Teaching Assistant – Autism Base

Location: Cardiff (North)
Job Type: Full-time, Monday to Friday
Start Date: November 2nd 2026
Pay: Competitive daily rate in line with National Living Wage

Teaching Personnel Cardiff are currently recruiting for a full-time Teaching Assistant to join the Autism Base of a mainstream secondary school in Cardiff.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or support worker with a background in Autism/ASC, ALN or additional learning needs to join a supportive school environment.

The successful candidate will work closely with Year 7 and Year 8 pupils within the school's specialist autism provision, providing consistent academic, social, emotional and behavioural support throughout the school day.

The Role

As a Teaching Assistant within the Autism Base, your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with Autism/ASC and additional learning needs.
• Supporting Year 7 and Year 8 pupils with their academic development and access to the wider curriculum.
• Helping pupils develop their social communication and interaction skills.
• Providing emotional support and helping pupils to develop confidence, independence and positive relationships.
• Supporting pupils with behaviour and emotional regulation, using appropriate strategies to manage challenging situations.
• Working alongside teachers and the school's ALN/SEN team to implement individual support strategies.
• Helping pupils engage positively in lessons and school activities.
• Supporting pupils with transitions between lessons and different areas of the school.
• Encouraging independence and helping pupils develop important life and learning skills.
• Maintaining a calm, patient and consistent approach when supporting pupils.

About You

The school is looking for someone who is patient, empathetic, resilient and passionate about supporting young people with additional learning needs.

Previous experience working with pupils or young people with Autism/ASC, ADHD, challenging behaviour, communication difficulties or other ALN would be highly desirable.

Experience within a secondary school, specialist provision, autism base, SEN/ALN setting, residential setting or youth support environment would also be beneficial.

Requirements

• Previous experience supporting children or young people is desirable.
• Experience working with Autism/ASC or additional learning needs is highly desirable.
• A patient, positive and nurturing approach.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to remain calm and consistent when supporting challenging behaviour.
• A genuine passion for helping young people reach their potential.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service is desirable, although support with the DBS application process can be provided.
• Relevant safeguarding checks will be completed before placement.

Why Work with Teaching Personnel?

As a Teaching Personnel candidate, you will benefit from:

• Competitive weekly pay.
• Access to a wide range of education and support roles across Cardiff and South Wales.
• Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement.
• Free access to relevant CPD and training opportunities.
• Support with your DBS application where required.
• Opportunities to develop your experience within education and ALN settings.
• Potential long-term and permanent opportunities with schools.

If you are an experienced Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or Autism Support Worker looking for a full-time role in a Cardiff secondary school, we'd love to hear from you.

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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