ASD Teaching Assistant

GSL Education; Poole; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education provider in Poole is seeking a passionate ASD Teaching Assistant to support children with Autism. This full-time, permanent role requires someone with empathy and commitment, enabling pupils to develop essential skills in a caring environment. You will work closely with staff to provide academic and emotional support, ensuring each learner's needs are met.

Benefits

Dedicated consultant support

Opportunity for career progression

Qualifications

• Prior experience working with children with Autism.
• Understanding of ASD characteristics and related challenges.
• Strong communication and professional approach.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with Autism.
• Assist with sensory regulation and emotional well-being.
• Collaborate with teachers and therapists.

Skills

Communication

Empathy

Patience

Resilience

Teamwork

Education

Qualifications in psychology, education, or health & social care

Tools

PECS

Makaton

Job description

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Join a Specialist Team – ASD Teaching Assistant Required in Poole!

Job Title: ASD Teaching Assistant
Location: Poole
Salary: £13.68 - £16.12 per hour (Depending on experience)
Start Date: Immediate or September 2025
Contract Type: Full-time/Permanent

Are you passionate about supporting young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? Do you have the empathy, patience and commitment to help pupils overcome barriers to learning and develop life-enhancing skills?

GSL Education are delighted to offer an opportunity for a full-time ASD Teaching Assistant to join a nurturing and structured special educational provision in Poole. This is a permanent role offering consistency and genuine purpose for individuals who are dedicated to supporting the social, emotional and academic progress of children with additional needs.

About the School

The school provides high-quality education for pupils aged 4 to 19 with a wide range of learning difficulties, offering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where every child is valued and supported to reach their full potential. With a broad and balanced curriculum tailored to individual needs—including specialist pathways in Early Years, Post-16 education, supported internships, and life skills development—pupils are encouraged to become as independent as possible and well-prepared for life beyond school. The dedicated staff team creates personalised learning experiences and fosters strong partnerships with families and external agencies. The school promotes core British values, mutual respect for different faiths and beliefs, and places safeguarding at the heart of everything it does, ensuring all pupils are protected, supported, and cared for in a nurturing environment. A positive Ofsted rating reflects the school’s commitment to high standards, inclusive practice, and pupil progress. Through its outreach work and collaboration with the wider community, the school also supports other schools in meeting the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities, driven by a strong belief that every child can succeed with the right support, encouragement, and opportunities.

Role Overview

As an ASD Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teaching staff and therapists to support pupils with Autism, ensuring their needs are met in a personalised and compassionate manner. Your role will involve both academic assistance and emotional support, adapting resources and strategies to meet the individual needs of learners.

Essential Qualities That We Are Looking For:

• Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with Autism, promoting engagement in learning and structured routine.
• Use communication tools such as PECS, Makaton, or visual schedules to support understanding and independence.
• Encourage positive behaviour and social interaction in line with individual behaviour plans.
• Assist with sensory regulation and emotional well-being throughout the school day.
• Collaborate with teachers, SENCOs, therapists, and external agencies to support EHCP outcomes.
• Maintain clear and accurate records of progress and incidents as required.

The Successful Candidate Will:

• Prior experience working with children or young people with Autism is essential.
• Understanding of ASD characteristics, sensory needs, and related behavioural challenges.
• Calm, resilient, and proactive with a solution-focused attitude.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with a professional and caring approach.
• Qualifications in psychology, education, health & social care, or related fields are desirable.
• Have an updated CV (with two relevant references from the last two years and covering the last ten years, barring any unexplained gaps) and an enhanced DBS registered to the Update Service (or be willing to apply for one).

Benefits of Joining GSL Education:

• Earn £13.68 - £16.12 per hour, based on experience.
• Dedicated consultant support and access to expert guidance.
• Opportunity to make a real difference in a well-supported, structured setting.
• Pathways to career progression within SEND teaching and support roles.

If you are ready to make a meaningful impact as an ASD Teaching Assistant and support learners in reaching their full potential, we would love to hear from you.

Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection and that successful applicants must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks; including providing an enhanced DBS certificate registered on the update service, or completing an application for a new check.

As an ethical, inclusive, and independent recruitment agency, GSL Education are committed to providing quality teaching and support staff in schools across the UK.

For more information or to register your interest in the ‘ASD Teaching Assistant’ role, or to be considered, please click ‘apply now’ to submit your full and up-to-date CV and one of our dedicated consultants will be in touch.