Autism Specialist Teaching Assistant

Milk Education; Irlam; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education agency in the United Kingdom is seeking an Aspiring Autism Specialist - Learning Support Assistant to provide support for children with special educational needs. This full-time role in Salford offers a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience in a specialist school environment focused on holistic development and therapeutic practices. The position involves supporting students on a 1:1 basis and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to foster communication and independence among pupils.

Benefits

Competitive daily pay

Flexible working hours

Free access to CPD courses

24/7 support from a consultant

Access to exclusive discounts through Perks Portal

Qualifications

• Psychology graduates or related disciplines are encouraged to apply.
• Individuals must have a strong interest in SEN, autism, and child psychology.
• Calm, empathetic, and reflective individuals are ideal.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils on a 1:1 or small group basis across a range of complex needs.
• Help children develop communication, emotional regulation, and independence skills.
• Work alongside therapists and multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Empathy

Communication skills

Reflective practice

Interest in SEN and autism

Education

Psychology graduate or related discipline

Job description

Aspiring Autism Specialist - Learning Support Assistant Salford - All Education and Training all provided.

Start Date: Immediate / January 2026

Full-time - £101.40 to £105/day - Paid trial days available

Overview

Are you a psychology graduate passionate about supporting children with special educational needs (SEN)? Are you considering a career in autism specialism, educational psychology, clinical psychology, or child and adolescent mental health? This Learning Support Assistant role in Salford offers an excellent foundation.

You’ll be joining a respected specialist school for children aged 4 to 16 with high‑support autism, profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), and complex needs. The school provides a creative, inclusive, and therapy‑informed environment that supports holistic development through communication, play, sensory integration, and structured learning.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils on a 1:1 or small group basis across a range of complex needs
• Help children develop communication, emotional regulation, and independence skills
• Work alongside therapists, SEN teachers, and multidisciplinary teams
• Gain exposure to therapeutic practices including ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) and sensory integration techniques

What You’ll Gain

• Real‑world SEN experience in a high‑support, specialist school
• Insight into therapeutic and behavioural strategies for autism and complex needsOpportunities to observe and support students through behaviour interventions
• A deeper understanding of child development, neurodiversity, and trauma‑informed practice

Ideal Candidates

• Psychology graduates (or related disciplines such as Neuroscience, Social Sciences)
• Individuals with a strong interest in SEN, autism, and child psychology
• Calm, empathetic, and reflective individuals who thrive in nurturing environments
• Graduates looking to build hands‑on experience before progressing to psychology or autism‑specialist career routes

Role Details

• Location: Salford
• Pay: £101.40 - £105 per day
• Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am - 3:45 pm
• Start Date: Immediate / January 2026
• Duration: Full academic year with potential for extension or permanent opportunities

About the School

The curriculum is centred around developmental domains including:

• Independent Living
• Health and Wellbeing
• Communication and Social Skills
• Employment and Life Skills
• STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Maths)
• Literacy, Numeracy, and ICT

The school promotes a collaborative, team‑based culture where Learning Support Assistants work closely with therapists and teaching staff to provide student‑led, holistic care.

Benefits to You

• Excellent rates of pay!
• Speedy registration process & fast‑track compliance.
• Flexible days and working hours to suit your schedule.
• 5‑Star rated with over 3000 reviews across Google & Facebook!
• Exclusive school & trust partnerships.
• Access to our FREE Perks Portal, where you'll find exclusive access to a range of discounts - our very own version of the Blue Light Card.
• Follow your progress pathway with access to 1000+ accredited, discounted CPD courses through Milk Academy!
• FREE PSHE lesson plans and resources, designed by real teachers.
• FREE Educator Wellbeing eBook and access to our wellbeing hub, featuring CPD courses and health & fitness modules!
• School Preparation Pack - be ready for your school placements!
• 24/7 support from your personal consultant, directly through their work mobile phone.
• Our Unbottled division brings lived‑experience speakers into schools, covering stigmatised topics such as mental health, discrimination, and exploitation. We’re located across England & North Wales with a network of 9 offices!
• Join the UK's only eco‑friendly education supply agency!

Click “Apply Now” or get in touch with me for more information about this great opportunity.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and any relevant experience. We look forward to hearing from you.