Special needs teaching assistant Zen Educate are seeking someone to work at a alternative provision in Bristol on a full time and long term basis supporting primary aged students with social, emotional and mental health difficulties. This would ideally be starting in the New Year and be working 8:30-3:30 Monday to Friday and term time only. Since these students can come from difficult home lives, foster care, trauma among others and present with some difficult behaviours as a result, we are looking for someone that is very resilient and able to handle themselves with the daily challenges these can bring. Experience in working with special needs is a must but this can come from working with adults as an alternative. The school which is located in west Bristol is based in an old manor house with great outdoor facilities for students. Classroom sizes are only about 6 students per class and lots of adult staffing available to support. The school aims to get students engaged with their education and offer a stable and safe environement for students to express themselves in heathy ways. Requirements; - Experience in working with special needs, specifically those mental health based. - Experience in working with children ideally, and a school environment would be ideal but not essential. - A resilient attitude and able to handle the challenges of difficult behaviours and have a strong understanding of how to build relationships with such students with clear boundaries and expectations. - Able to honour commitments and be a reliable and consistent team member. - Can work well in a team and communicate well among both other teaching assistants and teachers about students and their progress. - An enhanced DBS on the update service, either one you currently hold or a new one on application. Zen can offer competitive pay, training and support to help you excel with the potential to go permanent should the placement work well. Get in touch today to see if you can make a difference and a positive change to a vulnerable student.
Feb 28, 2026
Contractor
Special needs teaching assistant Zen Educate are seeking someone to work at a alternative provision in Bristol on a full time and long term basis supporting primary aged students with social, emotional and mental health difficulties. This would ideally be starting in the New Year and be working 8:30-3:30 Monday to Friday and term time only. Since these students can come from difficult home lives, foster care, trauma among others and present with some difficult behaviours as a result, we are looking for someone that is very resilient and able to handle themselves with the daily challenges these can bring. Experience in working with special needs is a must but this can come from working with adults as an alternative. The school which is located in west Bristol is based in an old manor house with great outdoor facilities for students. Classroom sizes are only about 6 students per class and lots of adult staffing available to support. The school aims to get students engaged with their education and offer a stable and safe environement for students to express themselves in heathy ways. Requirements; - Experience in working with special needs, specifically those mental health based. - Experience in working with children ideally, and a school environment would be ideal but not essential. - A resilient attitude and able to handle the challenges of difficult behaviours and have a strong understanding of how to build relationships with such students with clear boundaries and expectations. - Able to honour commitments and be a reliable and consistent team member. - Can work well in a team and communicate well among both other teaching assistants and teachers about students and their progress. - An enhanced DBS on the update service, either one you currently hold or a new one on application. Zen can offer competitive pay, training and support to help you excel with the potential to go permanent should the placement work well. Get in touch today to see if you can make a difference and a positive change to a vulnerable student.
