Autism Teaching Assistant

Protocol Education; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Protocol Education is recruiting for a full-time Autism Teaching Assistant to join a welcoming specialist SEND school in Gateshead. You will support pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and additional learning needs to access learning and build confidence in the classroom.

This role is ideal for experienced Teaching Assistants, Support Workers, Youth Workers or psychology graduates who are passionate about inclusive education and creating calm, supportive learning environments.

Qualifications

• Experience as Teaching Assistant, Support Worker, Youth Worker or Psychology Graduate preferred.
• Experience supporting children with Autism or SEND is desirable.
• Willingness to undertake safeguarding and online training.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support for pupils.
• Support pupils with Autism and additional SEND needs.
• Help pupils engage with lessons and classroom activities.
• Support communication and social development.
• Encourage independence and confidence.
• Assist with emotional regulation and positive behaviour.
• Follow individual learning plans and strategies.

Skills

Patient

Nurturing

Passionate about inclusion

Calm

Reliable

Organised

Positive attitude

Strong communication

Job description

Autism Teaching Assistant – Gateshead | Full-Time

Make a real difference to the lives of children with SEND by supporting their learning, development and confidence.

Protocol Education is currently recruiting for a full-time Autism Teaching Assistant to join a welcoming and supportive specialist SEND school in Gateshead.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Teaching Assistant, Support Worker, Youth Worker or Psychology Graduate who is passionate about working with children and young people with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and additional learning needs.

You will play an important role in helping pupils access their education, develop their communication and social skills, manage their emotions and build greater independence.

Why work with Protocol Education?

We work closely with schools across the North East to match talented and dedicated education professionals with rewarding roles where they can make a genuine difference.

As a Protocol Education Teaching Assistant, you'll receive:

• FREE access to our online CPD Academy
• Autism Awareness and SEND training
• A dedicated local consultant who will support you throughout your placement
• Long-term and permanent opportunities
• Career progression and development support

What you'll be doing

As an Autism Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with pupils and the wider school team to provide consistent, individualised support.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support where required
• Supporting pupils with Autism and additional SEND needs
• Helping pupils engage with lessons and classroom activities
• Supporting communication and social development
• Encouraging independence and confidence
• Helping pupils with emotional regulation and positive behaviour
• Following individual learning plans and support strategies
• Using visual resources and structured routines to support learning
• Building positive and trusting relationships with pupils
• Working closely with teachers and specialist staff
• Celebrating pupils' progress and achievements

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone who is patient, nurturing and passionate about helping children with additional needs reach their potential.

You will ideally be:

• Calm, patient and reassuring
• Confident supporting children with Autism and/or SEND
• Adaptable and resilient
• Reliable and organised
• Positive and encouraging
• Passionate about inclusive education
• Able to build strong, trusting relationships with pupils

Previous experience working with Autism or SEND is desirable, but we are also keen to hear from candidates with transferable experience and the right attitude.

Who would this role suit?

This role could be ideal for:

• Teaching Assistants
• Learning Support Assistants
• Autism Support Workers
• Care Professionals
• Youth Workers
• Psychology Graduates
• Graduates looking to build a career within education
• Individuals with personal or professional experience supporting children with additional needs

If you're passionate about helping children feel understood, supported and confident in their learning, we'd love to hear from you.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.

We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.

Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.