Teaching Assistant - Key Stage 1 (ASC Provision)

Tradewind Recruitment; Chorley; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Tradewid is partnering with a Specialist Independent Provision in Chorley to recruit a Teaching Assistant for KS1 (ages 5-7) with ASC support. The role is full-time and immediate start, focusing on providing 1:1 and small group assistance within an ASC setting.

The candidate will help deliver a tailored KS1 curriculum, create sensory-friendly zones, and employ PECS and other visual supports to aid communication and learning.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEN, specifically Autism (ASC).
• Knowledge of autism-specific strategies, sensory processing needs, and alternative communication methods.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support to KS1-aged children diagnosed with ASC.
• Assist the teacher in delivering a tailored curriculum and set up sensory-friendly zones.
• Utilise visual communication tools (e.g., PECS, schedules).
• Support pupils with behaviour and emotional regulation using positive strategies.
• Record daily observations to inform EHCP targets and progress.

Job description

Teaching Assistant - Key Stage 1 (ASC Provision)

Location: Specialist Independent Provision (UK)

Position: Teaching Assistant (Key Stage 1 / Ages 5-7 group)

Contract Type: Full-Time / Permanent (Immediate Start)

Salary: £102.89 - £115.89 per day

About Us

Tradewid are working with an independent specialist school within Chorley who are dedicated to young people aged 6 - 19 who have mild, moderate and severe autism and associated complex learning needs, we pride ourselves on creating a warm, safe, and empowering environment. We specialise in supporting pupils to develop essential life strategies, independence, and strong social and communication skills.

We are currently looking for a proactive and empathetic Teaching Assistant to their primary Key Stage 1 (KS1) team on an immediate, as-soon-as-possible basis.

Key Responsibilities

• Targeted Support: Provide 1:1 and small group support to children within the KS1 age group diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC).
• Curriculum & Environment Adaptation: Assist the teacher in delivering a tailored curriculum, setting up sensory-friendly zones, and utilising visual communication tools (e.g., PECS, schedules).
• Behavioural & Emotional Support: Use positive behaviour support strategies to help pupils regulate, manage anxiety, and navigate sensory overload calmly.
• Progress Tracking: Record daily observations regarding academic, social, and communication milestones to feed into Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) targets.
• Collaborative Teamwork: Work alongside multidisciplinary teams, including Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists, to ensure holistic student development.

Person Specification

• Experience: Previous experience supporting children or young people with special educational needs (SEN), specifically Autism (ASC), within a school or care setting.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with autism-specific strategies, sensory processing needs, and alternative communication methods.
• Attributes: High emotional resilience, patience, a calm approach under pressure, and a passion for inclusive education.
• Compliance: Must hold a valid Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (or be willing to process one immediately) and be available to start straight away.