Autism Support Assistant

Milk Education; Houghton-le-Spring; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

APSCo Compliance+ accredited

Flexible days and hours

Milk Academy training

Priority Partnership school network

5+ CPD courses

Job summary

Milk Education is seeking an Autism Support Assistant to join a welcoming Primary School in Durham, helping pupils with autism and additional needs feel included and able to access the curriculum. You will provide one-to-one and small group support, fostering communication, social and independence skills in a patient, nurturing environment.

Join our community for educators with training, career development and ongoing support.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with autism, SEND or additional needs (preferred).
• A Level 2/3 qualification in education, childcare, SEND or related subject — or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Calm, patient and understanding approach.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Confidence building positive relationships with children.
• Understanding of how to support individual needs and promote inclusion.
• Genuine passion for helping children develop and succeed.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support to pupils with autism and additional needs.
• Help pupils develop communication, social and independence skills.
• Support children to engage with classroom activities and access the curriculum.
• Use a calm and consistent approach to encourage positive behaviour and emotional regulation.
• Work closely with teachers, SEND staff and other professionals.
• Adapt activities and resources to meet individual needs.
• Promote a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment.
• Maintain safeguarding and school policies at all times.

Skills

Autism support

SEND experience

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Inclusion awareness

Behaviour management

Education

A Level 2/3 in education/childcare/SEND

Job description

Passionate about supporting children with autism? Ready to help pupils build confidence, communication and independence? This could be the opportunity for you!

As an Autism Support Assistant, you’ll be joining a welcoming Primary School in Durham, supporting pupils with autism and additional needs to feel confident, included and able to access their learning.

We’re also working with several partner schools across the area with their September recruitment, making this a great opportunity for someone looking to gain valuable SEND experience or secure their next long-term education role.

Milk Education is more than a supply partner – we’re a community for educators.

Join us for access to training, career development and ongoing support. This role would suit someone who is patient, nurturing and passionate about helping children overcome barriers and reach their potential.

Autism Support Assistant – Requirements or Skills:

• Previous experience supporting children with autism, SEND or additional needs (preferred)
• A Level 2 or 3 qualification in education, childcare, SEND or a related subject — or equivalent hands‑on experience
• A calm, patient and understanding approach
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Confidence building positive relationships with children
• A good understanding of how to support individual needs and promote inclusion
• A genuine passion for helping children develop and succeed

Autism Support Assistant – Main Responsibilities:

• Providing one-to-one and small group support to pupils with autism and additional needs
• Helping pupils develop communication, social and independence skills
• Supporting children to engage with classroom activities and access the curriculum
• Using a calm and consistent approach to encourage positive behaviour and emotional regulation
• Working closely with teachers, SEND staff and other professionals
• Adapting activities and resources to meet individual needs
• Promoting a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment
• Maintaining safeguarding, confidentiality and school policies at all times

Benefits of working with Milk Education:

• Competitive rates of pay with temp-to-perm routes available
• Speedy registration and fast‑track compliance – APSCo Compliance+ accredited
• Flexible days and working hours to suit your schedule
• Culture‑matched placements based on your strengths and values
• Access to our Priority Partnership school network
• 5+ CPD courses before placement, including Safeguarding, SEND and Behaviour
• Further accredited training through Milk Academy
• FREE PSHE lesson plans and classroom resources
• FREE educator wellbeing resources and access to our community hub
• School Preparation Pack with useful handover notes and school guides
• 24/7 support from your personal consultant

Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are APSCo Compliance+ accredited, meeting the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be subject to compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education and APSCo guidelines.

Milk Education is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy, available on our website. Milk Education is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.

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