SEN Teaching Assistant - High Needs

Sheffield | Competitive Daily Rate (Dependent on Experience & Assignment)

Tradewind Recruitment is currently seeking dedicated, resilient and experienced High Needs SEN Teaching Assistants to work across a range of schools in Sheffield on a flexible, supply basis. This is a highly rewarding opportunity for individuals who are passionate about supporting children and young people with complex additional needs in a variety of educational settings.

This role involves working closely with pupils who present with very high levels of need, including Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, autism (ASC), communication difficulties, and those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Many of the pupils you will support may require 1:1 or small group intervention and highly personalised approaches to learning and behaviour support.

As a High Needs SEN Teaching Assistant, you will work across a variety of mainstream schools, specialist provisions and alternative settings, supporting pupils who require significant additional support to access education. You will play a key role in helping pupils to engage, regulate emotions, build confidence and make meaningful academic and social progress.

You will work closely with class teachers, SENCOs and external professionals to ensure pupils receive consistent, structured and supportive interventions tailored to their individual needs.

• Provide high-quality 1:1 and small group support for pupils with high levels of additional needs.
• Support pupils in accessing learning activities through personalised and differentiated approaches.
• Assist with behaviour regulation using calm, consistent and trauma-informed strategies.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils to encourage engagement and emotional security.
• Support pupils with communication, sensory and emotional regulation needs.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs and external agencies to implement EHCP targets.
• Adapt learning materials and approaches to meet individual pupil needs.
• Monitor and record pupil progress, feeding back to relevant staff.
• Promote inclusion, independence and positive learning experiences.
• Maintain the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection at all times.

We are looking for individuals who:

• Have experience working with children or young people with high needs SEND and/or SEMH.
• Are confident supporting pupils who may present with challenging behaviour or significant learning barriers.
• Have a calm, patient and resilient approach.
• Understand or are willing to develop knowledge of trauma-informed and inclusive practice.
• Can build strong, positive relationships with vulnerable learners.
• Have good communication and teamwork skills.
• Hold an enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or are willing to obtain one).
• Have relevant TA qualifications or experience (desirable but not essential).

• Flexible supply opportunities across a range of schools in Sheffield.
• Competitive daily rates, dependent on experience and assignment.
• Dedicated support from a specialist Tradewind Recruitment consultant.
• Access to free, accredited CPD via The National College.
• Valuable experience working in specialist and high-needs settings.
• Weekly pay and a straightforward payroll process.

Tradewind Recruitment is one of the UK's leading education recruitment agencies, trusted by schools and education professionals nationwide. We are committed to matching the right people with the right roles, ensuring both pupils and staff are fully supported to succeed.

Please send your up-to-date CV to (url removed) to apply or to find out more about this opportunity.