Full-Time Teaching Assistant - Autism Base

Teaching Personnel Ltd.; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive weekly pay

CPD and training opportunities

DBS application/Update Service support

Dedicated consultant support

Job summary

Teaching Personnel Cardiff is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to join the Autism Base at a mainstream secondary school in Cardiff. You will support Year 7 and Year 8 students with autism/ALN, providing academic, social and emotional help throughout the day.

Ideal candidates have experience with autism/ASC, ADHD or challenging behaviour, and possess a patient, positive approach. DBS checks will be arranged as needed and ongoing training is available.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Patient, empathetic and resilient approach.
• Experience supporting pupils with autism/ASC and ALN.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with autism/ASC and ALN.
• Support Year 7 and Year 8 pupils with academic development and access to the wider curriculum.
• Help pupils develop social communication and interaction skills.
• Provide emotional support and help pupils develop confidence, independence and positive relationships.
• Support pupils with behaviour and emotional regulation using appropriate strategies.
• Work with ALN/SEN team to implement individual support strategies.
• Help pupils engage in lessons and school activities.
• Assist with transitions between lessons and areas of the school.
• Encourage independence and life-learning skills.
• Maintain a calm, patient and consistent approach.

Skills

Communication

Patience

Empathy

Teamwork

Behaviour management

ALN/ASC support

Job description

Location: Cardiff (North)

Job Type: Full-time, Monday to Friday

Start Date: November 2nd 2026

Pay: Competitive daily rate in line with National Living Wage

Teaching Personnel Cardiff are currently recruiting for a full-time Teaching Assistant to join the Autism Base of a mainstream secondary school in Cardiff.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or support worker with a background in Autism/ASC, ALN or additional learning needs to join a supportive school environment.

The successful candidate will work closely with Year 7 and Year 8 pupils within the school's specialist autism provision, providing consistent academic, social, emotional and behavioural support throughout the school day.

As a Teaching Assistant within the Autism Base, your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with Autism/ASC and additional learning needs.
• Supporting Year 7 and Year 8 pupils with their academic development and access to the wider curriculum.
• Helping pupils develop their social communication and interaction skills.
• Providing emotional support and helping pupils to develop confidence, independence and positive relationships.
• Supporting pupils with behaviour and emotional regulation, using appropriate strategies to manage challenging situations.
• Working alongside teachers and the school's ALN/SEN team to implement individual support strategies.
• Helping pupils engage positively in lessons and school activities.
• Supporting pupils with transitions between lessons and different areas of the school.
• Encouraging independence and helping pupils develop important life and learning skills.
• Maintaining a calm, patient and consistent approach when supporting pupils.

The school is looking for someone who is patient, empathetic, resilient and passionate about supporting young people with additional learning needs.

Previous experience working with pupils or young people with Autism/ASC, ADHD, challenging behaviour, communication difficulties or other ALN would be highly desirable.

Experience within a secondary school, specialist provision, autism base, SEN/ALN setting, residential setting or youth support environment would also be beneficial.

• Previous experience supporting children or young people is desirable.
• Experience working with Autism/ASC or additional learning needs is highly desirable.
• A patient, positive and nurturing approach.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to remain calm and consistent when supporting challenging behaviour.
• A genuine passion for helping young people reach their potential.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service is desirable, although support with the DBS application process can be provided.
• Relevant safeguarding checks will be completed before placement.

As a Teaching Personnel candidate, you will benefit from:

• Competitive weekly pay.
• Access to a wide range of education and support roles across Cardiff and South Wales.
• Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement.
• Free access to relevant CPD and training opportunities.
• Support with your DBS application where required.
• Opportunities to develop your experience within education and ALN settings.
• Potential long-term and permanent opportunities with schools.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ's on the Teaching Person