SEND Teaching Assistant

Teaching Personnel; Manchester; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Teaching Personnel Ltd. is recruiting a Specialist SEND Teaching Assistant for a full-time, term-time role in Moston, North Manchester.

You will provide dedicated 1:1 support to a non-verbal pupil with complex autism, using PECS, Makaton, and other communication strategies to help access the curriculum. The role involves implementing behaviour and sensory regulation plans, supporting social skills, and working closely with teachers and SEND staff to monitor progress.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).
• Ability to use alternative communication strategies to support learning.
• Experience working in a SEND environment in a primary setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide dedicated 1:1 support for a non-verbal pupil with complex autism.
• Use PECS, Makaton, or other communication methods to support learning.
• Implement behaviour and sensory regulation plans as directed by school and external professionals.
• Support social interaction and independence development.
• Adapt learning activities to enable curriculum access.
• Monitor progress and communicate with class teachers and SEND staff.

Skills

Autism awareness

Communication skills

One-to-one support

Tools

PECS

Makaton

Visual timetables

Job description

Specialist SEND Teaching Assistant - Moston, North Manchester

A welcoming and inclusive primary school in Moston is seeking a dedicated Specialist SEND Teaching Assistant to join their team on a full-time basis. Working through Teaching Personnel, you will support a non-verbal Key Stage 1 pupil with complex autism who requires consistent, structured support throughout the school day.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone with experience supporting children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), communication needs, sensory processing difficulties, or complex SEND. The school has a strong inclusion ethos and benefits from a well-established specialist provision within its mainstream setting, allowing pupils to access tailored support while remaining part of the wider school community.

You will play a key role in helping the pupil engage with learning, develop communication skills, build positive relationships, and access the curriculum in a safe and supportive environment.

Role Details

• Full-time position
• Monday to Friday, 8.30am-3.30pm
• Term-time only
• Competitive pay
• Long-term opportunity

Key Responsibilities

• Provide dedicated 1:1 support for a non-verbal pupil with complex autism
• Use visual timetables, PECS, Makaton, or alternative communication strategies to support communication
• Implement behaviour and sensory regulation plans set by the school and external professionals
• Encourage the development of social interaction and independence skills
• Adapt learning activities to support access to the curriculum
• Support transitions between lessons and different areas of the school
• Monitor progress and provide feedback to class teachers and SEND staff
• Build a positive and trusting relationship with the pupil, family, and wider school team
• Promote a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment

The successful candidate will demonstrate patience, resilience, and a genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs. Previous experience within a SEND school, specialist provision, mainstream primary setting, care environment, or support role would be highly beneficial.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.

We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.

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