Learning Support Assistant - ASC (Primary Autism Support Centre)

The Downs Primary School and Nursery; Birtley; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Well-resourced ASC environment

High-quality autism training

Professional development and career in

Job summary

The Downs Primary School and Nursery seeks a Learning Support Assistant to support pupils with autism within its ASC. You will work with the ASC Lead and teaching staff to deliver high-quality, targeted interventions and help pupils access mainstream learning with confidence.

We value a warm, reflective practitioner committed to inclusion, safeguarding and supporting individual pupil progress. Visits to the ASC provision are welcomed, with further opportunities to grow in specialist autism

Qualifications

• Experience of working with children in a school setting, with SEND experience an advantage.
• Understanding of autism and neurodiversity, with willingness to expand specialist knowledge.
• Ability to deliver structured interventions with modelling and scaffolding.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with pupils, families and staff.
• Proactive, flexible approach and commitment to inclusion and safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of high-quality, adaptive teaching and learning within the ASC.
• Deliver evidence-based, autism-specific programmes and approaches.
• Deliver targeted learning interventions (phonics, literacy, numeracy, fine motor, speech language & communication).
• Support pupils to achieve their EHCP outcomes, including social, emotional and academic development.
• Assist pupils in developing mainstream readiness, including independence and organisation.
• Promote and support pupils’ access to and integration into mainstream classrooms.
• Work collaboratively with mainstream colleagues to support access, inclusion and integration.
• Maintain accurate records of pupil progress and provision impact to provide regular feedback.

Skills

SEND experience

Autism awareness

Structured interventions

Strong communication

Teamwork and collaboration

Adaptability

Job description

Learning Support Assistant - ASC (Primary Autism Support Centre - The Downs Primary School and Nursery)

Hours: 31 hours 45 minutes per week (Monday - Friday)

Weeks: 39 working weeks per year / 44.7 paid weeks per year

Salary: Scale 3 Point 6 - £20,304.28 pro rata per annum

Contract: Part-time, Permanent

Start Date: ASAP

Location: Primary Autism Support Centre - The Downs Primary School and Nursery

The Passmores Co-operative Learning Community (PCLC) is committed to creating inclusive, supportive learning environments in which every pupil is valued, understood and enabled to achieve their full potential. On behalf of Essex County Council (ECC), we host specialist primary and secondary enhanced provisions for pupils with autism. Our work is underpinned by an ethos of unconditional positive regard, high expectations and a commitment to ensuring that every pupil receives the support they need to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

This term, PCLC is expanding its primary Autism Support Centre (ASC) provision in West Essex, in partnership with ECC, through the opening of a second site. This exciting development will enable us to extend our specialist support to more pupils and strengthen our commitment to inclusive education.

We are seeking a passionate, skilled and reflective Learning Support Assistant to join our ASC team and play a key role in supporting this provision.

About the Role

We are looking for a committed and enthusiastic Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to support pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) within one of our Autism Support Centres.

Working closely with the ASC Lead and the wider school team, you will help deliver high-quality, adaptive teaching, targeted interventions and individualised support that enables pupils to make progress towards their academic, social, emotional and communication outcomes.

The role extends beyond the ASC classroom. You will also support pupils to access learning within mainstream classrooms, developing their confidence, independence and readiness to participate in a wider school environment. You will play an important role in ensuring that mainstream access is carefully planned, responsive to individual needs and focused on meaningful inclusion.

This is an excellent opportunity for a practitioner who is passionate about neurodiversity, values the individuality of every child and is keen to develop their expertise in specialist autism provision.

Visits to our existing provision are warmly welcomed. To arrange a visit and meet with Lucy Thomas, our Director of Primary Inclusion, please contact [e-mail]

Key Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of high-quality, adaptive teaching and learning within the ASC
• Deliver evidence-based, autism-specific programmes and approaches
• Deliver targeted learning interventions (phonics, literacy, numeracy, fine motor, speech language & communication)
• Support pupils to achieve their EHCP outcomes, including social, emotional and academic development
• Assist pupils in developing mainstream readiness, including independence and organisation
• Promote and support pupils’ access to and integration into mainstream classrooms
• Work collaboratively with mainstream colleagues to support access, inclusion and integration
• Maintain accurate records of pupil progress and provision impact to provide regular feedback

What We Are Looking For

• We are seeking a practitioner who combines warmth, enthusiasm and high expectations with a genuine commitment to understanding how children learn and develop.
• Experience of working with children in a school setting, with experience of supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) being an advantage.
• An understanding of autism and neurodiversity, together with a willingness to develop specialist knowledge and skills.
• The ability to deliver structured interventions and support pupils’ learning through clear modelling, scaffolding and adaptive approaches.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with pupils, colleagues and families.
• A proactive and flexible approach, with the ability to respond thoughtfully to changing needs and individual circumstances.
• A reflective approach to practice, with a willingness to seek feedback, learn from others and continually improve.
• A strong commitment to inclusion, safeguarding, teamwork and the wellbeing of every pupil.
• Creativity, patience and resilience, alongside the ability to recognise and celebrate individual progress.
• The enthusiasm to contribute to a developing provision and the professionalism and humility to work collaboratively as part of a specialist team.
• Above all, we are looking for someone who believes that every pupil can make progress and is committed to finding the right approaches to help them succeed.

We Offer

• A well-resourced and supportive ASC environment
• High-quality training in autism-specific practice
• Opportunities for professional development and progression
• A collaborative and dedicated team
• A rewarding role making a real difference to pupils’ lives

Closing Date: Friday 16th October 2026

Interviews: To be confirmed

'PCLC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure Barring Service'