Secondary Teaching Assistant - Autism Support

Cover People UK; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Cover People is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support secondary-aged pupils with autism in a North Manchester school. This role focuses on creating a structured, positive learning environment where pupils feel safe and understood.

You will work alongside teachers and SEND staff to help pupils access learning, develop communication skills and navigate the school day. The role requires patience, adaptability and a calm approach to behaviour.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children or young people with autism.
• Understanding autism and its impact on communication, sensory processing and social interaction.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
• Calm, consistent approach to behaviour and emotional regulation.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support in lessons.
• Help pupils understand instructions and engage with activities.
• Use clear communication and structured approaches to support learning.
• Encourage independence, confidence and positive social interaction.
• Support pupils with emotional regulation and changes to routine.
• Adapt tasks and resources to suit individual learning needs.
• Promote positive behaviour and classroom expectations.
• Support pupils to participate in the wider school environment.

Skills

Autism support experience

Relationship building

Communication skills

Structured routines

Emotional regulation

Team collaboration

Job description

Secondary Teaching Assistant - Autism Support

Location: North Manchester

Start Date: ASAP

Role: School-based support

Pay: £95-£120

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.

The Role

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

Your responsibilities may include:

• 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.

About You

We're looking for a patient, adaptable and reliable Teaching Assistant who can build positive relationships with young people and respond sensitively to their individual needs.

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.

Why Work Through Cover People?

• 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.