For Candidates
Frequently Asked Questions
Our helpful FAQs could help you find a quick solution.
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Applying to ASEND
What is the recruitment process?
Our recruitment process has clear stages:
- Submit an application via our Job Board or the General Application link
- Our Recruitment Executive invites you to an initial 20–45 minute interview
- If successful, you’ll receive details of the documents and compliance checks needed for onboarding
- When your profile and availability match a young person’s referral, you’ll be invited to a second interview
- Upon completing review and compliance, and agreeing to work with a young person, you’ll receive a welcome email with your required safeguarding training
- You’re ready to start working!
If I apply, how soon will I be matched with a placement?
We aim to match candidates to placements as quickly as possible. However, placement can only happen once you are fully vetted and ready to work.
The vetting process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. References typically take the longest, as referees sometimes need extra time to complete our forms. If you already have a current enhanced DBS, this will save significant time, as applying for a new DBS is the other part of the process that can take a while.
How quickly can I expect to be ready for work after applying?
This depends on several factors. We triage applications based on likelihood of starting a placement soonest, so it can be as quick as a few days. Our compliance and vetting process is thorough to ensure the safety of our pupils, following KCSiE guidance.
Things that speed up your application:
- Having the correct documents ready and in date
- Following the reference guidelines on our Candidate Journey page
- Responding to the vetting team promptly
Things that can slow down an application:
- Referees who are slow to respond
- Missing documents
- Delays in completing required training (e.g. Safeguarding Level 2 or PREVENT)
Placements & Working Arrangements
I don’t have QTS — can I still work with ASEND?
Yes! You can work as a Teaching Assistant, Mentor, or Tutor—none of these placements require QTS. We value your experience and passion for working with young people with SEND.
Is there a minimum number of hours I need to work?
There is no minimum or maximum number of hours. ASEND placements are flexible and can fit around your availability.
Can I work in the evenings?
Our support is provided within school term time and during school hours only.
Do you have work in my area?
We are constantly expanding and actively seeking experienced candidates across the UK. If there is no immediate role in your area, we’d still love you to apply so we can reach out when one becomes available.
Do I have to be self-employed to work with ASEND?
It depends on the work. Tutors, mentors, therapists and consultants who work one-to-one with young people, or provide therapeutic consultancy, work with ASEND on a self-employed basis under a contract for services. Staff we place in schools are engaged through our agency service on a PAYE basis. If you’d be working mainly or only with ASEND, we’ll engage you on a PAYE basis.
Support & Development
Can you help with DBS applications and training?
Yes. If you need a new DBS, let a member of the recruitment team know and we’ll send you an application. Everyone working with children through ASEND completes safeguarding training every year, as KCSIE and our commissioners require
We’ll add you to our TES platform where you can create an account, complete the safeguarding course, and access a range of other professional development courses.
Do you offer training and ongoing support?
Yes. Optional SEND training, and specialist advice from our SEND team whenever you want it. Our SEND team supports associates throughout each placement.
What do you offer professionals who work with you?
Our SEND team is there for advice whenever you need it, mentoring, and access to professional development courses through our TES platform.
Does ASEND support Early Career Teachers (ECTs)?
While ASEND is not able to act as a school-based mentor or officially sign off your ECT induction year, we can offer opportunities that provide valuable practical experience. For example, you could work with us as a tutor or learning support assistant, supporting students with additional needs.
Many of the tutors we work with have used this kind of experience to deepen their understanding of SEND and build confidence before or alongside completing their ECT induction in a school setting.
Do you offer work placements or apprenticeships?
Unfortunately, this is not something ASEND offers at the moment.
Compliance & Safeguarding
Is everybody DBS checked?
Yes. Everyone who works with ASEND undergoes a full vetting process, including enhanced DBS checks, safeguarding training, and thorough reference checks, before being placed with any young person.
What safeguarding measures do you follow?
We follow strict safeguarding and child protection policies in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE) guidance. Our safeguarding framework includes enhanced DBS checks, annual safeguarding training, risk assessments, and continuous monitoring.
Read more about safeguarding on our Policies Page.
How do you ensure the safety of children in your care?
We take a multi-layered approach to child safety, including comprehensive risk assessments prior to any placement, ongoing progress monitoring and welfare check-ins, a clear Safeguarding Policy shared with everyone who works with us, and our Red Button tool on the tutor portal for reporting concerns immediately.
How do you ensure quality of provision?
Quality assurance is built into every stage of our service. “Each placement has a dedicated SEND lead who reviews the young person’s progress with families and commissioners, monitors progress against EHCP targets, and collaborates with families, schools, and local authorities to ensure consistently high standards of support.
Contact Us
Whether you have a question or are interested in a consultation, we’d love to hear from you!
Send us a message and we’ll get back to you asap.
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