Early Years SEN Teaching Assistant - Leeds

Are you passionate about early childhood development? Do you want to support children aged 2-5 with Autism, communication needs, and developmental delays as they begin their school journey?

A specialist setting in Leeds is looking for two nurturing and proactive Early Years SEN Teaching Assistants to join their team. These classroom-based roles offer the chance to shape foundational skills that will last a lifetime.

What You'll Be Doing

As an Early Years SEN Teaching Assistant, you'll work closely with young children with additional needs, supporting them through play-based, sensory, and communication-focused learning. Your role will include:
- Providing tailored 1:1 and small group support for children with SEND
- Encouraging early milestones in speech, movement, social interaction, and play
- Supporting learning through sensory exploration, visuals, music, and structured routines
- Promoting emotional regulation, independence, and confidence
- Using PECS, Makaton, visual schedules, and communication boards (full training provided)
- Collaborating with class teachers, therapists, and SENCOs to deliver personalised learning

Every day as an Early Years SEN Teaching Assistant is different-and filled with rewarding moments that highlight just how far a child can go with the right support.

Who We're Looking For

This role suits individuals from a variety of backgrounds, especially those who bring patience, creativity, and a passion for inclusive education. You could be:
- An experienced Early Years practitioner or Teaching Assistant
- A health, care, or childcare professional looking to move into a school setting
- A graduate in Psychology, Education, or Child Development
- Someone with lived or voluntary experience supporting children with SEND

You'll need to be:
- Calm, caring, and resilient
- Confident supporting children with communication and sensory needs
- Willing to learn and work collaboratively in a team

About the School

This specialist setting offers a nurturing Early Years environment with:
- Purpose-built classrooms and sensory zones
- Outdoor learning and play spaces
- A holistic approach focused on communication, wellbeing, and child-led progress
- A skilled, supportive team that works closely together

Working Hours
- Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 3:30pm (term time only)
- Full-time and part-time options available
- Start date: September

Why Join Sense Education?
- Competitive pay
- Free CPD, including Makaton, PECS, safeguarding and more
- Pathways into permanent roles, therapy, or teaching
- Long-term roles that make a real impact
- Supportive team and flexible working options

If you're ready to begin a rewarding journey as an Early Years SEN Teaching Assistant, helping children build the confidence and skills to thrive-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.