Complex Needs Teaching Assistant
Location: Swansea
Hours: Full-time / Part-time (term time)
Start Date: ASAP (or by agreement)
About the Role
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Complex Needs Teaching Assistant to support pupils with additional learning needs (ALN), including autism, ADHD, SEMH, and other complex needs, within a supportive educational setting in Swansea.
You will work closely with teachers, SENCOs, and external professionals to help pupils access learning, develop independence, and thrive both academically and emotionally.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with complex needs
- Assist with the delivery of individual education plans (IEPs)
- Support pupils with emotional regulation, behaviour, and social skills
- Help create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment
- Assist with personal care where required (training provided)
- Work collaboratively with teaching staff and parents/carers
Challenges of the Role & Behaviour You May Encounter
Working as a Complex Needs Teaching Assistant is highly rewarding, but it can also be emotionally and physically demanding. Applicants should be prepared for the following challenges:
Emotional & Behavioural Challenges
Pupils with complex needs may:
- Experience emotional dysregulation, leading to sudden mood changes
- Display challenging behaviour, including:
- Verbal outbursts or shouting
- Refusal to follow instructions
- Low-level aggression (e.g. throwing objects, hitting out when distressed)
- Struggle with impulse control and transitions between activities
- Become overwhelmed by noise, routine changes, or social situations
These behaviours are not intentional and often stem from unmet needs, anxiety, sensory overload, or communication difficulties.
Physical & Sensory Challenges
You may be required to:
- Support pupils who have sensory sensitivities (noise, touch, lighting)
- Assist with personal care, including toileting or hygiene (where applicable)
- Use de-escalation techniques and follow behaviour support plans
- Remain alert and responsive throughout the day
Some pupils may require close supervision to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
Communication Difficulties
Some pupils may:
- Be non-verbal or minimally verbal
- Use alternative communication methods (PECS, Makaton, visual timetables)
- Find it difficult to express emotions appropriately
This can require patience, consistency, and the ability to read non-verbal cues.
Emotional Resilience Required
The role may involve:
- Exposure to distressed or dysregulated children
- Managing challenging moments calmly and professionally
- Remaining consistent even when progress feels slow
- Working closely with families and external professionals
You will need to be emotionally resilient, adaptable, and able to maintain clear professional boundaries.
Support & Training
While these challenges exist, you will not be expected to manage them alone. Successful candidates will receive:
- Opportunities to complete thrive training and Team Teach level 2 at a highly discounted rate
- Ongoing guidance from teachers, SENCOs, and leadership
- A supportive team environment
Why This Role Is Still Incredibly Rewarding
Despite the challenges, this role offers:
- The opportunity to make a life-changing impact
- Strong relationships with pupils who rely on your consistency
- Daily progress that may be small but deeply meaningful
- A sense of purpose few roles can match
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.
.svg){kind=logo}
