Autism Teaching Assistant

Long Term Futures Ltd; City Of London; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Four-day week

Term-time only

Potential permanent progression

Free CPD

Dedicated consultant support

Job summary

Long Term Futures Ltd is seeking a 1:1 SEN Teaching Assistant to support a 7-year-old pupil with Autism in an outdoor learning setting. The role focuses on emotional regulation, transitions and keeping the pupil engaged across school days, with a strong emphasis on outdoor, hands-on activities.

Ideal candidates will have prior Autism/ASD experience, be energetic, patient and creative, and comfortable working outdoors for most of the day.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with Autism/ ASD.
• Confident providing dedicated 1:1 SEN support.
• Knowledge of visual timetables or sensory strategies would be beneficial.
• Available Monday to Thursday, term time only, for immediate start.

Responsibilities

• Provide dedicated 1:1 support for a 7-year-old pupil with Autism.
• Support emotional regulation, helping the pupil recognise and manage their emotions.
• Help the child transition between activities, environments and routines.
• Encourage engagement through practical, creative and outdoor learning experiences.
• Get involved in outdoor exploration, physical activities and play-based learning.
• Use positive reinforcement, visual supports and structured routines.
• Recognise potential triggers and use appropriate de-escalation strategies.
• Build a positive, trusting relationship with the pupil.
• Encourage communication, confidence and independence.
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff to provide consistent support.

Skills

Autism support

1:1 support

Emotional regulation

Transitions

Outdoor learning

Creativity

Patience

Communication

Visual supports

Job description

1:1 SEN Teaching Assistant - Outdoor Learning

Location: Morden, SM4 - South West London

Pay: £110-£125 per day

Start Date: Immediate

Working Days: Monday - Thursday (4 days per week)

Hours: School hours, term time only

Contract: Long-term temporary, with potential to become permanent

Long Term Futures is looking for an energetic, enthusiastic and experienced 1:1 SEN Teaching Assistant to support a 7-year-old pupil with diagnosed Autism at a school in Morden, SM4.

This isn't your typical classroom-based Teaching Assistant role! The school places a strong emphasis on outdoor learning, exploration and hands-on activities, so we're looking for someone who enjoys being active, getting involved and making learning exciting.

The pupil requires consistent 1:1 support, particularly around emotional regulation, transitioning between activities and maintaining engagement throughout the school day.

We're looking for someone who can bring plenty of energy, patience and creativity, while providing the structure and reassurance the child needs to thrive.

About the Role

• Provide dedicated 1:1 support for a 7-year-old pupil with Autism
• Support emotional regulation, helping the pupil recognise and manage their emotions
• Help the child transition smoothly between activities, environments and routines
• Encourage engagement through practical, creative and outdoor learning experiences
• Get involved in outdoor exploration, physical activities and play-based learning
• Use positive reinforcement, visual supports and structured routines
• Recognise potential triggers and use appropriate de-escalation strategies
• Build a positive, trusting relationship with the pupil
• Encourage communication, confidence and independence
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff to provide consistent support
• Adapt activities to suit the child's interests, needs and energy levels

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Previous experience supporting children with Autism / ASD
• Confident providing dedicated 1:1 SEN support
• Good understanding of emotional regulation and positive behaviour strategies
• Experience supporting transitions and changes in routine
• Energetic, enthusiastic and happy to spend a large part of the day outdoors
• Creative and willing to get stuck into practical activities, whatever the weather!
• Patient, resilient and able to remain calm during moments of dysregulation
• Strong communication skills and ability to build trusting relationships
• Knowledge of visual timetables, sensory strategies or autism-friendly approaches would be beneficial
• Available Monday to Thursday, term time only, for an immediate start

About the School

• Based in Morden, SM4
• Strong emphasis on outdoor education and exploratory learning
• Practical, child-centred approach to teaching
• Opportunities for creative and hands-on activities
• Supportive team focused on individual pupil development

Why Work with Long Term Futures?

• £110-£125 per day
• Four-day working week - every Friday off
• Term-time-only position
• Long-term opportunity with potential permanent progression
• Free CPD covering Autism, SEND, Behaviour Management and Safeguarding
• Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement

Long Term Futures is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references