Secondary Teaching Assistant - Autism Support

Senploy; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

Cover People is seeking a dedicated Secondary Teaching Assistant to support pupils with autism in a North Manchester school. You will work alongside teachers and the SEND team to help students access learning, develop communication skills and participate in everyday school life.

Experience in a secondary school or specialist autism provision is beneficial. Ongoing support from your Cover People consultant will help you contribute to a structured, supportive environment where learners feel safe

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children or young people with autism.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Calm and consistent approach to behaviour and emotional regulation.
• Ability to follow structured routines while adapting to changing needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support in lessons for pupils with autism.
• Assist pupils to understand instructions and engage with classroom activities.
• Use clear communication and structured approaches to support learning.
• Promote independence and positive social interaction.
• Support pupils with emotional regulation and transitions between activities.
• Follow individual support plans and contribute observations about progress.
• Collaborate with teaching and SEND staff to support school life.

Skills

Autism awareness

Relationship skills

Communication

Behaviour support

Structured routines

Teamwork

Job description

Secondary Teaching Assistant - Autism Support

Location: North Manchester

Start Date: ASAP

Role: School-based support

Cover People are looking for a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support secondary-aged pupils with autism in a school in North Manchester.

This opportunity would suit someone who understands the needs of young people with autism and can help create a structured, positive learning environment where pupils feel safe, understood and able to participate in school life.

Working alongside teachers and other support staff, you will help pupils access learning, develop communication skills and navigate the demands of the school day.

Responsibilities

• Providing one-to-one and small-group support in lessons.
• Helping pupils understand instructions and engage with classroom activities.
• Using clear communication and structured approaches to support learning.
• Encouraging independence, confidence and positive social interaction.
• Supporting pupils with emotional regulation and changes to routine.
• Applying agreed strategies to respond to anxiety or distressed behaviour.
• Adapting tasks and resources to suit individual learning needs.
• Promoting positive behaviour and consistent classroom expectations.
• Helping pupils develop their organisation and independent learning skills.
• Working closely with teaching staff and the wider SEND team.
• Following individual support plans and contributing observations about progress.
• Supporting pupils to participate in the wider school environment.
• Experience in a secondary school, specialist autism provision or SEND setting would be particularly beneficial.
• Opportunity to work with secondary-aged pupils with additional needs.
• Valuable experience within a school-based SEND setting.
• Work alongside teaching and specialist support staff.
• Opportunity to make a positive difference to pupils' learning and development.
• Ongoing support from your Cover People consultant.

You should have

• Experience supporting children or young people with autism.
• An understanding of autism and its potential impact on communication, sensory processing and social interaction.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
• A calm and consistent approach to behaviour and emotional regulation.
• The ability to follow structured routines while adapting to changing needs.
• Confidence supporting pupils with different levels of independence.
• A commitment to inclusion and helping pupils access learning.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a wider school team.
• Experience in a secondary school, specialist autism provision or SEND setting would be particularly beneficial.
• Opportunity to work with secondary-aged pupils with additional needs.
• Valuable experience within a school-based SEND setting.
• Work alongside teaching and specialist support staff.
• Opportunity to make a positive difference to pupils' learning and development.
• Ongoing support from your Cover People consultant.

All pay rates include 12.07% statutory holiday pay where applicable.

Cover People are acting as an employment business on behalf of these schools. Successful applicants will be subject to safeguarding and vetting procedures in line with statutory guidance, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Cover People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.