Special Needs Support Assistant

Teaching Personnel; Salford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in education is seeking a Special Needs Support Assistant to work with students with Autism and other additional needs in Salford. This full-time role offers a rewarding opportunity to make a significant impact in a supportive environment, helping students thrive both academically and socially.

Qualifications

• Passion for supporting children with additional needs.
• Experience or training in special education or related fields is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Provide morning support and transitions for students.
• Deliver in-class support alongside teachers using communication tools.
• Conduct 1:1 interventions based on EHCP goals.

Skills

Communication

Empathy

Patience

Teamwork

Behaviour Management

Tools

PECS

Makaton

Job description

Special Needs Support Assistant

Roles available in Salford, Bolton & Bury

£90+ per day | Term-Time Only | Full-time & Ad Hoc Placements | Start ASAP (post-registration)

Teaching Personnel is working closely with a network of specialist SEND schools across Salford, Bolton, and Warrington to recruit Autism Support Assistants who are passionate about making a difference. Whether you're looking to begin a career in education or want a rewarding, hands-on role working with children with additional needs, we want to hear from you.

You'll be joining a supportive, inclusive environment where every student's potential is recognised - and where you'll play a vital role in helping them thrive.

Who will you be supporting?

In this role, you'll work with students aged 4-19 who may present with:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - affecting communication, social interaction, and sensory processing
• Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) - requiring significant support with language, literacy, and daily tasks
• Other additional needs - such as speech and language impairments, ADHD, sensory sensitivities, anxiety, and behaviour that may challenge

These students are creative, capable, and full of potential. They just need the right support to flourish - and that's where you come in.

What does a typical day look like?

This is a varied and active role - you won't be stuck behind a desk! Here's what you might be doing day to day:

• Morning support and transitions - greeting students, helping them settle into the classroom, and supporting with morning routines such as unpacking bags, following visual schedules, or using calming strategies if transitions are tricky
• In-class support - working alongside the teacher to deliver lessons, using tools like PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), Makaton, or Now & Next boards to help students understand instructions and stay focused
• 1:1 interventions - delivering tailored activities to support communication, sensory integration, emotional regulation, or academic targets, often working from EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) goals
• Break and lunchtime supervision - encouraging positive social interactions and supporting with feeding, mobility, or sensory breaks if needed
• Behavioural and emotional support - using de-escalation strategies, visual cues, or sensory toys to help students manage their emotions and stay engaged
• Collaboration - working closely with class teachers, Speech & Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and other professionals to ensure consistency and progress
• End-of-day routines - helping students prepare for home, supporting transitions, and communicating with staff or parents as needed

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