SEN Teaching & Support Staff - Specialist Schools & SEN Units (Mainstream & Specialist Settings)
Leicester & Leicestershire
Full-Time | Long-Term | Permanent Opportunities Available
Immediate Start & September 2026 Roles

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and young people with additional needs?

We are currently recruiting experienced SEN professionals to work across a range of specialist SEN schools, resource bases, and SEN units within mainstream primary and secondary schools across Leicester and Leicestershire.

These settings support some of the most vulnerable learners, and we are looking for candidates with proven, hands-on experience supporting a range of complex needs.

The Role

You will be working with children and young people who present with a wide spectrum of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including:

Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)

• Supporting pupils with communication differences, sensory needs, and social interaction challenges
• Using structured routines, visual timetables, PECS, Makaton, and personalised strategies
• Creating calm, predictable environments to reduce anxiety and support engagement

Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) Needs

• Supporting pupils who may display challenging behaviour linked to trauma, anxiety, or emotional regulation difficulties
• Using de-escalation strategies, restorative approaches, and trauma-informed practice
• Building trusting relationships to support emotional development and resilience

Behavioural Needs

• Working with pupils who may present with disruptive, dysregulated, or aggressive behaviours
• Implementing consistent behaviour management strategies and individual behaviour plans
• Supporting reintegration into learning and promoting positive behaviour change

Complex & Additional Needs

• Supporting pupils with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN)
• Working with children with hearing impairments or sensory processing difficulties
• Supporting pupils with moderate to severe learning difficulties (MLD/SLD)
• Delivering highly differentiated or personalised learning approaches

School Settings You May Work In

We are recruiting for a variety of specialist environments, including:

Specialist SEN Schools

• Highly structured environments supporting complex and profound needs
• Small class sizes with high staffing ratios
• Multi-disciplinary teams including therapists, SENCOs, and behaviour specialists

SEN Units Within Mainstream Schools

• Integrated provision within mainstream settings
• Supporting pupils who require targeted intervention while accessing mainstream education
• Working closely with class teachers to adapt curriculum delivery

Mainstream Schools with High SEND Needs

• Inclusive classrooms with significant SEN populations
• Differentiated teaching and 1:1 or small group intervention support

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking strong, experienced candidates who can demonstrate:

• Proven experience working with children or young people with SEN (school, care, youth work, or specialist settings)
• Confidence supporting vulnerable learners with complex needs
• Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures
• Ability to build trusting, consistent relationships with pupils
• Resilience, patience, and emotional intelligence

Ideal Candidates May Include

• SEN Teaching Assistants / Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA)
• Behaviour Mentors or Pastoral Support Workers
• Youth Workers or Residential Care Workers
• Teaching Staff with SEN specialism (QTS desirable but not essential for support roles)
• Candidates from education, care, or therapeutic backgrounds

What We Offer

• Long-term and permanent SEN opportunities available
• Roles across specialist schools and mainstream SEN provisions
• Immediate starts and September 2026 positions
• Competitive rates of pay (PAYE available)
• Dedicated SEN consultant support
• Opportunities for training and professional development