Learning Support Assistant - Specialist SEND School

Location: Chesterfield
Salary: £95-£120 per day (depending on experience and responsibilities)
Job Type: Full-Time, Term Time Only
Start Date: September 2026

Tradewind Recruitment are delighted to be working in partnership with a well-established and highly respected Multi-Academy Trust to recruit a dedicated Learning Support Assistant for one of their specialist SEND schools in Chesterfield.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a supportive and inclusive school, helping children and young people with complex Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) achieve their full potential. The pupils within this setting have a range of additional needs, including Autism (ASC), Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), speech and language needs, and social, emotional and communication difficulties.

We are looking for someone who is patient, compassionate and resilient, with a genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs. Every day is different, making this an incredibly rewarding role for someone who enjoys building positive relationships and helping pupils succeed both academically and personally.

As a Learning Support Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and the wider school team to provide high-quality support to pupils both inside and outside of the classroom. You will play an important role in creating a safe, engaging and nurturing learning environment, helping pupils develop confidence, independence and essential life skills.

You may support pupils on a 1:1 basis, in small groups or across the classroom, adapting your approach to meet each child's individual needs.

• Support pupils with a range of complex SEND to access learning and participate fully in school life.
• Deliver tailored interventions and learning activities under the direction of the class teacher.
• Build positive, trusting relationships that encourage confidence and emotional wellbeing.
• Support pupils with communication, social interaction and independence.
• Assist with personal care where required, ensuring dignity and respect at all times.
• Promote positive behaviour through consistent, nurturing strategies.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and other professionals to meet individual pupil needs.
• Record observations and contribute towards monitoring pupil progress.

The successful candidate will have:

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with SEND, either within education, care or a similar setting.
• A calm, patient and nurturing approach.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to remain positive and resilient in challenging situations.
• A genuine passion for helping children overcome barriers to learning.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Availability to work full-time during term time from September 2026.

Experience supporting pupils with Autism, complex learning needs, communication difficulties or behaviours that challenge would be highly advantageous but is not essential.

• Competitive daily rates of pay.
• Access to over 2,500 FREE CPD courses through The National College.
• Ongoing support from a dedicated specialist SEND consultant.
• Opportunities to work within a highly respected Multi-Academy Trust.
• Flexible payroll options.
• Long-term opportunities with the potential for permanent positions.

Our daily rates of pay are determined individually and are based on several factors, including:

• Your previous experience working with children and young people with SEND.
• The complexity of the role and responsibilities required by the school.
• Whether the role includes supporting pupils with personal care, medical needs, moving and handling or highly complex behaviours.
• Relevant qualifications, training and specialist skills.
• The budget available for the specific vacancy within the school.

Candidates with extensive experience supporting children with complex additional needs, alongside relevant qualifications and specialist training, are more likely to be considered for opportunities towards the higher end of the pay scale.

If you're a passionate Learning Support Assistant looking to make a real difference within a specialist SEND school from September 2026, we'd love to hear from you.

Please send your up-to-date CV to (url removed) for consideration.