SEND Teaching Assistant (Autism and Complex Needs)

Aspire People; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 13,284 - 22,140; Full time

Job summary

Aspire People is recruiting a SEND Teaching Assistant to support pupils with autism and complex needs in an Oldham SEN school. This full-time, term-time role involves collaborating with teachers, therapists and families to deliver tailored education and therapeutic support.

The successful candidate will assist with EHCP targets, communication strategies and a personalised curriculum, promoting communication, independence and engagement throughout the school day.

Qualifications

• Previous experience supporting pupils with autism and SEND.
• A strong understanding of complex communication and sensory needs.
• Experience working with pupils who require highly personalised support.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with autism and complex needs throughout the school day.
• Deliver targeted support both individually and within small groups.
• Implement EHCP targets, communication strategies and behaviour support plans.
• Use visual timetables, PECS, Makaton or other communication approaches where appropriate.
• Support pupils with sensory regulation and structured routines.
• Help pupils develop social, emotional and independence skills.
• Promote positive behaviour and engagement with learning activities.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and families.
• Contribute to a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment.

Skills

Autism support experience

SEND support

Behaviour management

Communication with pupils

Job description

SEND Teaching Assistant - Autism and Complex Needs - Oldham

Hours: Full Time, Monday to Friday, Term Time Only

Pay: Up to 120 per day (dependent on experience)

Aspire People is recruiting for a specialist SEN school in Oldham seeking a dedicated SEND Teaching Assistant to support pupils with autism and complex additional needs. This is a full-time opportunity within a highly supportive setting that provides tailored education and therapeutic support for children and young people with a diverse range of learning, communication and sensory needs.

The school supports pupils with varying presentations of autism, including those who are non-verbal, have significant communication differences, sensory processing needs and complex learning difficulties. Many pupils benefit from structured routines, visual support strategies and consistent adult guidance throughout the school day.

As a SEND Teaching Assistant, you will work alongside teachers, therapists and other support staff to help pupils access a personalised curriculum designed around their individual EHCP outcomes. Support may be delivered on a 1:1 basis or within small classes with high staff-to-pupil ratios.

The successful candidate will help pupils develop communication skills, emotional regulation, independence and engagement with learning. Some pupils may display behaviours linked to anxiety, communication frustrations or sensory needs, requiring a calm, patient and consistent approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Support pupils with autism and complex needs throughout the school day
• Deliver targeted support both individually and within small groups
• Implement EHCP targets, communication strategies and behaviour support plans
• Use visual timetables, PECS, Makaton or other communication approaches where appropriate
• Support pupils with sensory regulation and structured routines
• Help pupils develop social, emotional and independence skills
• Promote positive behaviour and engagement with learning activities
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and families
• Contribute to a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment

The ideal candidate will have:

• Previous experience supporting pupils with autism and SEND
• A strong understanding of complex communication and sensory needs
• Experience working with pupils who require highly personalised support