sen teaching assistant

SEN Teaching Assistant (Ad Hoc / Day-to-Day)

Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire

Contract Type: Flexible / Ad Hoc / Supply

Start Date: September 2026

Are you a patient and dedicated individual who thrives on supporting children with complex special educational needs? Do you excel at building quick, trusting relationships that empower young learners to overcome daily challenges? Are you seeking flexible, ad hoc supply work starting this September that offers total control over your working schedule?

If so, Randstad Education wants to hear from you. We are currently recruiting proactive SEN Teaching Assistants for flexible, day-to-day cover within a highly regarded specialist school provision based in Leeds.

About the School

They are a supportive, nurturing specialist provision catering to pupils with a broad range of complex needs, including severe learning difficulties (SLD), profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), autism spectrum conditions (ASC), and associated physical or communication challenges. They pride themselves on a person-centred, multi-sensory curriculum designed to foster independence, communication, and self-confidence. With state-of-the-art specialist facilities, low pupil-to-staff ratios, and an experienced multidisciplinary team, they provide a safe, inclusive environment where every pupil's achievements are celebrated.

Role and Responsibilities

In this flexible cover role, you will step in on a day-to-day basis to support class teachers and permanent support staff across various age groups and learning levels. Your key duties will include:

• Assisting pupils with complex learning or physical needs during class activities, adapting approaches to suit individual Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) targets.
• Utilising specialist communication tools (such as PECS, Makaton, or communication boards) and assisting with physical mobility routines where appropriate.
• Supporting pupils through sensory integration activities, movement breaks, and quiet-space routines to help them manage sensory overload.
• Working seamlessly alongside lead teachers, healthcare professionals, and fellow support staff to ensure a consistent, safe classroom routine.
• Encouraging pupil autonomy during learning tasks, social mealtimes, and transition periods throughout the school day.

Skills Required

• A calm, resilient, and proactive attitude with the ability to adjust quickly to different classroom setups.
• Previous experience supporting children or young adults with SLD, PMLD, autism, or complex needs in an educational, care, or therapy setting.
• Practical familiarity with alternative communication systems such as Makaton, PECS, or visual timetables.
• Confidence in managing personal care, mobility support, or sensory regulation with a gentle, dignified approach.

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:

• Complete freedom to select the days you work to balance with your lifestyle.
• Free access to accredited professional development, including Team Teach positive behaviour support training.
• Referral Scheme: 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: View email address on randstad.co.uk

Call: View phone number on randstad.co.uk