SEND 1:1 Learning Support Mentor ASD / ASC, SEMH Type: Temp-perm contract (via 60 day trial) Details: Full-time / Part-time (Monday to Friday, 9:30am - 3:30pm) Location: Bristol - South Start Date: January 5th 2025 Salary: £18,000 - £22,000 p.a. (£15.38 - £17.95ph during trial) Our client is a new & expanding Alternative Education Provision, serving primary & secondary-aged pupils with EHCPs relating to SEMH based in Weston-super-Mare and surrounding areas across the South West. They operate a revolving-door offering whereby students stay at the provision for up to 18 weeks, either on a full-time or part-time 'transition' basis before returning to a mainstream education setting or attending a special school. The roles available are based on expansion and demand for places. We are seeking someone with previous experience of having worked with learners that have SEMH and have experienced trauma who may have other needs relating to ASC / ASD. The ideal person will be able to act as a positive role model and deliver an alternative education curriculum. We seek individuals that are skilled in recognising the emotional and educational needs of the learner and who are able to respond to and create appropriate learning activities & opportunities around the needs of individual learners. Many of the learners have not engaged in education for a significant amount of time so commonly, an individual approach for each child is necessary. If you have already had training in positive behaviour management such as Team Teach / PBM / MAPA and/or THRIVE training we would be particularly interested in hearing from you. If you have practical experience of working with children displaying challenging behaviour and are successful in your application for this post, Team Teach training will be offered free of charge and would be a requirement of the post. The full-time working day is from 9:30am to 3:30pm, Monday to Friday. There will likely be flexible working times & days (part-time) possible within those hours. It would be great to hear from you if you have Experience of working with children who have had to overcome barriers and difficult situations The ability to engage parents in supporting children at home by helping to set boundaries and managing behaviour The desire to go through training and deliver ideas so that ideas can be implemented. Passionate about working with young people in education Have a good understanding of what makes an effective intervention strategy Are committed to safeguarding young people and helping them overcome difficulties Are committed to ensuring students maximise every opportunity to achieve academically and personally Are able to work within a dynamic and challenging environment Have excellent communication and teamwork skills GSCEs in English and Maths at grade C/4 or above Whilst this role is similar to, it does differ from a support role in a mainstream setting, however, if you have experience as a Learning Support Assistant (LSA), Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Mentor, Youth Support worker or similar, we would be interested in hearing from you. The role is offered on a 1-year fixed-term contract basis after a successful 60 trial period with the intention to offer permanent contracts from September 2025. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking for a role that offers training opportunities, progression opportunities within the organisation and to be part of a supportive organisation that has expansion plans in the near future. Elementa is the recruiting partner; therefore applicants being considered for the role after pre-screening will be required to complete the registration process for Elementa. This includes full vetting & background checks, satisfactory referencing and application for a DBS Enhanced Disclosure (which may be chargeable at £64.20) unless you have a current DBS on the update service. If you have the relevant skills and experience necessary for this role then please apply with your full up-to-date CV. Please ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly defines your previous experience. All applicants will be promptly responded to.
Feb 28, 2026
Contractor
SEND 1:1 Learning Support Mentor ASD / ASC, SEMH Type: Temp-perm contract (via 60 day trial) Details: Full-time / Part-time (Monday to Friday, 9:30am - 3:30pm) Location: Bristol - South Start Date: January 5th 2025 Salary: £18,000 - £22,000 p.a. (£15.38 - £17.95ph during trial) Our client is a new & expanding Alternative Education Provision, serving primary & secondary-aged pupils with EHCPs relating to SEMH based in Weston-super-Mare and surrounding areas across the South West. They operate a revolving-door offering whereby students stay at the provision for up to 18 weeks, either on a full-time or part-time 'transition' basis before returning to a mainstream education setting or attending a special school. The roles available are based on expansion and demand for places. We are seeking someone with previous experience of having worked with learners that have SEMH and have experienced trauma who may have other needs relating to ASC / ASD. The ideal person will be able to act as a positive role model and deliver an alternative education curriculum. We seek individuals that are skilled in recognising the emotional and educational needs of the learner and who are able to respond to and create appropriate learning activities & opportunities around the needs of individual learners. Many of the learners have not engaged in education for a significant amount of time so commonly, an individual approach for each child is necessary. If you have already had training in positive behaviour management such as Team Teach / PBM / MAPA and/or THRIVE training we would be particularly interested in hearing from you. If you have practical experience of working with children displaying challenging behaviour and are successful in your application for this post, Team Teach training will be offered free of charge and would be a requirement of the post. The full-time working day is from 9:30am to 3:30pm, Monday to Friday. There will likely be flexible working times & days (part-time) possible within those hours. It would be great to hear from you if you have Experience of working with children who have had to overcome barriers and difficult situations The ability to engage parents in supporting children at home by helping to set boundaries and managing behaviour The desire to go through training and deliver ideas so that ideas can be implemented. Passionate about working with young people in education Have a good understanding of what makes an effective intervention strategy Are committed to safeguarding young people and helping them overcome difficulties Are committed to ensuring students maximise every opportunity to achieve academically and personally Are able to work within a dynamic and challenging environment Have excellent communication and teamwork skills GSCEs in English and Maths at grade C/4 or above Whilst this role is similar to, it does differ from a support role in a mainstream setting, however, if you have experience as a Learning Support Assistant (LSA), Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Mentor, Youth Support worker or similar, we would be interested in hearing from you. The role is offered on a 1-year fixed-term contract basis after a successful 60 trial period with the intention to offer permanent contracts from September 2025. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking for a role that offers training opportunities, progression opportunities within the organisation and to be part of a supportive organisation that has expansion plans in the near future. Elementa is the recruiting partner; therefore applicants being considered for the role after pre-screening will be required to complete the registration process for Elementa. This includes full vetting & background checks, satisfactory referencing and application for a DBS Enhanced Disclosure (which may be chargeable at £64.20) unless you have a current DBS on the update service. If you have the relevant skills and experience necessary for this role then please apply with your full up-to-date CV. Please ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly defines your previous experience. All applicants will be promptly responded to.
