Teaching Assistant, Complex Needs

Teaching Assistant – Complex Needs Support

Location: Taunton, Somerset
Salary: £90–£100 per day
Contract: Full-time, permanent or long-term
Start Date: Immediate
Contact: Alec Stott at or (phone number removed)

About the School Environment

Our school is a special educational setting in Taunton, Somerset, dedicated to supporting students aged 4 to 19 with a range of complex needs. These include autism spectrum disorders, moderate to profound and multiple learning difficulties, and speech, language, and communication needs. Over recent years, the school has undergone significant development to enhance the quality of education and support offered to its students. This includes the opening of a new hydrotherapy pool at the Hazelbrook campus, providing therapeutic support and promoting physical well-being for students with disabilities. The school has also expanded its provision through satellite campuses, such as the one in Wellington, to meet the growing demand for specialist education in the local community. These developments reflect the school's commitment to continuous improvement and its proactive approach to meeting the diverse needs of its students.

The school offers a flexible and engaging curriculum, integrating core subjects with creative and practical activities such as cookery, art, and outdoor education. Students participate in a range of adventurous activities, including forest school sessions, kayaking, and moorland walks, which are designed to build confidence, resilience, and a love for learning. The emphasis is on nurturing each student's individual strengths and fostering a positive and inclusive school culture.

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated and resilient Teaching Assistant to join a supportive and inclusive school in Taunton, specializing in providing tailored support to students with complex needs. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of young people, helping them overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

Provide one-to-one and small group support to students with complex needs.

Implement and monitor individual education and behaviour plans (IEPs and BSPs).

Utilize de-escalation techniques and positive behaviour strategies to manage challenging situations.

Support students in developing social skills, emotional regulation, and resilience.

Collaborate with teachers, SENCOs, and external professionals to ensure a consistent approach to support.

Promote a safe and nurturing learning environment.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have:

Experience working with children or young people with complex needs.

Strong understanding of behaviour management strategies and emotional support techniques.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to remain calm under pressure and adapt to changing situations.

A compassionate and patient approach to supporting students.

Relevant qualifications or training in behaviour management or child development (desirable but not essential).

What We Offer

Competitive salary of £90–£100 per day.

Full-time, permanent or long-term contract.

Supportive and collaborative working environment.

Opportunities for professional development and training.

The chance to make a real difference in the lives of students.

If you are passionate about supporting students with complex needs and are looking for a rewarding role in a supportive school environment, we would love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter to Alec Stott at (url removed) or call (phone number removed) for more information.

All applicants will be contacted to discuss suitability and then invited to register with TeacherActive.

Registration involves an enhanced DBS check, ID checks and will require you to supply good professional references. We pride ourselves on excellent service. We can provide a wide range of opportunities in schools and other educational institutions, with good rates of pay, at times to suit your needs.

Regular external audits have shown repeatedly that our standards are exceptional. We are passionate about finding the right staff for each environment.

TeacherActive is an equal opportunities employer, and operates as an Employment Business in providing temporary or contract job-seeking services