Job Description

Early Years SEN Teaching Assistant - Leeds

Are you experienced in Early Years or passionate about supporting young children with additional needs?

Sense Education

is seeking a

compassionate and proactive Early Years Teaching Assistant

to support children in their formative years--especially those with Autism, communication needs, and developmental delays.

The Role:

As an EYFS Teaching Assistant, you'll play a vital role in helping children aged 2-5 with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) to thrive in a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment.

Your role will include:

Providing 1:1 and small group support for children with additional needs Encouraging key developmental milestones in

speech, play, movement, and social skills

Supporting learning through play, sensory exploration, music, and visual aids Promoting emotional regulation and consistent routines Using tools such as

PECS, Makaton, communication boards

, or visual schedules (training provided) Assisting with

personal care

, where appropriate, always with dignity and compassion Collaborating closely with teachers, SENCOs, and therapists to deliver tailored support
This is a

hands-on, fulfilling role

where you'll help build the foundations of lifelong learning and confidence.

Who We're Looking For:

We welcome candidates from a variety of backgrounds. You might be:

An experienced Early Years practitioner or Teaching Assistant A childcare or health & social care professional seeking a school-based role A recent graduate in Psychology, Education, or Child Development A nurturing individual with personal or voluntary experience in SEND

Key qualities:

Patient, emotionally resilient, and genuinely caring Passionate about inclusive education and early childhood development Comfortable supporting communication, behaviour, and sensory needs Reliable, collaborative, and eager to learn
No formal qualifications are required--

your attitude, empathy, and enthusiasm matter most.

About the School

Based in Leeds, this inclusive specialist school offers:

Purpose-built classrooms and sensory spaces Outdoor learning areas and therapy rooms A dedicated, welcoming team who value every child's unique path

The school offers:

Purpose-built early years classrooms with

sensory play spaces and outdoor learning areas

A highly skilled and supportive team Child-led, holistic learning tailored to individual needs A strong ethos of collaboration, care, and communication

Hours & Schedule:

Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm (term time only)

Contract:

Long-term; full-time and part-time options available

Why Join Sense Education?

Access to free CPD and training, including

Makaton, PECS, and safeguarding

Long-term or permanent opportunities Clear career pathways into teaching, therapy, or early years education Flexible working arrangements to suit your lifestyle
If you're ready to help shape bright futures and grow your own career in early years education -- we'd love to hear from you.

Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temp to perm

Pay: 90.00-105.00 per day

Benefits:

Company pension Free parking On-site parking Referral programme
Schedule:

Monday to Friday No weekends
Work Location: In person