We are looking for a Supply Teaching Assistant (Adhoc) in Thornbury, north of Bristol. This work is flexible and offered on an adhoc basis to provide cover as and when required. The hours are 8:30-15:30. The school is a specialist setting for pupils with PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties). The children have a range of complex needs, which may include physical disabilities, sensory impairments, and medical needs. Initiative, patience, and resilience are key skills needed for this type of work. Working closely with teaching staff, you will support pupils throughout the day with their learning, communication, and personal development. Much of the work is one-to-one, supporting an identified pupil, although there will be times where you will assist within small groups. The role may involve supporting with sensory activities, communication aids, and personal care. If you have worked in a care setting, nursing, support work, or social services, you may have key transferable skills. If you are calm, nurturing, practical, or creative, then we want to hear from you. Responsibilities and duties: Supporting 1:1 in class Help the students to access the curriculum and tailor activities to their level of ability Build a strong relationship with the pupils and teaching staff to ensure that pupils are achieving their potential Support pupils with communication, sensory regulation, and personal care where required Be a support to the students when they are struggling, helping them to remain calm and engaged Who We're Looking For: - Emotionally resilient and able to stay calm in challenging situations - Compassionate, patient, and attentive to individual needs - Strong communicator with a positive and proactive mindset - Able to build trusting relationships with pupils who have complex needs - Previous experience in care, health, youth work, mental health, or support work is valuable Essential requirements: Right to work in the UK - we are unable to offer Sponsorship or accept Skilled Worker visas. Able to provide two recent references (from the last two years). Hold a current DBS check registered on the Update Service, or be willing to apply for one Please note, if you do not have a Non-Voluntary Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, we will need to help you process a new one at a cost of £62.70. This will be refunded after 20 days of work with us. What can Five Education offer you? - Check out our Google reviews for one of the best supply experiences in Bristol! We offer free specialised training in areas such as Team Teach, Makaton, PMLD/SLD Awareness, Autism Awareness, and more - Free DBS (refunded when you work 20 days) - Recommending a friend bonus scheme - Specialist support/ mentoring while you are working If you think this could be a job for you, please get in touch to find out more from Joseph at (phone number removed). We are always available for an informal chat if you want to find out more about whether this role is suited to you. Pay: Five Education operates a PAYE payroll; this is the most transparent way to be paid with no hidden fees such as admin fee or employer's NI. Please note pay rate is for illustration and does include holiday pay. Vetting: Five Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all of the staff we employ to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo checks including reference checks, TRA checks and will need to have a DBS; there will also be an interview. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as they are currently under-represented at this level. Contact Joseph on (phone number removed) / (url removed)
Feb 27, 2026
Seasonal
We are looking for a Supply Teaching Assistant (Adhoc) in Thornbury, north of Bristol. This work is flexible and offered on an adhoc basis to provide cover as and when required. The hours are 8:30-15:30. The school is a specialist setting for pupils with PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties). The children have a range of complex needs, which may include physical disabilities, sensory impairments, and medical needs. Initiative, patience, and resilience are key skills needed for this type of work. Working closely with teaching staff, you will support pupils throughout the day with their learning, communication, and personal development. Much of the work is one-to-one, supporting an identified pupil, although there will be times where you will assist within small groups. The role may involve supporting with sensory activities, communication aids, and personal care. If you have worked in a care setting, nursing, support work, or social services, you may have key transferable skills. If you are calm, nurturing, practical, or creative, then we want to hear from you. Responsibilities and duties: Supporting 1:1 in class Help the students to access the curriculum and