Teaching Assistant Level 3 SAN (Autism Resource Provision)

The Methodist Church in Britain; Wythenshawe; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS pension

Online CPD courses

EAP for family members

Health Cash Plan

Flu vaccination clinics

Eyecare vouchers

Group support from trust

Job summary

Saint Paul’s Catholic High School invites applications for a permanent full-time Teaching Assistant within the Autism Resource Provision. The role focuses on personalised support for pupils with autism, helping them regulate, engage in learning and build independence using an autism-informed approach.

DBS check and Level 3 TA qualification are required, with a start date of 1 December 2026. You will work with teachers, pastoral staff and families to tailor support, complementing learning in both

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people with SEND.
• Excellent understanding of autism and how it affects regulation and learning.
• Ability to build positive relationships and support independence.

Responsibilities

• Provide personalised support to pupils with autism in the Resource Provision and mainstream lessons.
• Work with teachers and families to understand and respond to each pupil's needs.
• Support communication, sensory, emotional and behavioural regulation.
• Contribute to personalised learning programmes and interventions.
• Support pupils in mainstream lessons and wider school activities.

Skills

Calm, patient approach

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Ability to follow individualised plans

Team collaboration

Education

Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent

Job description

This permanent full-time teaching assistant post sits in the Autism Resource Provision at Saint Paul's Catholic High School, part of Corpus Christi Catholic Academy Trust. The core of the work is personalised support for pupils with autism, helping them regulate, engage in learning and build independence using an autism-informed approach. Support is given both inside the Resource Provision and in mainstream lessons and wider school activities. A Level 3 teaching assistant qualification and an enhanced DBS check are required, with a start date of 1 December 2026.

What the job involves

• Provide personalised support to pupils with autism in the Resource Provision, helping them regulate, engage in learning, build independence and take part in school life
• Work with teachers, the Resource Provision team, pastoral staff, families and professionals to understand and respond to each pupil's needs
• Support communication, sensory, emotional and behavioural regulation using a calm, consistent, autism-informed approach
• Build positive relationships and grow pupils' confidence and independence
• Contribute to personalised learning programmes and interventions
• Support pupils in mainstream lessons and wider school activities where appropriate

Qualifications

• Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent

Experience

• Experience of working with children or young people with SEND

Skills & knowledge

• Good understanding of autism and how communication, sensory processing, anxiety and environment affect regulation and learning
• Positive, respectful, trusting relationships with pupils, with a good sense of humour
• Calm, patient, consistent approach, especially with anxious or dysregulated pupils
• Recognising individual differences and adapting approach accordingly
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Following individualised plans and implementing agreed strategies consistently

Checks & eligibility

• Enhanced DBS check, exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
• Satisfactory references

Other

• Working effectively in a multidisciplinary team
• Encouraging independence while providing appropriate support
• Keeping accurate records and communicating observations clearly
• Responding appropriately to challenging situations
• Commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and improving outcomes, with strong moral principles and integrity
• Willingness to undertake training, develop practice and try new ideas

Nice to have

• Experience of pupils with autism

What’s offered

• Local Government Pension Scheme with 18.5% employer contributions
• Access to online CPD courses, accredited qualifications and paid training
• Confidential Employee Assistance Programme, extended to family members
• Health Cash Plan paid by the Trust, covering optical, dental, therapies, health screening, gym and retail discounts
• Flu vaccination clinics
• Eyecare vouchers
• Close links and group support from other schools in the trust