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 vetting and compliance, and agreeing to work with a young person, you’ll receive a Welcome Email with mandatory training
- You’re ready to start working!
If I apply, how soon will I be placed in a role?
We aim to match candidates to roles 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 role 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)
Roles & Working Arrangements
I don’t have QTS — can I still work for ASEND?
Yes! You can work as a Teaching Assistant, Mentor, or Tutor—none of these roles 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 roles 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 for ASEND?
Yes. All our temporary staff work with us on a contractual self-employed 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. All candidates must complete safeguarding training annually.
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. We provide regular SEND training, mentoring, and guidance from SEND Managers. Our HR and SEND Managers also offer ongoing support to all temporary staff throughout their placements.
What do you offer professionals who work for you?
We offer regular SEND-specific training sessions, dedicated HR and SEND Manager support, 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 our team members 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
Are staff DBS checked?
Yes. All ASEND staff undergo 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 all staff, 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 is overseen by a dedicated SEND Manager who conducts regular reviews, 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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