ASD Teaching Assistant

JobsinED Ltd; Ilford; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

JobsinED Ltd in Ilford is seeking an ASD Teaching Assistant to provide dedicated support for pupils with autism in a mainstream primary setting. This full-time, long-term position aims to develop communication, independence and confidence in learners.

The role offers graduates and experienced staff a valuable experience within specialist SEND provision and close collaboration with teachers and the SENCO to tailor support to each pupil’s needs.

Qualifications

• Strong academic background with a 2:1 degree or above in a relevant subject.
• Interest in autism, neurodiversity and inclusive education is essential.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with children who may communicate in various ways.
• Calm, patient and observant, especially during sensory or emotional challenges.
• Interest in progressing toward educational psychology, specialist teaching or related fields.
• Availability for a full-time, long-term position in a school environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualised one-to-one support for pupils with autism in a mainstream primary setting.
• Implement structured routines, visual timetables and appropriate communication strategies.
• Deliver targeted interventions to develop social communication and early academic skills.
• Encourage independence through planned activities and positive reinforcement.
• Monitor pupil engagement, progress and behaviour; share observations with teachers and SENCO.
• Adapt resources to suit sensory needs and diverse learning profiles; collaborate with staff.

Skills

One-to-one support

Autism awareness

Communication strategies

Learning support

Education

2:1 degree or above in Psychology / Education / Neuroscience / Linguistics or related subject

Job description

ASD Teaching Assistant – Ilford Primary School, ASAP Start

An Ilford primary school is seeking an ASD Teaching Assistant to provide dedicated support for pupils with autism, helping them develop communication, independence and confidence in the classroom. This full-time, long-term position offers graduates and experienced support staff the opportunity to build meaningful experience in specialist SEND provision within a mainstream school. You'll work closely with class teachers and the SENCO to deliver individualised support that responds to each pupil's learning and developmental needs. For graduates considering educational psychology, speech and language therapy, teaching or a career in special educational needs, this role provides valuable experience of autism-informed practice. The school is looking for someone thoughtful, academically capable and committed to building consistent relationships with the children they support.

Key Highlights:

• Position: ASD Teaching Assistant – Primary SEND Support
• Salary: £105–£115 per day, dependent on experience
• Location: Ilford, East London
• Ofsted: Grade to be confirmed
• Contract: Full-time, long-term, term-time only
• Start Date: ASAP, October 2026
• Specialism: One-to-one and small-group support for pupils with autism
• Career Development: Practical experience relevant to educational psychology, speech and language therapy and teacher training
• Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, during school hours

What You'll Be Doing:

• Provide individualised one-to-one support for pupils with autism, adapting activities to their communication and learning needs.
• Implement structured routines, visual timetables and appropriate communication strategies to support classroom participation.
• Deliver targeted interventions that develop social communication, emotional understanding and early academic skills.
• Encourage independence through carefully planned learning activities and consistent positive reinforcement.
• Monitor pupil engagement, progress and behaviour, sharing observations with teachers and the SENCO.
• Adapt classroom resources to accommodate sensory preferences, different processing speeds and individual learning profiles.
• Collaborate with teaching staff and specialist professionals to maintain consistent approaches across the school day.

Ideal Candidate for This Ilford School:

• A strong academic background, ideally a 2:1 degree or above in Psychology, Education, Neuroscience, Linguistics or a related subject, is desirable.
• An interest in autism, neurodiversity and inclusive education is essential, with previous SEND experience beneficial but not mandatory.
• The ability to build trusting relationships with children who may communicate verbally, non-verbally or through alternative communication methods.
• A calm, patient and observant manner, particularly when supporting pupils experiencing sensory overload or emotional dysregulation.
• A clear interest in progressing towards educational psychology, specialist teaching, speech and language therapy or child development.
• Availability for a full-time, long-term position and willingness to contribute consistently to pupils' individual support plans.

Why Join This Ilford School:

• Develop practical understanding of individualised support within a mainstream primary classroom.
• Build sustained working relationships through regular one-to-one and small-group support.
• Understand how teachers, SENCOs and external specialists coordinate provision for pupils with additional needs.
• Gain experience using visual communication tools, sensory strategies and structured interventions.
• Build a strong foundation for postgraduate psychology applications, SEND qualifications or future teacher training.
• Follow pupil progress over time rather than moving between short-term placements.