Job Description

SEND Learning Support Assistant - Mainstream Secondary School
Location: Northampton
Start Date: ASAP or January 2026
Contract Type: Full-Time | Long-Term or Permanent
Salary: Competitive daily rate (dependent on experience)

Do you have a passion for supporting young people with special educational needs?
Are you motivated by helping students overcome barriers, build confidence, and thrive in a mainstream school environment?

We are proud to be working with a welcoming, inclusive, and well-supported mainstream secondary school seeking a dedicated SEND Learning Support Assistant to join their team as soon as possible or from January 2026. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is compassionate, patient, and eager to make a long-lasting difference to students with additional needs.

Whether you come from an education, care, youth work, or support background, this role offers hands-on experience and the chance to positively impact individual learners every day.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Providing 1:1 or small-group support to students with SEND, including autism, ADHD, SEMH needs, learning difficulties, and communication needs

  • Supporting pupils within a mainstream classroom, ensuring they can access and engage with the curriculum

  • Assisting teachers with differentiation, lesson preparation, and behaviour support

  • Encouraging students to develop confidence, resilience, and independence

  • Helping to implement EHCP targets and personalised learning strategies

  • Promoting inclusion and emotional wellbeing throughout the school day

  • Contributing to a calm, safe, and nurturing learning environment

We're Looking For Someone Who

  • Is passionate about supporting young people with SEND in a mainstream setting

  • Brings a calm, patient, and empathetic approach

  • Can communicate clearly and build strong relationships with students and staff

  • Is reliable, adaptable, and works well as part of a team

  • Ideally has experience in education, care, SEN, or youth support (not essential)

  • Shows enthusiasm for learning and developing professionally

What You'll Gain in Return

  • A long-term, stable position with potential for a permanent contract

  • The opportunity to work in a friendly, inclusive mainstream secondary school

  • Competitive weekly pay, with progression opportunities

  • Free access to over 2,500 CPD-accredited courses through Tradewind's National College platform, including Autism Awareness, ADHD Training, SEMH Strategies, Safeguarding, and more

  • Ongoing support from experienced education consultants

  • A clear pathway into future careers such as teaching, specialist SEN work, behaviour mentoring, or pastoral roles

If you're ready to support SEND students in a mainstream school ASAP or from January 2026, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today to find out more about SEND Learning Support Assistant opportunities in local secondary schools.