Kent Teaching Solutions is proud to be partnering with a highly respected, specialist SEND school to recruit a passionate Complex Needs Learning Support Assistant (LSA).
This is not just a job; it is an opportunity to become a vital anchor in the education and emotional development of young children. You will be working within a beautifully equipped, purpose-built environment supporting pupils across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 (ages 5–11) who have a primary diagnosis of Autism.
Many of the children you will support face additional barriers to learning, including severe speech and language delays, sensory processing disorders, and complex social-emotional needs.
The School Environment:
You will be joining a warm, collaborative, and multidisciplinary team where teachers, speech and language therapists (SALTs), occupational therapists (OTs), and LSAs work hand-in-hand. The school boasts state-of-the-art facilities designed specifically for neurodivergent learners, including sensory integration rooms, soft-play areas, outdoor forest schools, and distraction-free learning zones. Classes are intentionally small (typically 6–8 pupils) and maintain a very high staff-to-pupil ratio to ensure every child receives the intensive, individualised care they deserve.
Your Key Responsibilities:
* Individualised Learning Delivery: Work 1:1 and in small groups to implement highly tailored learning activities. You will adapt standard tasks into visually structured, bite-sized activities that align with each child's unique interests and learning style.
* Total Communication Approach: Facilitate a communication-rich environment by consistently utilising alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) tools. This includes PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), Makaton signing, visual timetables, and Now-and-Next boards to help non-verbal and pre-verbal pupils express their needs and choices.
* Sensory and Emotional Regulation: Proactively recognise early triggers of sensory overload or anxiety. You will implement positive behaviour support plans, guide pupils to sensory regulation spaces, and use co-regulation techniques to help them return to a calm, focused state.
* EHCP Implementation & Tracking: Closely monitor, track, and record daily progress against each child's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) targets. You will provide vital feedback to the class teacher and external therapists to help shape future interventions.
* Fostering Independence: Gently encourage and scaffolding life skills, social interaction, and peer-to-peer play during break times, lunches, and sensory play sessions.
What We Are Looking For:
* Relevant Experience: A proven track record of working with children on the Autism Spectrum, or individuals with severe learning difficulties and high-dependency needs. This experience can come from mainstream SEN units, special schools, residential care, speech/language therapy assistance, or relevant personal/care experience.
* Theoretical & Practical Knowledge: A deep, empathetic understanding of how autism impacts communication, social interaction, and sensory processing. Familiarity with structured teaching frameworks (such as the TEACCH approach) is highly advantageous.
* De-escalation Skills: Training in physical intervention and de-escalation (e.g., Team-Teach, PROACT-SCIPr, or Price) is preferred, but a naturally calm, patient, and non-confrontational demeanour is absolutely essential.
* Core Attributes: Exceptional emotional resilience, a positive outlook, a sense of humour, and the ability to remain a grounded, calming presence when a child is in distress.
* Compliance: You must hold a valid, enhanced Child Workforce DBS check registered on the online Update Service, or be completely willing to apply for a new one through our agency.
Working with Kent Teaching Solutions:
* Premium, Transparent Pay: Competitive daily rates paid weekly via a secure PAYE system—no hidden umbrella company fees.
* Industry-Leading CPD: Free access to accredited training courses to enhance your CV, including Autism Awareness, PECS introductory overviews, Safeguarding Children in Schools, and more.
* Genuine Career Progression: This school actively looks to transition successful agency staff onto permanent school contracts, offering a stable and rewarding career path in special education.
* Unrivalled Consultant Support: You will be paired with a dedicated SEND education consultant who has first-hand knowledge of the local special school sector and will provide ongoing mentorship, interview preparation, and pastoral care.
How to Apply:
If you have the unique blend of patience, energy, and dedication required to help these incredible children thrive, we want to hear from you today
Salary description
£24000.00 - £26000.00 per year