SEN Teaching Assistant - High Needs Specialist Provision
Full-time Long-term to permanent opportunity Term-time only
Pay: 110 - 120 per day (depending on experience)
Location: Bristol

About Us
At Tradewind Recruitment, we work with inspiring schools across the Southwest who share one goal - to transform the lives of children and young people with additional needs.

We're currently supporting a specialist education provision in Bristol that provides a highly individualised environment for pupils with severe and profound learning difficulties, autism and complex communication needs. Many pupils also have sensory processing differences and may display behaviours that challenge, often as a way of expressing anxiety, frustration or difficulty with communication.

Every child here has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and is supported to develop communication, independence and emotional regulation in a calm, structured setting.

The Role
We're looking for a patient, caring and resilient SEN Teaching Assistant to join a skilled team supporting pupils aged 11-19.
Each pupil follows a personalised timetable focused on communication, sensory learning, independence and emotional regulation - often in a 1:1, 2:1 or very small group setting.

You'll be:

• Supporting pupils with autism, complex learning needs and challenging behaviour
• Using strategies such as Makaton, PECS, TEACCH and sensory regulation activities
• Helping pupils to manage transitions, regulate emotions and access learning in their own way
• Working closely with teachers, therapists and behaviour specialists to ensure consistency and progress

This role requires emotional resilience, empathy and the ability to stay calm and positive, even during challenging moments.

The Pupils You'll Support
Children and young people in this setting may:

• Be non-verbal or use alternative communication methods
• Experience heightened anxiety in new or unpredictable situations
• Have sensory sensitivities (e.g. to noise, light or touch)
• Display physical or verbal behaviours when overwhelmed or unable to communicate needs
• Need predictable routines and clear boundaries to feel safe and supported

With the right support and consistency, these pupils make remarkable progress building trust, engagement, and independence every day.

What You'll Need

• Experience working with children or young people with additional needs (school, residential or care background welcome)
• A calm, consistent approach and genuine compassion for neurodiverse learners
• Willingness to use positive behaviour strategies and learn new techniques
• Resilient, child centred nature
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply for one)

What's in It for You

• A long-term opportunity with potential to go permanent
• Full support from Tradewind's specialist SEN team
• Ongoing CPD including Team Teach, Autism Awareness, De-escalation and Safeguarding
• A chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of exceptional young people

Why Join Tradewind?
At Tradewind, we don't just place candidates - we champion them. Here's what you can expect:

• Your income matters: We'll always secure the best rate for your skills
• Your development matters: 2,500+ FREE CPD courses via The National College
• Your flexibility matters: Roles that fit your lifestyle and goals
• Your wellbeing matters: Sunday Times Top 100 Employer four years running
• Your values matter: We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and truly inclusive

If you're motivated by the idea of helping children who learn differently, and you thrive in a setting where no two days are the same - we'd love to hear from you.