Special Needs Support Assistant

Special Needs Support Assistant
Roles available in Salford, Bolton & Bury
£90+ per day | Term-Time Only | Full-time & Ad Hoc Placements | Start ASAP (post-registration)

Teaching Personnel is working closely with a network of specialist SEND schools across Salford, Bolton, and Warrington to recruit Autism Support Assistants who are passionate about making a difference. Whether you're looking to begin a career in education or want a rewarding, hands-on role working with children with additional needs, we want to hear from you.

You’ll be joining a supportive, inclusive environment where every student’s potential is recognised — and where you’ll play a vital role in helping them thrive.

Who will you be supporting?
In this role, you'll work with students aged 4–19 who may present with:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) — affecting communication, social interaction, and sensory processing

• Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) — requiring significant support with language, literacy, and daily tasks

• Other additional needs — such as speech and language impairments, ADHD, sensory sensitivities, anxiety, and behaviour that may challenge

These students are creative, capable, and full of potential. They just need the right support to flourish — and that’s where you come in.

What does a typical day look like?
This is a varied and active role — you won’t be stuck behind a desk! Here’s what you might be doing day to day:

• Morning support and transitions – greeting students, helping them settle into the classroom, and supporting with morning routines such as unpacking bags, following visual schedules, or using calming strategies if transitions are tricky

• In-class support – working alongside the teacher to deliver lessons, using tools like PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), Makaton, or Now & Next boards to help students understand instructions and stay focused

• 1:1 interventions – delivering tailored activities to support communication, sensory integration, emotional regulation, or academic targets, often working from EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) goals

• Break and lunchtime supervision – encouraging positive social interactions and supporting with feeding, mobility, or sensory breaks if needed

• Behavioural and emotional support – using de-escalation strategies, visual cues, or sensory toys to help students manage their emotions and stay engaged

• Collaboration – working closely with class teachers, Speech & Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and other professionals to ensure consistency and progress

• End-of-day routines – helping students prepare for home, supporting transitions, and communicating with staff or parents as needed

Every day brings new challenges and rewards — and every small breakthrough is a big win.

What kind of person are we looking for?
You don’t need to be a qualified teacher — just someone who’s dedicated, patient, and eager to support students with additional needs. This role could be a great match if you:

• Have experience working with children or young people (e.g. in schools, care, youth work, or through personal/family experience)

• Are a psychology graduate, aspiring teacher, youth mentor, or support worker looking to gain experience in SEN

• Have a calm, caring, and resilient approach to working with behaviour or communication differences

• Can commit to regular, reliable attendance — consistency is key for these students

• Are passionate about inclusion and see beyond a diagnosis to the whole child

What can Teaching Personnel offer you?

• Competitive daily pay (£90+ per day), paid weekly

• Access to specialist CPD training including Autism Awareness, Team Teach, and Safeguarding

• Ongoing support from your dedicated consultant, who will place you in a school that suits your skills and goals

• Flexible work to fit your lifestyle — full-time or part-time, long-term or day-to-day

• The chance to build meaningful experience for a future in education, psychology, social care or therapy

Apply Now
Click “Apply Now”, send your CV, and a member of the Teaching Personnel team will be in touch for a friendly conversation about your experience, interests, and next steps.

Join us in helping every child feel safe, supported, and successful — one day at a time.

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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