Autism Support Assistant

Ribbons & Reeves; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Ribbons & Reeves is seeking a proactive Autism Support Assistant in Southend-on-Sea for November 2026.

You will work 1:1 and in small groups to support pupils with autism, ASC, ADHD, and additional learning needs, under the SENDCo and teaching staff.

This role suits a recent graduate aiming for Educational Psychology or related fields, offering hands-on school experience and opportunities to develop communication, resilience and collaboration.

Qualifications

• A degree in Psychology or a related subject from a UK university.
• Previous child-centered or SEN experience.
• Genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs.
• Strong communication skills, patience, and resilience.
• Aspirations towards Educational Psychology, therapy, teaching, or further study.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups within an ARP.
• Collaborate with the SENDCo, teachers, and trained professionals to enable access to learning.
• Help create a positive, safe, and engaging learning environment.
• Encourage pupil confidence, communication, and independence.

Skills

Strong communication

Patience

Resilience

Team collaboration

Education

Degree in Psychology or related subject

Job description

Autism Support Assistant | Southend-on-Sea | November 2026

Are you an upcoming or recent graduate with a passion for supporting children with SEND? Are you hoping to gain valuable school-based experience before pursuing a Masters, Educational Psychology, or a long-term career in education?

An inclusive and supportive school in Southend-on-Sea is looking to appoint caring and proactive Autism Support Assistants to join their team from September. This Autism Support Assistant opportunity is perfect for graduates seeking hand-on experience working with children with autism, ASC, ADHD, and additional learning needs within a nurturing school environment.

As an Autism Support Assistant, you will work closely with pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups within an Additional Resource Provision, supporting their academic, social, and emotional development. The successful Autism Support Assistant will collaborate with the SENDCo, teachers, and trained professionals to ensure all pupils can access learning and thrive within school.

Main responsibilities of an Autism Support Assistant:

• Supporting children with ASC, autism, ADHD, and additional needs
• Working as an Autism Support Assistant on a 1:1 and small group basis
• Supporting the SENDCo and external SEN professionals
• Helping to create a positive, safe, and engaging learning environment
• Encouraging pupil confidence, communication, and independence

The ideal Autism Support Assistant will have:

• A degree in Psychology or a related subject from a UK university
• Previous child-centered or SEN experience
• A genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs
• Strong communication skills, patience, and resilience
• Aspirations towards Educational Psychology, therapy, teaching, or further study

This Autism Support Assistant role offers excellent experience for graduates looking to strengthen future applications for Masters programmes or Educational Psychology training. A rewarding Autism Support Assistant opportunity within a welcoming school that values staff development, teamwork, and inclusive education.

Autism Support Assistant | Southend-on-Sea | INDSUP