Autism Special Needs Support Assistant

Join Our Brilliant Team as a Secondary SEN Teaching Assistant
Location: Bolton (BL2) | Full Time | September Start Available

Ready to make a real difference every single day?

If you’re passionate about helping young people feel safe, understood, and empowered to learn in their own unique way, this could be the perfect role for you. We’re recruiting Secondary SEN Teaching Assistants to work in a specialist secondary school in Bolton, supporting students with a range of moderate to complex needs from autism spectrum conditions (ASC) to profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD).

Every day you’ll play a vital role in helping students develop skills that truly matter, creating a positive impact on their learning journey and personal growth.

About the Role

As a Teaching Assistant in this supportive secondary setting, you’ll work with young people aged 11 to 16 who have diverse and complex learning needs. Students may require support with communication, sensory processing, mobility, and personal care as well as assistance with managing transitions and emotional regulation.

Working closely with teachers, therapists, and the wider support team, you’ll deliver tailored, person centred support. This could include aiding communication through PECS, Makaton, or alternative methods, facilitating engagement in academic and life skills lessons, and promoting independence during social times and activities.

Your role will be highly collaborative and flexible, requiring patience, empathy, and a strong commitment to understanding each student’s unique profile and strengths. You’ll receive training in behaviour support, communication strategies, and sensory approaches, helping you to grow your expertise and confidence throughout your placement.

No Qualifications? No Problem.

We value your passion, attitude, and experience supporting children and young people. Whether you’ve worked in education, care, health, or as a volunteer, we want to hear from you.

You’ll also benefit from ongoing guidance from a dedicated consultant who knows the school and can support your personal and professional development.

Who This Role is Perfect For

• Graduates in psychology, education, or health seeking hands on SEN experience

• Care or support workers wanting to specialise in education

• Experienced teaching assistants or support staff ready to work with secondary aged students with complex needs

• Anyone with patience, empathy, and a genuine belief in inclusive, personalised education

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• Experience supporting young people in any UK setting (professional, personal, or voluntary)

• A calm, adaptable approach that respects each student’s emotional and sensory needs

• A keen interest in SEN education and eagerness to learn new strategies

• Bonus: knowledge of PECS, Makaton, sensory integration, or behaviour support (not essential)

What You’ll Get in Return

• A welcoming, inclusive school environment that prioritises staff wellbeing

• Comprehensive training in communication, autism, and behaviour support

• Personalised support from your dedicated consultant

• Opportunities for professional growth with many teaching assistants progressing into teaching, therapy, or specialist roles

• The chance to make a real, lasting difference in the lives of young people every day

If you’re ready for a role that is both rewarding and impactful, apply now.

You bring the heart. We’ll help you build a future where every day counts.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for 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.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with 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 all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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