Special Needs Assistant - ASD Class

St Paul's C of E Primary School & Nursery; Farnham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A primary school in Farnham is seeking a committed Special Needs Assistant to work 1:1 with a child having social, emotional, and mental health needs. The role involves building a trusting relationship, using a trauma-informed approach, and collaborating with teachers and professionals. Ideal candidates will have experience with SEMH/ASD, be patient and emotionally attuned, and thrive in a supportive team. This position offers the chance to make a significant difference in a child's life within a nurturing environment.

Benefits

Supportive team

Regular professional development

Opportunity to make a difference

Qualifications

• Experience of supporting children with social, emotional and mental health needs.
• Understanding of co-regulation and emotional safety.
• Ability to remain calm and solution-focused under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Build trust with the child to offer emotional support.
• Implement personalized strategies with teachers and professionals.
• Help the child engage in learning and social interaction.

Skills

Experience supporting children with SEMH, ASD

Emotional attunement

Collaborative teamwork

Patience

Job description

At St Paul’s, “Learning in God’s Love” is at the heart of everything we do. Our vision and values – Courage, Compassion and Community – guide us as we nurture every child to grow academically, socially and emotionally.

The role is Monday to Friday 8:30 - 3:15.

We are seeking a committed and resilient Special Needs Assistant to work 1:1 with a Key Stage 2 child within our ASD Unit Class. The child experiences social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs and attachment-related difficulties, and may display traits such as impulsivity, high energy, difficulties with concentration and emotional regulation.

This role calls for a trauma-informed and relationship-based approach – someone who understands that connection comes before correction, and who can offer calm, consistent and compassionate support.

The successful candidate will :

• Build a trusting, consistent relationship with the child, offering emotional containment and positive reinforcement.
• Work closely with the class teacher, ASD Unit Lead, SENDCo and external professionals to implement personalised strategies.
• Support the child’s engagement in learning and social interaction within a small, structured class setting.
• Use a trauma-informed approach to help the child regulate emotions and develop resilience.
• Remain calm, reflective and solution-focused when faced with challenging situations.
• Contribute to a nurturing environment where the child feels safe, valued and ready to learn.

We are looking for someone who :

• Has experience of supporting children with SEMH, ASD and / or attachment-related needs.
• Understands the importance of co-regulation, emotional safety and positive relationships.
• Is patient, consistent and emotionally attuned.
• Works effectively as part of a compassionate, collaborative team.
• Is reflective, open to feedback and committed to ongoing professional learning.

In return, we offer :

• A highly supportive and nurturing team guided by Christian values.
• Regular professional development and supervision in SEMH, ASD and trauma-informed practice.
• The opportunity to make a transformational difference in a child’s life.

We reserve the right to shortlist and interview prior to the closing date, so early applications are strongly encouraged.

For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit, please contact the school office.

Safeguarding Statement

St Paul's CofE Primary School & Nursery, Tongham is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.