Autism Wellbeing & Learning Assistant

You don't need to have worked in a school before. You need to have lived, learned and genuinely care about young people.

Teaching Personnel is recruiting on behalf of a specialist autism school near Horsham; a confidential client with an outstanding reputation for inclusive, therapeutic and person-centred education. This is a school that understands that the best support professionals don't always come from a traditional teaching background. They come from care homes, from community work, from healthcare, from raising families of their own, and from all the experiences in between that have made them the grounded, empathetic, unshakeable people they are today.

If that's you, and if you can drive to a beautiful specialist school setting in the West Sussex countryside; we would genuinely love to hear from you.

What you'll be doing

• Supporting the wellbeing and learning of pupils with autism spectrum conditions (ASC), working across both the classroom and the wider school day to help young people feel regulated, safe and ready to engage.
• Building meaningful, consistent relationships with pupils that provide the stability and trust they need to make progress - academically and personally.
• Implementing individual support strategies in line with each pupil's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and the guidance of specialist teachers and therapists.
• Supporting communication needs using Makaton, PECS, AAC devices and other specialist approaches as appropriate.
• Helping pupils manage sensory needs, transitions and the unpredictable moments that can unsettle their day - responding with calm, creativity and care.
• Contributing to a wider team that includes teachers, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and pastoral staff.
• Keeping clear, accurate records and following safeguarding procedures with diligence and professionalism.

Who we're looking for

• A warm, grounded and emotionally resilient person who brings genuine life experience to the role - we are looking for someone who has developed wisdom and steadiness through what they have done and who they have become, not just formal qualifications.
• Experience working with people with autism, learning difficulties, mental health needs or complex needs - in any setting, paid or voluntary.
• A patient, consistent and nurturing presence, combined with the professional confidence to manage challenging moments without losing your composure.
• Curiosity about and commitment to autism-specific approaches such as low-arousal environments, Intensive Interaction or structured teaching.
• A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle - essential due to the rural location of the school.
• Full-time availability, Monday to Friday, term-time.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply.

What's in it for you

• £23,175 per annum, with full pay during school holidays - including half terms.
• A permanent, full-time role in a specialist and highly regarded educational setting.
• Comprehensive autism and SEN training through Teaching Personnel, with ongoing CPD throughout your placement.
• The opportunity to transition into specialist education from another background, supported every step of the way.
• A dedicated Teaching Personnel consultant who takes the time to understand your background and find the right fit.
• Immediate and September 2026 start options available.

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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