Complex Needs Teaching Assistant – Specialist School

Location: Derby
Contract: Full Time and Part Time Available
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

About the School

Monarch Education are working with a specialist school in Derby that supports children and young people with a range of complex additional needs. The school provides a safe, structured and nurturing environment where pupils receive tailored support to help them overcome barriers to learning, develop communication skills and build independence.

The school supports pupils with complex learning needs, communication and interaction difficulties, cognition and learning needs, sensory and physical needs, and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.

About the Role

Monarch Education is recruiting a compassionate and dedicated Complex Needs Teaching Assistant to support pupils within a specialist educational setting in Derby.

This rewarding role involves working closely with children and young people who may have complex learning difficulties, communication needs, autism, sensory needs and associated behavioural challenges. You will provide both 1:1 and small group support, helping pupils access learning, develop independence and achieve positive outcomes both inside and outside the classroom.

You will work alongside teachers, therapists and wider professionals to provide personalised support that meets each pupil’s individual needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with complex SEND needs.
• Support pupils to access learning activities and engage in the classroom.
• Assist with communication, social interaction and independence skills.
• Support sensory regulation and emotional wellbeing throughout the school day.
• Adapt activities and resources to meet individual learning needs.
• Promote positive behaviour and build strong, trusting relationships.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and support staff.
• Encourage confidence, resilience and participation in school life.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive and nurturing learning environment.
• Support pupils with personal care where required.

Essential Requirements

• Experience working with children or young people with SEND or complex needs.
• A patient, nurturing and resilient approach.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Ability to build positive relationships with pupils and staff.
• Confidence supporting pupils with varying communication and learning needs.
• Flexibility to meet the individual needs of pupils.
• Right to work in the UK.

Desirable Experience

• Experience supporting pupils with Autism (ASC), PMLD, SLD or complex needs.
• Previous experience in a specialist school or SEND setting.
• Knowledge of communication strategies such as PECS, Makaton or visual supports.
• Experience supporting sensory regulation and emotional wellbeing.
• Personal care experience.
• Team Teach or other positive behaviour management training.

Benefits of Working with Monarch Education

• GLA Approved Supplier
• Access to high-quality CPD through our Affinity Academy
• Free Safeguarding Training
• Refer-a-friend scheme with a £200 bonus
• Online portal to manage timesheets and pay
• Ongoing support from a dedicated education consultant
• Opportunities to secure permanent positions

Important Information

All pay rates quoted are inclusive of rolled-up holiday pay.

Monarch Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory references, an Enhanced DBS check and Right to Work verification.

This vacancy is based in the United Kingdom and applicants must currently reside in the UK and have the right to work in the UK.

If you are passionate about supporting children and young people with complex additional needs and want to make a genuine difference every day, apply now to join a dedicated specialist school in Derby.