Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 3:00pm
Contract: Long-term with potential for permanent placement
Location: Sunderland
If you’re someone who finds the small wins just as rewarding as the big ones, this could be the role for you.
We’re working with a specialist SEN school in Sunderland that supports young people aged 11–19, including a dedicated sixth form provision. The setting focuses on pupils with autism (ASD) and complex learning difficulties, alongside communication and interaction needs.
This is a setting built around understanding each individual, not trying to fit them into a one-size approach.
What the role looks like day to day:
You’ll be part of a close-knit team supporting students across secondary and post-16 phases. The school operates across two sites, so flexibility and a team mindset go a long way.
- Supporting students 1:1 and in small groups
- Helping learners access a personalised, EHCP-led curriculum
- Working with pupils who may need support with communication, routine, and emotional regulation
- Encouraging independence, life skills, and confidence as students prepare for adulthood
- Supporting structured, calm classroom environments where students feel safe and understood
This is a hands-on role where relationship-building is just as important as academic support.
About the setting:
This specialist provision is designed for students working below age-related expectations, with a strong focus on:
- Autism and communication needs
- Developing independence and life skills
- Preparing young people for life beyond education
- A curriculum built around well-being, relationships, and personal progress
Staff here don’t just teach, they guide, support, and celebrate every step forward, no matter how small.
What we’re looking for:
We’re open to both Level 2 and Level 3 Teaching Assistants, as well as strong unqualified candidates with relevant experience.
- Experience working with SEN, autism, or complex needs
- A calm, patient, and consistent approach
- Confidence working with students who may need structure, routine, and reassurance
- A genuine interest in helping young people develop independence
If you’ve worked in care, support work, youth work, or similar settings, that experience is just as valuable.
Why this role stands out:
- A well-established specialist school with a clear focus on student outcomes and independence
- Supportive leadership and a collaborative team environment
- Opportunities to develop your SEN skillset in a specialist setting
- A real opportunity to become a permanent member of staff
This is the kind of role where you’ll see the impact of your work every single day.
What you’ll get:
- Weekly PAYE pay, no umbrella companies
- Free access to ongoing CPD, including SEN and behaviour training
- Support from a dedicated consultant who understands SEND settings
- Opportunities across similar roles if you’re looking to progress
If you’re looking for a role where you’re genuinely valued, where relationships come first, and where your work has a lasting impact, this could be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
Before you apply, quick one, are you Thrive trained? If not, we can get you access to our free training, it’s a great way to strengthen your profile in specialist settings like this.