Autism Support Worker (classroom based)

senploy; Whitehaven; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

An education support provider in Whitehaven is seeking an Autism Support Worker to help children with autism in a nurturing school environment. The role involves supporting communication, emotional regulation, and personal development of pupils. Ideal candidates will have relevant experience, patience, and a commitment to inclusive education. Competitive pay and the opportunity for professional development are offered.

Benefits

Competitive pay

Professional development opportunities

Supportive school community

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children or young people with autism or additional needs.
• Commitment to inclusive education and willingness to learn.
• Genuine desire to help pupils feel safe and understood.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils in class and during structured activities.
• Assist with behavior plans and implement support strategies.
• Collaborate with teaching and therapy teams for pupil support.

Skills

Experience supporting children with autism

Patience and emotional resilience

Ability to work well in a team

Education

Relevant qualification in Teaching Assistance, Health and Social Care, or Childcare

Job description

Autism Support Worker (Classroom-based)

Are you passionate about supporting children with autism in a structured, nurturing environment? This Autism Support Worker role offers a fulfilling opportunity to make a lasting impact—whether you're experienced in care, education, or support work, or looking to transition into a school setting where no two days are the same.

The Role

As an Autism Support Worker, you'll support pupils with communication differences, sensory needs and emotional regulation. Working alongside experienced staff and therapists, you'll help deliver calm, consistent support that allows each child to thrive—academically and personally.

Responsibilities

• Supporting pupils in class and during structured social activities
• Using communication tools such as PECS or Makaton (training provided)
• Supporting pupils during transitions, sensory breaks, or emotional regulation moments
• Assisting with behaviour plans and implementing personalised support strategies
• Helping develop independence, confidence and meaningful communication
• Working collaboratively with teaching and therapy teams to review and adapt pupil support

What We're Looking For

• Has experience supporting children or young people with autism or additional needs
• Bears patience, emotional resilience, and a calm, consistent presence
• Holds a relevant qualification in Teaching Assistance, Health and Social Care, Childcare or a related field (depending on setting)
• Is open to learning new tools and approaches including sensory and therapeutic strategies
• Works well in a team and is committed to inclusive education
• Genuinely wants to help pupils feel safe, understood, and successful

The School

The school provides a warm, specialist environment where pupils with autism can feel safe, supported, and understood. With a strong emphasis on structure, sensory strategies and emotional wellbeing, the team works together to help each child build confidence, independence and lifelong skills.

Working Hours

• Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3.30pm
• Full-time and part-time applications welcome
• Long‑term temporary with the possibility of becoming permanent

Why Apply?

• Competitive pay
• No shift work, evenings, or weekends
• A deeply rewarding role supporting real progress in children's lives
• Professional development in autism‑specific and therapeutic practices
• A supportive school community focused on staff wellbeing and collaboration
• Valuable experience for careers in education, therapy, care or psychology

Ready to support pupils with autism in a role that truly matters? Apply now.

Safeguarding and DBS

Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.