Job Description

Learning Support Assistant - Post-16 SEND

Barnet, North London | Full-time | Long-Term Temporary Position
Start Date: ASAP
Pay: £95-£115 per day (PAYE)

Support Young People with Complex SEND Needs

Tradewind Recruitment is recruiting an experienced Learning Support Assistant to join a specialist SEND setting in North London, supporting a complex Post-16 class on a full-time, long-term basis.
This rewarding opportunity offers the chance to support young people as they develop independence, communication, life skills and confidence in preparation for adulthood. You will work as part of a dedicated multidisciplinary team supporting pupils with a range of complex learning and additional needs.

About the Setting

School Benefits

  • Specialist Post-16 provision focused on preparing young people for adulthood and independent living.
  • Collaborative team including teachers, therapists and specialist support staff.
  • Structured learning environment designed to support communication, independence and life skills development.

Role Summary

As a Learning Support Assistant, you will play a key role in helping students access personalised learning programmes while supporting their educational, social, communication and personal development needs.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide one-to-one and small-group support within a complex Post-16 classroom.
  • Support students to access individual learning programmes.
  • Encourage communication, independence and life skills development.
  • Support emotional regulation and positive behaviour where required.
  • Work closely with teachers and specialist professionals.
  • Assist with practical activities and community-based learning.
  • Support personal care where required as part of the role.
  • Build positive and trusting relationships with students.
  • Follow individual support plans and safeguarding procedures.

Candidate Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates must have previous experience supporting children, young people or vulnerable adults with SEND or complex additional needs.
Relevant experience may include:
  • Learning Support Assistant or SEN Teaching Assistant roles.
  • Specialist SEND schools or colleges.
  • Residential care settings.
  • Support work with young people with additional needs.
  • Youth work or other relevant support environments.
Experience supporting individuals with autism, communication difficulties, complex learning needs, behaviour support needs or emotional regulation needs would be advantageous.

Pay and Progression

£95-£115 per day, paid weekly via PAYE.
Rates are determined by relevant SEND experience, specialist support skills, behaviour support experience and previous work supporting young people with complex additional needs.
The highest rate of £115 per day is typically available to candidates with substantial experience supporting learners with autism, complex learning difficulties, communication needs and personal care requirements within specialist educational or care environments.

Why Apply?

Role Benefits

  • Opportunity to make a meaningful difference to young people's lives.
  • Long-term placement offering stability and continuity.
  • Valuable experience within a specialist Post-16 environment.

Tradewind Recruitment Benefits

  • Weekly PAYE pay with no umbrella company deductions.
  • Dedicated specialist SEND consultant support.
  • Access to long-term and permanent SEND opportunities across North London.
  • Support throughout the application and interview process.

Free National College CPD Access

As a Tradewind Recruitment candidate, you'll receive free access to The National College, providing access to over 2,500 CPD courses and webinars.
Recommended courses for this role include:
  • Supporting Pupils with Complex SEND
  • Positive Behaviour Support Strategies
  • Safeguarding Children and Young People

Required Vetting

Successful applicants will complete standard vetting checks, including:
  • A DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to make a new application.
  • Professional reference checks.
  • Verification of relevant qualifications.
  • Right-to-work checks.

Apply Today

If you're an experienced Learning Support Assistant looking for a rewarding opportunity supporting young people with complex needs within a specialist Post-16 setting, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today or contact Tradewind Recruitment for further information.
Call Tradewind Recruitment today and discover why thousands of educators have trusted us for over 20 years to help them find the right opportunities, in the right schools, with the support they deserve.