning tasks, social mealtimes, and transition periods throughout the school day.
Skills Required
- The confidence to step seamlessly into different classroom setups and support diverse pupil profiles on a day-to-day basis.
- Prior experience supporting children or young adults with SLD, PMLD, autism, or complex needs within an education, care, or therapy setting.
- Practical familiarity with visual timetables, symbol support systems, or basic Makaton.
- A calm, patient, and resilient demeanor, with a deep understanding of behaviour as a form of communication.
Essential Requirements
- Previous experience supporting children or young people with special educational needs (SEN) within the UK.
- Full eligibility to work in the UK (please note, visa sponsorship is not available for this role).
- An Enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service, or a willingness to undergo a new check via Randstad.
Why Choose Randstad?
When you partner with Randstad Education, you are supported by a global recruitment leader with a deeply personal, local approach. Benefits include:
- Free access to accredited professional development, including Team Teach positive behaviour support training.
- Earn £300 in Love2shop vouchers for every person you successfully refer to us (T&Cs apply).
How to Apply
Click Apply Now directly to submit your application, or contact the SEN Team for any further questions:
📧 Email: kirsty.booth@randstad.co.uk
📞 Call: 0113 246 2500
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