SEND Teaching Assistant

Cover People; Atherton; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top market rates of pay

Dedicated SEND consultant

Holiday pay accrual

Free safeguarding training

Cyber security training

Job summary

Cover People is recruiting a Long-Term Primary SEND Teaching Assistant – Autism Support for a mainstream primary special school in Wigan (M46). Based in Atherton, the role is full-time, Monday to Friday 8:30am-3:30pm, start ASAP, with potential to go permanent.

You will support pupils with Autism across sensory, communication and social-emotional needs, delivering sessions as directed and building positive relationships.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with Autism and complex additional needs.
• Understanding of autism-friendly approaches and SEND strategies.
• Experience with pupils displaying challenging behaviours and using relationship-based approaches.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Calm, patient, adaptable and resilient attitude.
• Previous autism support experience in education or another sector.

Responsibilities

• Promote engagement, emotional regulation and positive learning experiences.
• Build trusting relationships with pupils, staff and families.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, the SENCO and external professionals.
• Support pupils' social, emotional and academic development.
• Adapt approach throughout the day to meet changing needs.

Skills

Autism experience

SEND strategies

Behaviour management

Communication skills

Relationship-building

Calm and patient

Autism support experience

Job description

Long-Term Primary SEND Teaching Assistant – Autism Support

Location: Atherton, Wigan, M46.

Start Date: ASAP.

Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday 8:30am-3:30pm.

Contract: Long-Term Supply, could eventually go perm.

Setting: Primary special needs school for children with Autism & Complex Needs.

Excellent pay: £95-115/day DOE - paid PAYE direct via Cover People.

We are recruiting on behalf of a welcoming primary special school in Wigan (M46) for a skilled and adaptable SEND Teaching Assistant to provide specialist support for pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) to start ASAP.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong autism experience who can build positive relationships, adapt their approach to individual needs, and help pupils thrive both emotionally and academically.

The Role

You will provide dedicated support for students with Autism including sensory, communication and social/emotional needs.

Following recommendations from the Educational Psychologist, support will be delivered in shorter sessions throughout the school day, with changes of adult to promote engagement and wellbeing.

Support will be across the whole group with regular 1:1 interventions needed.

Benefits to you of working through Cover People:

• Top market rates of pay - paid PAYE or umbrella.
• Dedicated SEND consultant with over 14 years local experience.
• Established local company with over 20 years in the Greater Manchester market & consultants servicing primary & secondary schools in every local authority.
• Wide variety of special schools and alternative provisions to choose from.
• Majority of our vacancies are full-time & long-term roles or temp-to-perm opportunities.
• Free Safeguarding, Prevent & Cyber Security training.
• Holiday pay accrual, paid at the end of each term.

We're Looking For Someone Who Has:

• Experience supporting children with Autism and complex additional needs.
• A good understanding of autism-friendly approaches and effective SEND strategies.
• Experience working with pupils displaying challenging behaviours & using relationship-based approaches.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
• A calm, patient, adaptable and resilient attitude.
• Previous experience providing Autism support either in education or in another sector.

Your Responsibilities

Promote engagement, emotional regulation and positive learning experiences.

Build trusting relationships with pupils, staff and families.

Work collaboratively with teachers, the SENCO and external professionals.

Support pupils' social, emotional and academic development.

Adapt your approach throughout the day to meet changing needs.

What you'll need to provide

• A CV detailing your full education and work history.
• Proof of Right to Work & Address in the UK.
• A valid DBS certificate on the Update Service (or willingness to apply for one).
• Two professional references.
• Experience working with children is preferred, but a positive attitude and willingness to learn are essential.