SEN Teaching Assistant (Autism Spectrum Disorder)

Tradewind Recruitment LTD.; Manchester; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment LTD. is seeking an experienced 1:1 SEN Teaching Assistant to support a Year 4 pupil with complex learning needs, autism and limited language in a primary school in the BL2 area.

The role involves developing a trusting relationship and assisting with communication and learning throughout the day. You will be proactive, adaptable and able to use your initiative, with multisensory approaches to teaching and close collaboration with the class teacher and SENDCO.

Qualifications

• Experience working with autistic children with complex learning needs.
• Ability to support a child with limited language and adapt provision to the individual.
• Warm, patient and capable of forming positive relationships with children.
• Professional, flexible and able to work collaboratively with teachers and SENDCO.

Responsibilities

• Provide dedicated 1:1 support for a child with complex SEN and autism.
• Build a trusting relationship and respond to her individual communication and regulatory needs.
• Support learning using a multisensory approach and regulate engagement throughout the day.
• Work with the class teacher and SENDCO to plan and adapt learning opportunities.
• Encourage engagement, independence and participation where appropriate.
• Adapt activities to the child's needs and present a calm, proactive approach when changes occur.

Skills

Autism experience

Complex learning needs

Limited language support

Warm and patient

Initiative and adaptability

Team collaboration with teachers

Sensory regulation awareness

Total Communication understanding

Job description

1:1 SEN Teaching Assistant - Complex Needs / ASD

Location: BL2 area
Year Group: Year 4
Start: ASAP
Contract: Long-term opportunity, potentially spanning 3 academic years

We are currently seeking an experienced and compassionate 1:1 SEN Teaching Assistant to support a Year 4 pupil with complex learning needs, autism and limited language within a primary school in the BL2 area.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is passionate about helping children with additional needs access education in a way that is meaningful, engaging and personalised to them.

About the role

The successful Teaching Assistant will work closely with the pupil to build a trusting relationship and develop a strong understanding of her individual communication, sensory and learning needs.

You will need to be proactive, adaptable and confident in using your own initiative, as no two days will necessarily look the same. The role will involve supporting the pupil both emotionally and educationally, helping her to regulate, engage and access learning throughout the school day.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Providing dedicated 1:1 support for a child with complex SEN and autism.
• Building a positive, trusting relationship and responding sensitively to her individual needs.
• Supporting communication for a child with limited language.
• Using a multisensory approach to make learning accessible and engaging.
• Supporting sensory needs, including sensory circuits and regulation activities.
• Breaking the school day and learning into manageable, achievable chunks.
• Working proactively alongside the class teacher and SENDCO to plan and adapt learning opportunities.
• Encouraging engagement, independence and participation wherever appropriate.
• Adapting activities and approaches according to the child's needs and presentation on the day.
• Using initiative to identify when the child needs support, regulation, a change of activity or a different approach.

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience working with autistic children with complex learning needs.
• Understands the importance of personalised support and adapting provision around the individual child.
• Is confident supporting children with limited or emerging communication.
• Is warm, patient and able to form genuine, positive relationships with children.
• Has a dynamic and flexible approach to supporting learning.
• Is confident working collaboratively with teachers and the SENDCO.
• Can use initiative and remain calm and adaptable when needs change.
• Has an understanding of sensory needs and sensory regulation.
• Ideally has experience or an understanding of the Total Communication approach.

A long-term opportunity

For the right candidate, this could be a long-term opportunity potentially continuing for up to three academic years, providing the chance to build a strong relationship with the pupil and play a significant role in her development and progress.

If you would like to understand more about the child's needs before applying, the school is happy to arrange either a Teams meeting or a school visit with the SENDCO.

If you are an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant looking for a role where you can make a genuine, long-term difference to a child's education and development, we would love to hear from you.