Autism Support Specialist: Play & Sensory Learning

Just Teachers Ltd; Grantham; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Just Teachers Ltd seeks a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support learners with SEND in a Grantham specialist provision. The role is full‑time, starting in September and continuing at least until December 2026, with a focus on experiential learning, sensory exploration and play‑based development.

You will work closely with class teams to scaffold engagement, use visual supports and modelling, and help pupils access activities at their own pace.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEND such as ASC, PMLD, communication needs or complex learning profiles in schools, specialist settings, care environments, youth provision, or play‑based/alternative learning contexts.
• Understanding of sensory needs and developmental delays and responsive approaches.
• Knowledge of interactive, hands‑on and play‑based support strategies, including modelling, using visuals, promoting communication and helping pupils remain engaged in structured and unstructured activities.
• Level 2 Teaching Assistant or related qualifications are beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of highly adapted, play‑based and sensory‑led activities by working alongside class teams to scaffold engagement, introduce simple steps, and reinforce core skills so that learners with diverse SEND needs can participate meaningfully.
• Use consistent, nurturing and structured approaches to promote engagement.
• Include visual communication tools, sensory resources, modelling interaction, and supporting pupils to access activities at their own pace.
• Encourage positive interaction, communication and independence by offering in‑the‑moment support.
• Help pupils re‑engage through gentle redirection, co‑regulation strategies and supportive routines.

Skills

SEND experience

Education

Level 2 Teaching Assistant

Health & Social Care

Childcare

Youth Work

Job description

Just Teachers Ltd seeks a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support learners with SEND in a Grantham specialist provision. The role is full‑time, starting in September and continuing at least until December 2026, with a focus on experiential learning, sensory exploration and play‑based development.

You will work closely with class teams to scaffold engagement, use visual supports and modelling, and help pupils access activities at their own pace.