Specialist Teaching Assistant

Allscreens Nationwide Ltd; Isleworth; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Ambitious College is seeking a Specialist Teaching Assistant to support autistic learners aged 16-25. You will provide personalised, 1:1 assistance both on campus and in the community, working with teaching staff to boost learning, communication and independence.

The role offers a structured 35-hour week over 41 weeks per year, with a start date in October 2026. A DBS check and safeguarding experience are required, with a commitment to equality and opportunity.

Qualifications

• Patient, compassionate and motivated to help autistic young people.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for 1:1 support.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare of learners.

Responsibilities

• Provide personalised, 1:1 support to autistic learners.
• Support learning, communication, independence and personal development.
• Collaborate with teaching and specialist staff to maximise learner outcomes.

Job description

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of autistic young people? Do you thrive on helping individuals develop their skills, confidence and independence? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

Ambitious College is an independent specialist day college supporting autistic young people aged 16-25. Our person-centred approach puts each learner at the heart of everything we do.

We provide highly personalised learning programmes and specialist support, helping learners develop the skills they need to achieve their aspirations and participate more independently in everyday life.

Based at the West Thames College campus in West London, Ambitious College provides a vibrant and inclusive learning environment. Our learners benefit from a wide range of opportunities both on campus and in the wider community. Through partnerships with local businesses, community organisations and mainstream colleges, we create meaningful opportunities for learners to develop their confidence, independence and employability skills in real‑world settings.

About the role

As a Specialist Teaching Assistant, you will play an important role in supporting our learners to achieve their individual goals.

You will provide personalised support, often on a 1:1 basis, both within the college and out in the community.

You'll work closely with teaching and specialist staff to support learning, communication, independence and personal development.

No two days will be the same, and you'll have the opportunity to see the direct impact your support has on the lives of the young people you work with.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is patient, compassionate and motivated to help autistic young people develop their skills, confidence and independence.

At Ambitious College, our values shape everything we do. We put autistic young people at the centre of our work and are committed to creating an environment where every learner is valued, supported and empowered to reach their potential.

If you're looking for a role where you can build meaningful relationships, develop your skills and make a genuine difference every day, we'd love you to join us.

Working pattern: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Working weeks: 41 weeks per year, paid over 52 weeks

Start date: October 2026

Interviews: Ongoing throughout September 2026

Ambitious about Autism is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity and we warmly welcome applications from all suitably‑qualified candidates. We welcome applications regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, disability, or age. All applications will be considered solely on merit.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.

Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

Ambitious about Autism is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity and we warmly welcome applications from all suitably‑qualified candidates. We welcome applications regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, disability, or age. All applications will be considered solely on merit.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.

Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.