Autism Practitioner

Hillingdon Manor School; Ivy Chimneys; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Wellbeing programme

Vista Benefits platform

UK/International discounts

Cycle to Work

Critical illness cover

Family growth support

Job summary

The Tower School in Epping is seeking a caring Autism Practitioner to join our specialist team. You will provide personalised 1:1 and small-group support, helping pupils access learning and develop confidence and independence.

You'll work alongside experienced teachers and a multi-professional team to tailor learning to each pupil and support their individual goals in a warm, supportive environment.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above, or equivalent.
• Experience supporting children or young people with autism and/or challenging behaviours.
• Patient, caring and able to remain calm when situations become challenging.
• Ability to build strong, positive boundaries with young people.
• Adaptable, proactive and willing to think differently to help pupils succeed.
• Confident communication and teamwork.
• Passionate about helping autistic young people develop confidence and independence.
• Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Responsibilities

• Provide personalised 1:1 and small-group support, helping pupils access learning and achieve their goals.
• Build positive, trusting relationships that help pupils feel safe, understood and ready to learn.
• Support teachers in delivering autism-informed learning experiences.
• Encourage pupils to develop independence, communication, confidence and social skills.
• Support emotional regulation and behaviour using calm, consistent approaches.
• Adapt activities to suit different learning styles and needs.
• Contribute to individual support plans, including IEPs and risk assessments.
• Help create structured, stimulating learning environments where pupils can thrive.
• Collaborate with teachers and the multi-professional team to achieve outcomes.

Skills

GCSE English/Maths

Autism support experience

Calm under pressure

Relationship building

Adaptable

Team player

Safeguarding awareness

Education

GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above

Job description

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The Tower School

• Epping
• Permanent

Salary: £22,160.62 per annum

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday

We work smarter so that you can enjoy the things that matter outside of work

Job Title: Autism Practitioner
Location: The Tower School, Epping, CM16 4BA
Hours: 37.5 per week | Monday to Friday | 8am - 4pm
Salary: £22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: October 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

Make a Difference. Build Confidence. Help Young People Thrive.

Are you passionate about helping young people with autism achieve more than they ever thought possible?

At The Tower School, we’re looking for a caring, enthusiastic and resilient Autism Practitioner to join our specialist team. This is an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with young people, help them overcome barriers to learning and support them to develop the confidence and independence they need for their future.

You’ll be much more than classroom support. Working alongside experienced teachers and our wider multi-professional team, you’ll get to know each pupil as an individual—understanding their strengths, needs and interests and using these to help them engage with learning and experience success.

From supporting a pupil through a challenging moment to celebrating a breakthrough in learning, communication or independence, your impact will be felt every day.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide personalised 1:1 and small-group support, helping pupils access learning and achieve their individual goals.
• Build positive, trusting relationships that help pupils feel safe, understood and ready to learn.
• Support teachers in delivering creative, engaging and autism-informed learning experiences.
• Encourage pupils to develop greater independence, communication, confidence and social skills.
• Support emotional regulation and behaviour using calm, consistent and positive approaches.
• Adapt activities and resources to suit different learning styles, strengths and needs.
• Contribute to individual support plans, including IEPs, Behaviour Support Plans, Communication Profiles and Risk Assessments.
• Help create structured, stimulating learning environments where pupils can thrive.Support pupils safely during activities both in school and within the wider community.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and the wider multi-professional team to achieve the best possible outcomes for every pupil.

What We’re Looking For

• Has GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above, or equivalent.
• Has experience supporting children or young people with autism and/or behaviours that may challenge.
• Is patient, caring and able to remain calm when situations become challenging.
• Can build strong, positive and appropriately boundaried relationships with young people.
• Is adaptable, proactive and willing to think differently to help pupils succeed.
• Communicates confidently and works well as part of a collaborative team.
• Is passionate about helping autistic young people develop confidence and independence.
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

About Us

The Tower School is an independent specialist day school in Epping, Essex, supporting 62 pupils aged 11–18 with autism and complex needs. In a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment, pupils receive personalised support to develop academically, socially, and emotionally. Our curriculum blends academic learning with life skills and personal development, fostering confidence, independence, and resilience. Guided by the Ask, Accept, Develop framework, The Tower School empowers every young person to thrive and reach their full potential.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference.We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

Wherever you work – whether in a city location or one of our more rural settings – you’ll be part of one dynamic family, aiming high and dreaming big, and helping the people we work with achieve their own personal goals

Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum (depending on experience)

Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Take a closer look and discover how fulfilling your career could be.

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