Flexible SEND Teaching Assistant Jobs for UWE Students | New Academic Year 2026/2027 Location: Bristol & South Gloucestershire Contract Type: Flexible, ad-hoc work around university commitments, part-time long-term placements available Pay: £92.63 per day and above Looking for meaningful, flexible work alongside your studies? Are you studying Psychology, Education, Early Childhood Studies, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Social Work, Nursing, or a related subject? Do you want hands-on experience supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) while building valuable skills for your future career? Axcis Education, the UK's leading specialist SEND recruitment agency, is recruiting compassionate, proactive and enthusiastic university students for flexible SEND Teaching Assistant opportunities across Bristol and South Gloucestershire for the 2026/2027 academic year. If you're thinking about getting a job alongside your studies in September, we're registering candidates now to ensure they're fully compliant and ready to access work from the very start of the 2026/2027 academic year. For those keen to gain experience sooner, there are also opportunities available during Term 6 before the summer holidays. Early registration is strongly recommended, as these specialist school placements are always in high demand. In the long-term, whether you're looking to gain experience for postgraduate study, teacher training, educational psychology pathways, or a future career in SEND, these roles offer an incredibly rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference while developing highly sought-after skills in specialist educational settings. About the Role As a SEND Teaching Assistant, you'll support children and young people with a range of additional needs, including: * Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) * Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) * Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) * Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) * Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs * Complex medical needs * Sensory and physical disabilities Every day is different, but responsibilities may include: * Supporting pupils on a 1:1 basis or within small groups * Assisting with personalised learning activities and interventions * Encouraging communication, social interaction and independence * Supporting emotional regulation and positive behaviour strategies * Assisting with personal care where required * Working alongside teachers, therapists and wider multidisciplinary teams * Supporting sensory-based learning and communication approaches * Helping pupils access enriching educational experiences both inside and outside the classroom * Contributing to a safe, inclusive and nurturing learning environment About the Schools Most opportunities are within a highly respected group of specialist schools in North Bristol that support children and young people with a wide range of complex SEND needs. These schools are known for their inclusive ethos, outstanding staff support, specialist facilities and commitment to helping every pupil achieve meaningful progress. You may work in purpose-built environments featuring sensory rooms, specialist communication resources, therapeutic spaces, life-skills facilities and highly adapted learning environments designed to meet the needs of pupils with complex learning, communication and physical needs. Staff work closely with therapists, families and external professionals to provide a truly holistic approach to education and wellbeing. For students considering careers in teaching, educational psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, social work, mental health, nursing or wider SEND professions, the experience gained within these settings is exceptionally valuable. You'll develop a practical understanding of inclusive education, EHCP implementation, communication strategies, behaviour support, sensory processing differences and child development in real-world specialist environments. What We're Looking For We'd love to hear from you if you have: * Previous experience supporting children or adults with SEND, SEMH or additional needs * Voluntary, personal or family experience supporting individuals with SEND * Relevant academic knowledge through university study * A genuine passion for inclusive education and supporting young people * Strong communication and relationship-building skills * Patience, empathy and resilience * The ability to adapt to different school environments * A positive, proactive and team-focused approach The following would be advantageous but are not essential: * Team Teach training * Experience supporting pupils with SLD, PMLD, ASC or complex needs * Relevant qualifications in Education, Psychology, Child Development or related fields * Experience working within schools, care settings or youth services An enhanced DBS check on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one) will be required. Why Join Axcis Education? At Axcis, we understand that many students need flexibility without compromising on meaningful experience. When you register with us, you'll benefit from: * Flexible work that fits around lectures, placements and university commitments * Opportunities ranging from day-to-day supply through to long-term placements * Competitive daily pay rates * A dedicated SEND recruitment consultant who understands your career goals * Access to a huge network of specialist schools across Bristol and South Gloucestershire * Ongoing support throughout your placements * Valuable experience that strengthens applications for postgraduate study, teacher training and graduate roles Free SEND-Focused Recognised CPD Through Our National College Partnership All Axcis candidates can access a range of high-quality SEND training courses and webinars completely free of charge through our partnership with The National College. Recommended courses include: * Certificate in The Role of a Learning Support Assistant * SEND Health and Safety Practice for Pupils with Complex Needs * Certificate in Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs * Autism Support Strategy * Managing Dysregulation for Pupils with Complex SEND * Trauma-Informed Practice * Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) * Sensory Processing and Sensory Play * Building Positive Relationships to Manage Behaviour You'll receive CPD-certified certificates for completed training, helping strengthen both your CV and child-centred practice. How to Apply If you're looking for flexible work that genuinely makes a difference while developing experience highly valued across education, psychology, healthcare and SEND professions, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today with your CV or contact Laura Dowson in the Axcis Education South West office to discuss the opportunities available for the 2026/2027 academic year. Join Axcis Education and start building the skills, experience and confidence to support some of the most remarkable young people in education. INDBRI<br/><br />If you are interested, then please click on the apply button and contact Laura Dowson on 0117 472 2400 l Ext: 2014.<br /><br />If you are not interested in this role but know someone else who might be, <strong>don&#39;t forget that we offer &pound;50 in shopping vouchers if you refer a friend to us and we place them in the job.</strong> For more details, contact your local Axcis office.<br /><br /><em>This is a temporary position, unless stated otherwise.</em><br /><br /><em>Axcis is an equal opportunities employer and as such we do not discriminate based on age, gender, disability, race or any other equal opportunities criteria.<br /><br />The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As such, you will be required to provide an up to date DBS, or be prepared to allow Axcis to process one on your behalf, in addition to other mandatory compliance checks in line with the DfE guidelines (for details please see our website).<br /><br />If the position you are applying for involves working with children or vulnerable adults, this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.</em><br /><br /><em>Axcis Education is an employment agency offering temporary supply work for daily, short-term and long-term assignments in addition to permanent positions.<br /><br />You must be suitably qualified for the position advertised and be prepared to attend a face to face interview with Axcis to demonstrate your suitability for this role.<br /><br />Salary / Pay Rate will be dependent on your skills and experience.</em><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#e0004d;"><a href="/job-page-disclaimer">View the disclaimer</a></span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#e0004d;"><strong>Contact: </strong></span><strong> Laura Dowson&nbsp;</strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#e0004d;">Telephone: </span> 0117 472 2400 l Ext: 2014</strong></strong>