Sports Coach - Transition into SEND Education (TA / CS)

Sports Coach - Transition into SEND Education (Teaching Assistant / Cover Supervisor)

Location: Sheffield

Salary: £95-£120 per day (depending on experience and responsibilities)

Job Type: Full-Time, Term Time Only

Start Date: September 2026

Are you a Sports Coach, PE Coach or Youth Coach looking for a rewarding new career where you can make a lasting difference to the lives of young people? Tradewind Recruitment is working in partnership with a well-established and highly respected Multi-Academy Trust to recruit enthusiastic and motivated Sports Coaches to work within their specialist SEND schools across Sheffield from September 2026. Whether you're looking to become a Teaching Assistant or gain experience as a Cover Supervisor, your coaching background could be the perfect foundation for a successful career in Special Educational Needs (SEND).

Why Sports Coaches Excel in SEND

The skills you've developed through coaching are highly transferable into specialist education. Your ability to motivate, build relationships, manage behaviour positively and encourage teamwork can have a life-changing impact on children with additional needs. Many of the pupils you'll support thrive through movement, routine and positive role models, making sports coaches an excellent fit for these specialist settings.

The Role

Working as a Teaching Assistant or Cover Supervisor, you will support children and young people with a range of additional needs, including Autism (ASC), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) and communication difficulties. No two days are the same. You will help pupils access learning, develop social skills, build confidence and celebrate achievements-both inside and outside the classroom. You may work with pupils on a 1:1 basis, in small intervention groups or support the wider classroom alongside experienced teachers.

Key Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEND throughout the school day.
• Build positive, trusting relationships that encourage confidence and engagement.
• Use your coaching skills to motivate pupils and promote positive behaviour.
• Support classroom learning and practical activities across a variety of subjects.
• Lead small group activities and intervention sessions when appropriate.
• Encourage teamwork, communication and independence.
• Assist with breaktimes, educational visits and enrichment activities.
• Work closely with teachers and the wider school team to provide the best possible outcomes for pupils.

About You

We would love to hear from candidates who have experience as:

• Sports Coach
• Football Coach
• Rugby Coach
• Cricket Coach
• Multi-Sports Coach
• PE Coach
• Gymnastics Coach
• Martial Arts Instructor
• Swimming Teacher
• Dance Coach
• Youth Worker
• Community Coach

You'll also have:

• A positive, energetic and resilient attitude.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A genuine passion for supporting children and young people.
• The ability to remain calm and adaptable in different situations.
• A willingness to learn and develop within SEND education.
• Availability to work full-time during term time from September 2026.
• Previous school experience is welcomed but not essential. If you have experience coaching children or young people, we would love to hear from you.

Why Work Through Tradewind Recruitment?

Competitive daily rates of pay.

• Access to over 2,500 FREE CPD courses through The National College.
• Ongoing support from a dedicated specialist SEND consultant.
• Opportunities to work within a highly respected Multi-Academy Trust.
• Flexible payroll options.
• Long-term positions with the opportunity to secure permanent employment.
• A rewarding career where you can make a genuine difference every day.

Salary Information (£95-£120 per day)

Our daily rates of pay are determined individually and are based on several factors, including:

• Your experience working with children and young people.
• Previous coaching, mentoring or behaviour management experience.
• The complexity of the role and responsibilities required by the school.
• Whether the role includes supporting pupils with personal care, medical needs or highly complex behaviours.
• Relevant qualifications, training and transferable skills.
• The budget allocated by the school for the specific vacancy.

Candiate with significant experience supporting children or young people, alongside relevant coaching qualifications and strong behaviour management skills, are more likely to be considered for opportunities towards the higher end of the pay scale.