tailor activities to their level of ability Build a strong relationship with the pupils and teaching staff to ensure that pupils are achieving their potential Support pupils with communication, sensory regulation, and personal care where required Be a support to the students when they are struggling, helping them to remain calm and engaged Who We're Looking For: - Emotionally resilient and able to stay calm in challenging situations - Compassionate, patient, and attentive to individual needs - Strong communicator with a positive and proactive mindset - Able to build trusting relationships with pupils who have complex needs - Previous experience in care, health, youth work, mental health, or support work is valuable Essential requirements: Right to work in the UK - we are unable to offer Sponsorship or accept Skilled Worker visas. Able to provide two recent references (from the last two years). Hold a current DBS check registered on the Update Service, or be willing to apply for one Please note, if you do not have a Non-Voluntary Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, we will need to help you process a new one at a cost of £62.70. This will be refunded after 20 days of work with us. What can Five Education offer you? - Check out our Google reviews for one of the best supply experiences in Bristol! We offer free specialised training in areas such as Team Teach, Makaton, PMLD/SLD Awareness, Autism Awareness, and more - Free DBS (refunded when you work 20 days) - Recommending a friend bonus scheme - Specialist support/ mentoring while you are working If you think this could be a job for you, please get in touch to find out more from Joseph at (phone number removed). We are always available for an informal chat if you want to find out more about whether this role is suited to you. Pay: Five Education operates a PAYE payroll; this is the most transparent way to be paid with no hidden fees such as admin fee or employer's NI. Please note pay rate is for illustration and does include holiday pay. Vetting: Five Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all of the staff we employ to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo checks including reference checks, TRA checks and will need to have a DBS; there will also be an interview. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as they are currently under-represented at this level. Contact Joseph on (phone number removed) / (url removed)
SEN Teaching Assistant - High Needs Specialist Provision Full-time Long-term to permanent opportunity Term-time only Pay : 110 - 120 per day (depending on experience) Location: Bristol About Us At Tradewind Recruitment, we work with inspiring schools across the Southwest who share one goal - to transform the lives of children and young people with additional needs. We're currently supporting a specialist education provision in Bristol that provides a highly individualised environment for pupils with severe and profound learning difficulties, autism and complex communication needs. Many pupils also have sensory processing differences and may display behaviours that challenge, often as a way of expressing anxiety, frustration or difficulty with communication. Every child here has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and is supported to develop communication, independence and emotional regulation in a calm, structured setting. The Role We're looking for a patient, caring and resilient SEN Teaching Assistant to join a skilled team supporting pupils aged 11-19. Each pupil follows a personalised timetable focused on communication, sensory learning, independence and emotional regulation - often in a 1:1, 2:1 or very small group setting. You'll be: Supporting pupils with autism, complex learning needs and challenging behaviour Using strategies such as Makaton, PECS, TEACCH and sensory regulation activities Helping pupils to manage transitions, regulate emotions and access learning in their own way Working closely with teachers, therapists and behaviour specialists to ensure consistency and progress This role requires emotional resilience, empathy and the ability to stay calm and positive, even during challenging moments. The Pupils You'll Support Children and young people in this setting may: Be non-verbal or use alternative communication methods Experience heightened anxiety in new or unpredictable situations Have sensory sensitivities (e.g. to noise, light or touch) Display physical or verbal behaviours when overwhelmed or unable to communicate needs Need predictable routines and clear boundaries to feel safe and supported With the right support and consistency, these pupils make remarkable progress building trust, engagement, and independence every day. What You'll Need Experience working with children or young people with additional needs (school, residential or care