1:1 Autism Teaching Assistant

Protocol Education; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Protocol Education is hiring a 1:1 Autism Teaching Assistant in Sunderland to support a pupil in a specialist SEND environment. You will work closely with the pupil, helping access learning, manage transitions, and boost independence across the school day.

This role focuses on building consistent relationships, encouraging interaction with peers, and using individualised strategies to support behaviour and communication. Prior autism experience is desirable.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting Autism is desirable.
• Strong observation and communication with students and staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide consistent 1:1 support for a pupil throughout the school day.
• Help pupil access lessons and learning activities.
• Support transitions between activities and lunchtime.
• Assist with emotional and sensory regulation and communication.
• Record observations and communicate with teachers and SEND team.

Skills

Autism awareness

1:1 support

Job description

1:1 Autism Teaching Assistant | Sunderland

Location: Sunderland
Job Type: Full Time, Term Time Only
Start Date: September 2026
Hours: 8:30am–3:30pm
Pay: £98–£120 per day, dependent on experience

Could you be the consistent adult a pupil needs?

Protocol Education are recruiting for a dedicated 1:1 Autism Teaching Assistant to support a pupil within a specialist SEND environment in Sunderland.

This is a highly relationship-focused role. You'll work closely with an individual pupil throughout the school day, helping them to access learning, manage transitions, communicate effectively and develop greater independence.

The Role

You will:

• Provide consistent 1:1 support.
• Build a trusting professional relationship with the pupil.
• Support access to lessons and learning activities.
• Help the pupil manage transitions between activities.
• Support emotional and sensory regulation.
• Encourage communication.
• Use personalised strategies recommended by the teaching team.
• Help the pupil develop independence.
• Support positive behaviour.
• Encourage interaction with peers.
• Provide reassurance during difficult moments.
• Support the pupil during break and lunchtime.
• Record and communicate relevant observations.
• Work closely with the class teacher and wider SEND team.

What Makes a Great 1:1 TA?

The right person will understand that consistency is key.

You will need to be:

• Calm.
• Observant.
• Reliable.
• Resilient.
• Warm and approachable.
• Able to recognise changes in behaviour.
• Confident following individualised strategies.
• Passionate about helping pupils become more independent.

Previous experience supporting Autism is desirable, but transferable experience from care, residential settings, support work, psychology, youth work or similar environments will also be considered.

Why Join Protocol Education?

• Weekly PAYE pay.
• FREE CPD and online training.
• Dedicated SEND consultant.
• Autism-focused training opportunities.
• Long-term and permanent opportunities.
• Ongoing support.
• £50 Refer a Friend bonus.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.
Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.