SEN Teaching Assistant - High Needs Autism & Complex Needs

Pertemps Education Network; Greater London; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Pertemps Education Network is recruiting an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant for a Lambeth primary school with a focus on high needs autism and complex needs. The role involves dedicated 1:1 and small-group support, helping children access learning and develop communication skills.

The ideal candidate will support non-verbal or minimally verbal pupils, implement communication strategies like PECS or Makaton, and work closely with the SEN team to promote independence and emotional regulation.

Qualifications

• Patience, resilience and compassion are essential traits for supporting pupils with high needs.
• Strong communication skills to engage with non-verbal learners and families.
• Ability to implement individual SEN support plans and EHCP strategies.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with significant additional needs.
• Support non-verbal and minimally verbal pupils with their communication and interaction.
• Use PECS, Makaton or other communication strategies as required.
• Assist with personal care, including toileting and intimate care where necessary.
• Implement SEN support and behaviour plans, and assist with EHCP targets.
• Support pupils with sensory needs and emotional regulation.
• Manage challenging behaviour and aid in developing independence.
• Support pupils during lessons, structured activities, breaks and lunchtime.
• Adapt activities and resources to meet learning needs.
• Build positive relationships with pupils and work with the SENCO and multidisciplinary team.
• Maintain a calm, nurturing approach throughout the school day.

Skills

Patience

Resilience

Compassion

Confidence

Non-verbal communication

Tools

PECS

Makaton

AAC

Visual timetables

Job description

SEN Teaching Assistant - High Needs Autism & Complex Needs

Location: Lambeth, South London
Job Type: Full-time, Monday to Friday
Start Date: ASAP
Daily rate: £108.35 per day

Are you an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant with a passion for supporting children with high needs autism, complex learning needs and non-verbal communication?

An inclusive and supportive primary school in Lambeth is looking for a dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant to join its specialist SEN team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced SEN TA, Autism Support Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or Complex Needs Teaching Assistant who is looking for a rewarding long-term role.

The successful candidate will support pupils with high needs Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), including children who are non-verbal or have limited verbal communication and require a high level of individualised support throughout the school day.

The Role - SEN Teaching Assistant

You will provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with significant additional needs, helping them access learning, develop communication and build independence.

• Providing dedicated 1:1 support to children with high needs autism and complex SEN.
• Supporting non-verbal and minimally verbal pupils with their communication and interaction.
• Using appropriate visual communication systems, symbols, PECS, Makaton or other communication strategies where required.
• Supporting children with personal care, including toileting, changing and intimate care where necessary.
• Implementing individual SEN support plans, EHCP strategies and behaviour support plans.
• Supporting pupils with sensory needs and emotional regulation.
• Managing and responding appropriately to challenging behaviour and dysregulation.
• Encouraging pupils to develop independence, confidence and functional life skills.
• Supporting pupils during lessons, structured activities, breaktimes and lunchtime.
• Adapting activities and resources to meet individual learning needs.
• Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils who may have significant communication difficulties.
• Working closely with the class teacher, SENCO and wider multidisciplinary team.
• Maintaining a calm, consistent and nurturing approach throughout the school day.

The Ideal SEN Teaching Assistant

The school is keen to hear from candidates with previous experience supporting children or young people with:

• High needs autism / ASC
• Complex SEN
• Non-verbal or minimally verbal communication
• Severe learning difficulties
• Speech and language difficulties
• Sensory processing needs
• Challenging behaviour
• ADHD
• Global developmental delay
• Personal care requirements

Experience as a SEN Teaching Assistant, Autism Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Behaviour Support Assistant, Complex Needs TA or Support Worker would be highly relevant.

Candidates with experience using PECS, Makaton, visual timetables, AAC or other alternative communication methods are particularly encouraged to apply.

You will need to be patient, resilient, compassionate and confident when supporting pupils with complex needs. A genuine passion for working with children with autism and a willingness to provide personal care are essential.

Why Apply?

• Specialist high needs autism provision within a Lambeth primary school
• Opportunity to gain further experience with complex SEN
• Regular 1:1 support work
• Experience supporting non-verbal autistic pupils
• Develop skills in communication, behaviour and sensory support
• Experience with EHCPs and individual support plans
• Supportive SEN team and school environment
• Long-term opportunity with potential for permanent employment
• Excellent opportunity for experienced SEN TAs and Autism Support Assistants

If you are an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant passionate about supporting children with high needs autism, complex needs and non-verbal communication, this could be an excellent opportunity for you.