background welcome) A calm, consistent approach and genuine compassion for neurodiverse learners Willingness to use positive behaviour strategies and learn new techniques Resilient, child centred nature Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply for one) What's in It for You A long-term opportunity with potential to go permanent Full support from Tradewind's specialist SEN team Ongoing CPD including Team Teach, Autism Awareness, De-escalation and Safeguarding A chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of exceptional young people Why Join Tradewind? At Tradewind, we don't just place candidates - we champion them. Here's what you can expect: Your income matters: We'll always secure the best rate for your skills Your development matters: 2,500+ FREE CPD courses via The National College Your flexibility matters: Roles that fit your lifestyle and goals Your wellbeing matters: Sunday Times Top 100 Employer four years running Your values matter: We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and truly inclusive If you're motivated by the idea of helping children who learn differently, and you thrive in a setting where no two days are the same - we'd love to hear from you.
Feb 19, 2026
Seasonal
SEN Teaching Assistant - High Needs Specialist Provision Full-time Long-term to permanent opportunity Term-time only Pay : 110 - 120 per day (depending on experience) Location: Bristol About Us At Tradewind Recruitment, we work with inspiring schools across the Southwest who share one goal - to transform the lives of children and young people with additional needs. We're currently supporting a specialist education provision in Bristol that provides a highly individualised environment for pupils with severe and profound learning difficulties, autism and complex communication needs. Many pupils also have sensory processing differences and may display behaviours that challenge, often as a way of expressing anxiety, frustration or difficulty with communication. Every child here has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and is supported to develop communication, independence and emotional regulation in a calm, structured setting. The Role We're looking for a patient, caring and resilient SEN Teaching Assistant to join a skilled team supporting pupils aged 11-19. Each pupil follows a personalised timetable focused on communication, sensory learning, independence and emotional regulation - often in a 1:1, 2:1 or very small group setting. You'll be: Supporting pupils with autism, complex learning needs and challenging behaviour Using strategies such as Makaton, PECS, TEACCH and sensory regulation activities Helping pupils to manage transitions, regulate emotions and access learning in their own way Working closely with teachers, therapists and behaviour specialists to ensure consistency and progress This role requires emotional resilience, empathy and the ability to stay calm and positive, even during challenging moments. The Pupils You'll Support Children and young people in this setting may: Be non-verbal or use alternative communication methods Experience heightened anxiety in new or unpredictable situations Have sensory sensitivities (e.g. to noise, light or touch) Display physical or verbal behaviours when overwhelmed or unable to communicate needs Need predictable routines and clear boundaries to feel safe and supported With the right support and consistency, these pupils make remarkable progress building trust, engagement, and independence every day. What You'll Need Experience working with children or young people with additional needs (school, residential or care background welcome) A calm, consistent approach and genuine compassion for neurodiverse learners Willingness to use positive behaviour strategies and learn new techniques Resilient, child centred nature Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply for one) What's in It for You A long-term opportunity with potential to go permanent Full support from Tradewind's specialist SEN team Ongoing CPD including Team Teach, Autism Awareness, De-escalation and Safeguarding A chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of exceptional young people Why Join Tradewind? At Tradewind, we don't just place candidates - we champion them. Here's what you can expect: Your income matters: We'll always secure the best rate for your skills Your development matters: 2,500+ FREE CPD courses via The National College Your flexibility matters: Roles that fit your lifestyle and goals Your wellbeing matters: Sunday Times Top 100 Employer four years running Your values matter: We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and truly inclusive If you're motivated by the idea of helping children who learn differently, and you thrive in a setting where no two days are the same - we'd love to hear from you.
