Autism and Complex Needs TA / SEND Teaching Assistant - Special School
Location: Southwark, South East London
Start Date: ASAP
Hours: Full-time and Long-term
Pay: £93 - £105 PAYE per day
What does it take to help an autistic pupil with complex needs feel safe, understood and supported when communication is difficult, sensory demands become overwhelming, or the world around them feels too much?
In a specialist setting supporting autistic pupils with complex needs, patience, consistency and an individualised approach are essential. Understanding sensory differences, communication needs and how distress can present through behaviours that challenge allows staff to respond with empathy and reassurance. Building trusting relationships, using alternative communication methods such as PECS, and creating a safe, supportive environment can make a meaningful difference to each pupil’s development and wellbeing.
I am currently working with a specialist school in South East London seeking dedicated Autism and Complex Needs Learning Support Assistants / Teaching Assistants for full-time, long-term-to-permanent positions.
What Your Week Could Look Like
Imagine supporting an autistic pupil with complex needs who finds transitions and changes to routine overwhelming. Using a calm, consistent approach, visual supports and individualised communication strategies, including PECS where appropriate, you help them feel safe and engage with their environment.
Throughout the day, you support pupils with a range of communication, sensory and learning needs, including those who are non-speaking. You find different ways to connect with each pupil, recognise their individual cues and understand when distress or unmet needs may be communicated through behaviours that challenge.
Working alongside the class team, you provide personalised support to help pupils develop communication, independence and engagement at their own pace. You use patience, reassurance and a trauma-informed approach to support pupils through sensory overload, emotional dysregulation and everyday challenges.
These moments may seem small, but for pupils with autism and complex needs, building trust, communicating their needs and feeling safe and understood can represent significant progress.
What the Role Involves
- Providing 1:1 and small-group support for autistic pupils with complex needs and high levels of support.
- Building trusting relationships through a consistent, patient and trauma-informed approach.
- Using PECS, visual supports, gestures and alternative communication methods to engage pupils, including those who are non-speaking.
- Adapting communication and interaction approaches to meet individual sensory, communication and learning needs.
- Recognising emotional dysregulation and understanding how distress and unmet needs can present through behaviours that challenge.
- Supporting pupils through sensory overload, transitions and periods of distress using calm reassurance, co-regulation and individualised strategies.
- Promoting communication, independence, engagement and emotional wellbeing at each pupil’s individual pace.
- Working collaboratively with teachers and support staff to provide consistent, personalised support for pupils with complex needs.
Who Should Apply?
This role would suit someone who is passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs and understands the importance of personalised education.
You may be:
- An experienced Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant with an interest in supporting pupils with autism and complex needs.
- Someone with a strong understanding of trauma-informed practice and how emotional dysregulation can present through behaviours that challenge.
- A patient, resilient and nurturing individual who can build trusting relationships and provide consistent, compassionate support.
- Confident in supporting pupils with emotional regulation, transitions, communication and engagement in learning.
- Someone who can maintain clear boundaries while creating a calm, safe and supportive environment.
- A strong team player who can work collaboratively with teachers and wider support staff to meet individual needs.
- Previous experience in a specialist SEND, autism or setting where you were supporting SEND pupils would be advantageous.
- Most importantly, someone who recognises that behaviour is a form of communication and is committed to helping every pupil feel safe, understood and supported to reach their potential.
About Parker Smith Inclusion
PS Inclusion recruits exclusively for SEND roles, with placements focused on long-term and permanent opportunities.
Before introducing candidates to a school, the team takes the time to understand their experience, strengths, and the type of setting in which they would thrive. The aim is to connect educators with opportunities that suit their skills and allow them to make a meaningful difference.
With more than 1,500 educators placed and over 400 five-star Google reviews, the team is recognised for its efficiency and supportive approach throughout the recruitment process.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced Teaching Assistant looking for an opportunity to make a genuine difference in a specialist autism and complex needs school, we would love to hear from you.
With an ASAP start, flexible working options, and the opportunity to support pupils with a diverse range of needs, this could be your next step in SEND education.
Apply today to find out more and arrange an interview!
Reach out to Jamie at Jamie@psinclusion.co.uk.