Autism Teaching Assistant

Location: Uxbridge, Greater London, England

Job Type: Contract, Full-Time Hours

Salary: £95 - £115 Per Day

Primary Industry: Education and Training

Job Description

The Autism Teaching Assistant supports pupils with autism spectrum conditions within an educational setting. The role involves implementing personalised learning plans, promoting social and communication development, and assisting teaching staff to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment. The successful candidate works closely with pupils to encourage engagement, independence and positive behaviour, ensuring the individual needs of each child are met in line with relevant guidance and best practise.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Support pupils with autism by implementing structured learning activities and tailored interventions designed to meet individual educational and behavioural needs.
• Assist teaching staff in the preparation and delivery of lessons, adapting resources and approaches to suit the needs of pupils with autism.
• Promote communication skills using appropriate techniques and tools, including visual supports and assistive technology where required.
• Encourage social interaction and participation in group activities, facilitating positive peer relationships.
• Monitor and record pupils’ progress, behaviour and wellbeing, providing regular feedback to teaching staff and contributing to reviews of individual education plans.
• Implement behaviour management strategies to support pupils in maintaining focus and positive conduct within the classroom.
• Support the development of pupils’ life skills and independence in a variety of school and community settings.
• Collaborate with teaching staff, therapists, parents and other professionals to ensure a consistent and holistic approach to the pupil’s education.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to safeguarding policies and procedures at all times.
• Participate in relevant training and professional development to enhance skills and knowledge relating to autism and special educational needs.

Required Qualifications

• National Vocational Qualification or equivalent Level 2 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning or a related discipline.
• Basic literacy and numeracy skills to enable effective communication and record keeping.

Education

• Secondary education to GCSE level or equivalent.
• Additional qualifications in special educational needs or autism support are advantageous.

Experience

• Experience of working with children or young people with autism within an educational or care setting.
• Experience of supporting pupils with behavioural, social and communication difficulties.
• Previous involvement in implementing individual education plans or behaviour support plans is desirable.

Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding of autism spectrum conditions and related learning and behavioural challenges.
• Ability to employ a range of communication methods suited to the needs of pupils with autism.
• Strong interpersonal and observational skills to monitor pupil progress and wellbeing.
• Patience, empathy and a calm, positive approach to working with children with additional needs.
• Good organisational skills with the ability to manage time effectively and prioritise tasks.
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and commitment to maintaining pupil safety at all times.

Preferred Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning or equivalent.
• Training or certification in autism-specific strategies, such as TEACCH or PECS.
• First aid qualification relevant to the educational setting.

Working Conditions

• Based within a school or specialist educational setting in Uxbridge, Greater London.
• Full-time contract with expected working hours aligned to the school day.
• Role involves working closely with children who may display challenging behaviours and require close supervision and support.
• Occasional requirement to support pupils in off-site activities or community-based learning experiences.
• Physical demands may include assisting pupils with mobility and personal care needs.
• Working in a collaborative team environment with opportunities for ongoing professional development.

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.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.