Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant - Leeds Specialist School

Transform lives and launch your SEN career in a truly meaningful role

Are you a recent graduate with a 2:1 or higher degree, passionate about championing young people with Special Educational Needs?

Do you want to develop expertise working with pupils who have diverse learning, social, emotional, and mental health needs?

Are you ready to make a profound impact helping students overcome barriers and unlock their potential in a specialist, nurturing environment?

A highly-regarded specialist school in Leeds is seeking a dedicated Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant to join their expert team from September 2025. This exceptional opportunity offers comprehensive SEN training while enabling you to make a genuine, lasting difference to pupils' educational journeys and life outcomes.

Start your specialist SEN career journey – Apply Now!

Your Impact as a Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant:

As our Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant, you'll work with students aged 11-16 who have a range of additional needs, including autism spectrum conditions, ADHD, SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) needs, and moderate learning difficulties. Your role will involve:

• Individualized support delivery - Providing tailored 1:1 interventions to help pupils access the curriculum and develop independent learning skills
• Small group facilitation - Leading targeted sessions focused on social skills, emotional regulation, and academic progress
• Collaborative curriculum support - Working alongside specialist teachers and therapists to implement personalized learning plans
• Behavioral support strategies - Using evidence-based approaches to support positive behavior and emotional wellbeing
• Progress monitoring - Contributing to detailed assessment records and celebrating student achievements
• Family liaison - Building positive relationships with parents and carers to support holistic student development

What Makes This Opportunity Exceptional:

Competitive Package:

• Up to £560 per week (£29,120 annually)
• Full-time stability with Monday-Friday schedule
• School holiday benefits aligned with term times
• Potential for salary progression with experience and additional qualifications

Comprehensive SEN Training:

• Extensive induction program covering autism, ADHD, and SEMH support strategies
• Access to specialist SEN training courses and workshops
• Mentorship from experienced SEN professionals and educational psychologists
• Makaton and communication support training opportunities
• Positive behavior support and de-escalation techniques certification

Career Development:

• Direct pathways to Educational Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy, or SEN Teaching careers
• Strong university partnerships for postgraduate study applications
• Professional references from SEN specialists to strengthen career applications
• Experience across diverse SEN conditions and age ranges
• Leadership opportunities including peer mentoring and student council support

Supportive Environment:

• Work in a collaborative, well-resourced Leeds specialist school
• Small class sizes enabling meaningful relationships with students
• Access to specialist facilities including sensory rooms and therapy spaces
• Strong staff wellbeing support and regular supervision
• Multi-disciplinary team including occupational therapists, speech therapists, and counselors

Ideal Candidate Profile:

Essential Requirements:

• 2:1+ degree in any subject (Psychology, Education, Social Work, Health Sciences particularly valued)
• Exceptional patience and empathy - understanding that progress may be gradual but deeply meaningful
• Outstanding communication skills with young people, families, and professional colleagues
• Emotional resilience and ability to remain calm in challenging situations
• Right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship not available)

Highly Desirable Experience:

• Previous work with SEN, autism, or ADHD populations (professional, voluntary, or personal)
• Youth work, mentoring, or support worker experience
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice and its impact on learning
• Experience with behavior management techniques
• First Aid and safeguarding training (or willingness to obtain)

Ready to Begin Your SEN Specialism?

Join our dedicated team of professionals who believe every young person, regardless of their additional needs, deserves exceptional support to reach their potential. This Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant role combines professional development with genuine purpose in one of Leeds' most respected specialist schools.

Your SEN career starts here – Apply today!

Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant – Leeds Specialist School – Up to £560 per week

Start Date: September 2025 | Application Deadline: Rolling basis - early application encouraged

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