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Transform Recruitment UK

A guide to working in SEND

Considering a career in SEND? Here’s what to expect.

If you’re a teacher or teaching assistant exploring special educational needs and disabilities, you’re stepping into one of the most rewarding areas of education. Each setting has its own pace, challenges and joys.

A teacher leaning over a desk to check a pupil's work, smiling

ASD schools: supporting children on the autism spectrum

ASD schools teach pupils with autism spectrum disorder, from non-verbal children with complex needs to learners who do well academically but need a structured environment.

What to expect as a teacher or TA

  • A strong reliance on routines and visual timetables
  • PECS, Makaton or AAC used for communication
  • Awareness of sensory sensitivities
  • Support with emotional regulation and transitions

Why work in an ASD setting?

If you're patient, calm and enjoy creative problem-solving, this work offers deep, meaningful impact and plenty of day-to-day variety.

PMLD schools: teaching pupils with complex needs

PMLD (profound and multiple learning difficulties) schools support pupils with significant physical and cognitive needs. Many are non-verbal and need intensive 1:1 support, including personal care.

Your role may involve

  • Sensory-based teaching with light, sound and movement
  • Working alongside therapists and medical teams
  • Supporting mealtimes and personal care
  • Building trust through sensory interaction and consistency

Best suited to

Hands-on, compassionate people who value teamwork and caring for the whole child.

SEMH schools: helping pupils with emotional and behavioural needs

SEMH (social, emotional and mental health) schools support children affected by trauma, anxiety, attachment difficulties or other mental health needs. Behaviour can be unpredictable, but relationships are everything.

In this setting you'll

  • Use trauma-informed approaches and restorative practice
  • Offer emotion coaching and personalised learning support
  • Provide a safe, non-judgemental environment
  • Work closely with therapists and support teams

Ideal for

Resilient, reflective people who believe in second chances and long-term change.

PRUs: pupil referral units for excluded or at-risk pupils

PRUs are alternative provisions for pupils who have been excluded or are struggling in mainstream school. Many have underlying SEND, especially SEMH needs.

What's different about PRUs

  • Small classes with high staff-to-pupil ratios
  • A focus on reintegration, behaviour support and life skills
  • Fast-paced days that call for flexibility
  • An emphasis on relationships, respect and trust

Great for people who

Stay calm under pressure and want to make an immediate, visible difference to a young person.

Common questions

Do I need a formal qualification to work with children with SEND?

Not always. In SEND roles the person matters most: your patience, care and passion for working with children with additional needs. Requirements vary by role and school, and we’ll tell you exactly what each one needs.

“I found my son's 1:1 TA on my level 2 sign language course. At the time she was working in Tesco, but she had two deaf children who were now at school. I knew she would be perfect, so I put her on a TA course and a safeguarding course. She was the best thing that happened to our family.”
Marc Ashford, CEO and founder
Do I need a DBS check, and do I have to register?

Yes, always. We follow safer recruitment guidance and Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). Every candidate completes:

  • Identity and right-to-work checks
  • Employment history checks
  • References
  • Qualification checks
  • DBS and barred-list checks where legally required
  • Safeguarding declarations
  • Ongoing compliance monitoring
Is training available?

Yes. We've partnered with several training providers. Get in touch to find out what's available for you.

What roles are available?

In mainstream primary, secondary and specialist SEND settings:

  • SEND teacher
  • Teaching assistant
  • Learning support assistant
  • Higher level teaching assistant (HLTA)
  • One-to-one support worker
  • Behaviour mentor
  • Pastoral support worker
  • Cover supervisor

Could SEND be right for me?

Formal experience helps, but it isn’t the only way in. These qualities and experiences are just as valuable:

  • Patience and empathy
  • Calm communication
  • Resilience and adaptability
  • Building relationships
  • Creativity and problem-solving
  • Experience in care, youth work, coaching or mentoring
  • Personal experience supporting someone with additional needs

What might the work involve?

It varies by setting, but may include:

  • Supporting learning one-to-one or in small groups
  • Following individual support plans
  • Helping pupils communicate
  • Supporting emotional regulation and transitions
  • Working with teachers, families and specialist professionals
  • Recording and reporting progress
  • Supporting personal care, where the role needs it

What do I do next?

Register with Transform and let us support you on your journey into SEND.

View SEND jobsRegister your interest Speak to a SEND consultant