Autism Support Assistant

Milk Education; Leeds; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive daily rates of pay

September 2026 start opportunities

Long-term and permanent opportunities

Dedicated consultant support

Job summary

Milk Education is seeking an Autism Support Assistant to join primary schools and specialist provisions in Leeds for a September 2026 start. The role focuses on 1:1 and small group support for pupils with Autism and additional needs, helping them access learning and participate in activities.

You will work closely with teachers, SENCOs, and therapists to support communication, emotional development, and sensory needs, while maintaining a calm, nurturing classroom environment.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people with Autism or additional needs.
• Patient, calm, empathetic and resilient.
• Confident providing 1:1 support.
• Ability to understand and respond to individual communication and sensory needs.
• Comfortable supporting pupils with challenging or distressed behaviours.
• Strong communicator and team player.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with Autism and additional needs.
• Help pupils access learning and participate in classroom activities.
• Support communication, social interaction, and emotional development.
• Assist pupils with emotional regulation and sensory needs.
• Use structured routines and individualised strategies to help pupils feel safe and supported.
• Encourage independence, confidence, and positive relationships with peers.
• Adapt activities and communication approaches to suit individual needs.
• Work closely with teachers, SENCOs, therapists, and other support staff.
• Support pupils during lessons, break times, lunchtimes, and wider school activities.
• Maintain a calm, predictable, and nurturing environment.

Skills

1:1 support

Group support

Communication

Teamwork

Patience

Education

SEN qualifications

Job description

Autism Support Assistant – Leeds | September 2026 Start

Full-Time | Primary Schools | SEN & Specialist Provision | Long-Term Opportunities

Are you passionate about supporting children with Autism and helping them build confidence, independence, and communication skills?

Milk Education is working with a range of supportive primary schools and specialist provisions across Leeds who are looking for dedicated Autism Support Assistants to join their teams from September 2026.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with experience in education, care, youth work, psychology, or SEN who wants to make a genuine difference to children with Autism and additional needs.

About the Role

As an Autism Support Assistant, you will:

• Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with Autism and additional needs
• Help pupils access learning and participate positively in classroom activities
• Support communication, social interaction, and emotional development
• Assist pupils with emotional regulation and sensory needs
• Use structured routines and individualised strategies to help pupils feel safe and supported
• Encourage independence, confidence, and positive relationships with peers
• Adapt activities and communication approaches to suit individual needs
• Work closely with teachers, SENCOs, therapists, and other support staff
• Support pupils during lessons, break times, lunchtimes, and wider school activities
• Maintain a calm, predictable, and nurturing environment

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Experienced working with children or young people with Autism or additional needs
• Patient, calm, empathetic, and resilient
• Confident providing 1:1 support
• Able to understand and respond to individual communication and sensory needs
• Comfortable supporting pupils who may display challenging or distressed behaviours
• A strong communicator and team player
• Passionate about helping children develop their independence and reach their potential

Experience within a school, specialist provision, nursery, care setting, residential setting, or youth work is desirable.

Relevant SEN qualifications are beneficial but not essential — transferable experience and the right attitude are equally important.

Why Choose Milk Education?

Milk Education is a purpose-driven, eco-conscious education agency dedicated to making a positive difference in schools and communities.

Benefits include:

• Competitive daily rates of pay
• September 2026 start opportunities across Leeds
• Long-term and permanent opportunities available
• Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement
• Access to CPD and specialist SEN training
• Free teaching and learning resources
• Wellbeing support
• Valuable experience working with children with Autism and additional needs

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