Year 5 Special Needs Teaching Assistant (Autism)

Protocol Education Ltd; Watford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational recruiting agency in Watford is looking for a dedicated Special Needs Teaching Assistant to provide one-to-one support for a Year 5 pupil with autism. This full-time role, starting in January 2026, involves helping the pupil thrive academically and socially. Ideal candidates will have experience or a relevant degree, along with a patient and empathetic approach. The position offers weekly pay, support from experienced staff, and opportunities to build valuable experience in special needs education.

Benefits

Weekly pay with no deductions

Support from experienced SENCO and specialists

Access to 25 certified CPD courses

Referral scheme

Networking events

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with autism is preferred.
• A relevant degree in education or related fields is an advantage.
• A nurturing and empathetic personality is essential.
• Candidates should be adaptable throughout the school day.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one support for a Year 5 pupil with autism.
• Help the pupil to flourish academically, emotionally, and socially.

Skills

Experience supporting children with special educational needs

Compatible degree (Psychology, Health & Social Care, Education)

Patience and empathy

Strong initiative

Adaptability

Right to work in the UK

Job description

Year 5 Special Needs Teaching Assistant (Autism)

Location: Watford
Start Date: January 2026
Salary: £90–£105 per day
Job Type: Full-time, Long-term
Schedule: Monday–Friday (no weekends)

A welcoming mainstream primary school in Watford is seeking a dedicated Special Needs Teaching Assistant to join their team from January 2026. This role involves providing one-to-one support for a Year 5 pupil with autism, helping them to flourish academically, emotionally, and socially.

What We Are Looking For in a Year 5 SEN TA:

• Experience supporting children with special educational needs (particularly autism), either professionally or personally
• OR a relevant degree such as Psychology, Health & Social Care, Education, or Speech & Language
• A patient, nurturing and empathetic approach
• Strong initiative and the ability to stay focused and adaptable throughout the school day
• Right to work in the UK
• Previous experience working in UK schools (desired)

What’s in It for You:

• The rewarding experience of genuinely making a difference
• Weekly pay with no umbrella company deductions
• Opportunities to build your CV and gain valuable SEN experience
• Support and guidance from the school’s experienced SENCO and external specialists
• A stable, long-term position — not supply

We encourage early applications as shortlisting will take place promptly.

What Protocol Education Can Offer:

• Full interview preparation to help you feel confident and ready
• Ongoing support, including help with activity ideas and learning strategies
• Easy-to-use online portal for timesheets and availability
• Access to 25 certified CPD courses — more than any other UK education agency
• A generous referral scheme
• Free social and networking events to connect with peers
• Opportunities across Watford and the wider Northwest London area

Protocol Education holds the REC Audited Education Gold Standard and is committed to safeguarding and equal opportunities.

Interested in this SEN TA role? Send your CV to [e-mail].

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.

We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.

Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.