Teaching Assistant- Autism Support

Smile Education; Wolverhampton; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Smile Education is recruiting a dedicated Specialist SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist school on a full-time basis, starting as soon as possible. You will support pupils within a mixed Key Stage 2 class, focusing on autism, sensory needs and non-verbal communication, in a high staff-to-pupil ratio environment.

The role requires experience with ASD and sensory processing, excellent behaviour management, and the ability to tailor support to each pupil’s needs.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 2 qualification relevant to working with children.
• Proven experience supporting children with ASD, sensory needs and non-verbal communication.
• Strong understanding of autism and how sensory needs affect learning, communication and behaviour.
• Excellent behaviour management skills with calm, positive responses to challenging situations.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support to pupils with complex SEN, particularly autism, sensory needs and non-verbal communication.
• Help pupils access a relevant and engaging curriculum suited to individual abilities.
• Implement strategies to support communication, engagement, emotional regulation and sensory processing.
• Demonstrate strong behaviour management to support pupils' behaviour positively.
• Collaborate with the class teacher and support team to maintain a consistent learning environment.
• Encourage independence, confidence and social development in pupils.
• Adapt support to meet each pupil's individual needs and communication style.

Skills

Autism awareness

Sensory processing understanding

Behaviour management

Adaptability

Education

Level 2 qualification (UK)

Job description

About the Role

Smile Education is currently recruiting for a dedicated and experienced Specialist SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist school on a full-time basis, starting as soon as possible.

The successful candidate will support pupils within a mixed Key Stage 2 class, working with children who have a range of additional needs, with a particular focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), sensory needs and supporting non-verbal pupils.

The class consists of a minimum of 12 pupils and benefits from a high staff-to-pupil ratio, ensuring that every child receives the individualised support they need to access a positive, engaging and relevant curriculum tailored to their abilities.

We are looking for someone with a sound understanding of autism and sensory processing needs, alongside strong behaviour management skills and the ability to adapt their approach to meet the individual needs of each pupil. This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate SEN Teaching Assistant who wants to make a meaningful difference to children's education, development and overall wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support to pupils with complex SEN, particularly autism, sensory needs and non-verbal communication.
• Support pupils to access a relevant and engaging curriculum suited to their individual abilities and developmental needs.
• Implement appropriate strategies to support communication, engagement, emotional regulation and sensory processing.
• Demonstrate strong behaviour management skills, using positive and proactive approaches to support pupils' behaviour.
• Work closely with the class teacher and wider support team to maintain a consistent and supportive learning environment.
• Encourage pupils' independence, confidence and social development.
• Adapt support to meet individual needs, recognising that every child learns and communicates differently.
• Contribute to a safe, nurturing and inclusive classroom where pupils feel supported and encouraged to achieve their potential.

The Ideal Candidate

To be considered for this role, you must:

• Hold a minimum Level 2 qualification relevant to working with children, recognised in the UK.
• Have proven experience supporting children with ASD, sensory needs and non-verbal communication.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of autism and how sensory needs can affect learning, communication and behaviour.
• Have excellent behaviour management skills and the ability to respond calmly and positively to challenging situations.
• Be patient, resilient, adaptable and able to build positive relationships with pupils.
• Have a positive attitude and a genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs.
• Be able to commit to the role on a full-time basis to provide the consistency and continuity of support required by the pupils and school.
• Provide a minimum of two references, with at least one commenting on your interaction with children.
• Hold an enhanced DBS on the Update Service.

Why Apply?

This is a rewarding opportunity to join a specialist learning environment where individualised support, consistency and positive relationships are central to pupils' progress.

If you have the relevant experience, a passion for SEN and the commitment to help children overcome barriers to learning, we would love to hear from you.

Smile Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants will be subject to appropriate safeguarding and compliance checks.

We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications.