Job Description

Early Years SEN Teaching Assistant - Leeds

Start September - Full-Time or Part-Time Options Available

Are you passionate about giving young children the best start in life?
Do you want to make a difference for children with Autism, communication needs, and developmental delays?

Sense Education is looking for two compassionate and proactive Early Years SEN Teaching Assistants to join a specialist school in Leeds this September. This is an opportunity to shape the earliest stages of learning for children aged 2-5, helping them build the skills and confidence they'll carry for life.

The Role

As an Early Years SEN TA, you'll play a hands-on role in creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where every child can thrive.

Your responsibilities will include:

Providing 1:1 and small group support for children with SEND Encouraging early milestones in speech, play, movement, and social interaction Supporting learning through play, sensory exploration, music, and visuals Promoting emotional regulation and positive routines Using tools such as PECS, Makaton, visual schedules, and communication boards (training provided) Working closely with teachers, SENCOs, and therapists to tailor support to each child
Every day will bring fresh challenges--and rewarding moments where you see children achieve real progress.

Who We're Looking For

This role is open to people from a wide range of backgrounds. You might be:

An experienced Early Years practitioner or Teaching Assistant A childcare or health & social care professional looking for a school-based role A recent graduate in Psychology, Education, or Child Development Someone with personal or voluntary experience of SEND, motivated to make a difference

Key qualities:

Patient, resilient, and nurturing Passionate about inclusive education and child development Confident in supporting communication, behaviour, and sensory needs A team player who's open to learning

About the School

This inclusive specialist school in Leeds offers:

Purpose-built Early Years classrooms with sensory play areas and outdoor learning spaces A skilled, supportive staff team who work collaboratively A holistic, child-led approach that focuses on communication, confidence, and wellbeing

Hours & Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm (term time only) Full-time and part-time roles available September start

Why Join Sense Education?

Free CPD & training (Makaton, PECS, safeguarding, and more) Clear career pathways into teaching, therapy, or early years education Long-term or permanent opportunities Flexible working arrangements to suit your lifestyle Weekly pay & ongoing support
If you're ready to make a real difference in children's earliest years--and grow your own career in a supportive school--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
Work Location: In person