Job description
Teaching Assistant
Start date: September 2026
Hours: Full Time, Term Time Only
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Salary: £92 – £115 per day
Are you passionate about making a genuine difference to the lives of young people with additional needs?
GSL Education is seeking a dedicated and resilient Teaching Assistant to join a specialist education setting in York from September 2026. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to build meaningful relationships with pupils and support them to strive, thrive and achieve.
About the School
The school provides specialist education for children and young people aged 5–16 who have additional needs and may find mainstream education challenging. Pupils may have SEMH, Autism, ADHD, learning difficulties, communication needs, or other SEND. The school takes a highly individualised approach, combining academic learning with a strong focus on emotional wellbeing, social communication, independence, life skills, and preparation for future education and employment.
The setting is committed to creating a safe, nurturing and supportive environment, with staff working closely with families, teachers, pastoral teams, and other professionals to help pupils overcome barriers to learning.
The Role
As a Teaching Assistant, you will:
- Provide one-to-one and small-group support to pupils with SEND and SEMH needs.
- Build trusting and positive relationships with young people.
- Support pupils with their academic, social, emotional and behavioural development.
- Assist teachers in delivering engaging and differentiated learning.
- Encourage positive behaviour, confidence, resilience, and independence.
- Support pupils who may experience anxiety, dysregulation, or barriers to learning.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral staff, families, and external professionals.
- Contribute to creating a calm, structured, and inclusive learning environment.
What We're Looking For
We would love to hear from candidates who are:
- Patient, empathetic and resilient, with a genuine passion for supporting young people.
- Confident building relationships with children and young people.
- Interested in SEN, SEMH, Autism, ADHD or behaviour support.
- Able to remain calm and consistent when faced with challenging situations.
- A strong team player who is also able to use their own initiative.
- Experienced in education, youth work, care, support work, coaching or similar settings — although transferable experience will be considered.
Why Apply Through GSL Education?
This is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience within a highly supportive specialist setting while working with an education recruitment team that understands the importance of finding the right fit for both schools and candidates.
If you're looking for a rewarding role where every day gives you the opportunity to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.
To apply to work with GSL Education as a Teaching Assistant in York, please submit an up-to-date CV via the application link.
GSL Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to relevant safeguarding and safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references, in line with current safeguarding legislation.