Autism Teaching Assistant

Milk Education; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Guaranteed Pay Scheme

Permanent opportunities

FastTrack onboarding

Job summary

Milk Education is seeking Autism Teaching Assistants to support neurodiverse pupils across specialist primary schools in Gateshead. Roles are available as part-time or full-time with flexible supply, long‑term placements and permanent opportunities. You will work 1:1 and in small groups, assisting with learning and social development.

You will join supportive schools prioritising wellbeing and consistency, with ongoing training and career progression in a nurturing environment.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people, ideally within SEN settings.
• Experience supporting pupils with autism or complex needs.
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills.
• Calm, empathetic and structured approach.

Responsibilities

• Provide dedicated 1:1 support to pupils across EYFS, KS1 and KS2.
• Help pupils access learning and develop social skills.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists and families on individual plans.
• Support children in small groups and one‑to‑one settings.
• Encourage communication, independence and social development.
• Support positive behaviour with empathy and consistency.
• Contribute to wellbeing and inclusive classroom environment.

Skills

1:1 support

Behavior management

Strong communication

Education

Psychology/Childhood Studies degree (pref)

Job description

Job Title: Autism Teaching Assistant

Location: Gateshead

Hours: 8:30–15:30, Monday – Friday

Start: September

Pay: £107.71 (Based on 6.5-hour day rate)

Autism Teaching Assistant

Flexible Part-Time & Full-Time Roles | Gateshead

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of neurodiverse children and young people? Whether you have experience as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Support Worker, Youth Worker or have previously worked with children with additional needs, we would love to hear from you.

Milk Education is seeking dedicated Autism Teaching Assistants to support pupils with Autism and complex needs across specialist primary schools in Gateshead. Opportunities are available on both a part-time and full-time basis, with flexible supply work, long‑term placements and permanent opportunities available.

We are also supporting a number of partner schools with their September recruitment plans, making this a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to gain specialist SEN experience or secure their next long‑term role.

The Role of an Autism Teaching Assistant

As an Autism Teaching Assistant, you will provide dedicated 1:1 support to pupils across EYFS, KS1 and KS2, helping them to access learning, develop social skills and thrive within a nurturing and structured environment. You will work closely with teachers, therapists and families to provide tailored support that meets each child’s individual needs.

You will be joining supportive and inclusive schools that place wellbeing, consistency and community at the centre of everything they do.

Responsibilities of an Autism Teaching Assistant may include:

• Supporting pupils with autism and complex needs in the classroom and around the school
• Implementing tailored strategies to promote engagement, emotional regulation and learning
• Working closely with teachers and therapists to deliver individualised support plans
• Supporting children on a one-to-one basis and in small groups
• Encouraging communication, independence and social development
• Managing behaviour with empathy, patience and consistency
• Promoting positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing
• Building trusted relationships with pupils, staff and families

Many of our Autism Teaching Assistants progress from temporary to permanent school-based roles through Milk Education.

This Autism Teaching Assistant role is ideal for:

• Teaching Assistants and Learning Support Assistants
• SEN Support Workers and Care Practitioners
• Youth Workers and Community Support Workers
• Psychology, Education and Childhood Studies Graduates
• Individuals with experience supporting children with autism or additional needs
• Those looking to gain experience within specialist education settings
• Anyone passionate about supporting children’s learning, confidence and development

Autism Teaching Assistant Essential Criteria:

• Experience working with children or young people, ideally within SEN settings
• Experience supporting pupils with autism or complex needs
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills
• Confidence managing behaviours with empathy and structure
• A calm, resilient and proactive approach
• A relevant degree – Psychology, Childhood Studies… (preferred)
• A teaching assistant qualification (preferred)
• Availability for at least 3 days per week (flexible)
• Local to Gateshead (no relocation)

Why Work with Milk Education as an Autism Teaching Assistant?

Working with Milk, you’ll benefit from:

• Competitive rates of pay
• Guaranteed Pay Scheme available for added financial security*
• Opportunities to secure permanent school positions
• FastTrack Compliance – quick and simple onboarding
• Dedicated support from experienced education consultants
• Quick and hassle‑free registration process
• Access to 1,000+ FREE and discounted CPD courses
• Exclusive School & Trust Partnerships
• FREE PSHE lesson plans focused on sensitive and relevant topics
• FREE wellbeing resources and access to our community hub
• School preparation packs with handover notes and insightful school guides

Safeguarding & Equal Opportunities

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

Milk Education is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age.

Apply today to begin your journey as an Autism Teaching Assistant and make a positive impact in specialist primary schools across Gateshead.