Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Vision for Education Ltd; Burnley; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Vision for Education Ltd, in partnership with a welcoming primary school in Burnley, is recruiting a Specialist Teaching Assistant to provide dedicated 1:1 support to a child with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and help them access learning.

The role involves supporting curriculum access, developing independence, and promoting positive behaviour within a nurturing, inclusive environment, with close collaboration with the class teacher, SENCO and school staff.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children with autism or other additional needs.
• Patient, calm and nurturing approach.
• Understand the importance of supporting communication, social interaction and emotional regulation.
• Be confident providing 1:1 support.
• Have strong behaviour management and relationship-building skills.
• Be adaptable and able to respond to the individual needs of the child.
• Have excellent communication skills and be able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Responsibilities

• Providing dedicated 1:1 support for a child with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).
• Supporting the child to access the curriculum and engage with classroom activities.
• Developing positive and trusting relationships to help the child feel comfortable and secure.
• Supporting communication, social interaction and emotional regulation.
• Implementing strategies to support sensory needs and manage any challenges that may arise.
• Encouraging independence and promoting positive behaviour.
• Supporting transitions between lessons and daily routines.
• Working closely with the class teacher, SENCO and wider school staff to ensure consistent support.
• Creating a positive, nurturing and inclusive learning environment where the child can thrive.

Job description

Specialist Teaching Assistant - Autism - Burnley

Vision for Education is working in partnership with a welcoming and supportive primary school in Burnley to recruit a dedicated Specialist Teaching Assistant to support a child with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).

This Specialist Teaching Assistant role in Burnley is due to start in November 2026 and will initially continue for the remainder of the 2026/27 academic year, with the potential for a permanent position in 2027 for the successful candidate.

The Role

The successful Specialist Teaching Assistant will provide dedicated 1:1 support to a child with autism, helping them to access learning, develop independence and feel safe and supported throughout the school day.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Providing dedicated 1:1 support for a child with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).
• Supporting the child to access the curriculum and engage with classroom activities.
• Developing positive and trusting relationships to help the child feel comfortable and secure.
• Supporting communication, social interaction and emotional regulation.
• Implementing strategies to support sensory needs and manage any challenges that may arise.
• Encouraging independence and promoting positive behaviour.
• Supporting transitions between lessons and daily routines.
• Working closely with the class teacher, SENCO and wider school staff to ensure consistent support.
• Creating a positive, nurturing and inclusive learning environment where the child can thrive.

This Specialist Teaching Assistant position in Burnley would suit someone who is patient, nurturing and understanding, with a genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs. Experience working with children with autism is highly desirable.

The School

The school is a welcoming and inclusive primary school located in Burnley, with a strong commitment to supporting children with additional needs and ensuring every pupil receives the support they need to succeed.

The school provides a nurturing environment where pupils are encouraged to develop academically, socially and emotionally. Staff work closely together to ensure children feel valued, understood and supported throughout their school journey.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Specialist Teaching Assistant who is looking to make a real difference in a child's education and development within a supportive school environment.

Requirements

To be considered for the Specialist Teaching Assistant role in Burnley, you will:

• Have experience working with children with autism or other additional needs.
• Have a patient, calm and nurturing approach.
• Understand the importance of supporting communication, social interaction and emotional regulation.
• Be confident providing 1:1 support.
• Have strong behaviour management and relationship-building skills.
• Be adaptable and able to respond to the individual needs of the child.
• Have excellent communication skills and be able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Be committed to safeguarding and promoting the