Autism Teaching Assistant - SEN School - South West London / Surrey
Full-Time, Long-Term to Permanent
ASAP or September 2026 Start
£93 to £98 PAYE per day
Somewhere along the way, you realised you are good with children that other people find hard to reach. Maybe it came from a psychology or drama degree, a care role, or growing up alongside someone with additional needs. Whatever your current job is, it probably does not require that skill.
The school
This specialist school in South West London supports pupils aged 4 to 19 with Autism, severe learning difficulties, and complex needs. Many pupils are non-verbal or have very limited verbal communication, so staff learn to read what a child is telling them through behaviour, gesture, and alternative communication methods such as AAC.
The environment is structured, calm, and sensory-aware. The curriculum is built around each individual pupil rather than a fixed academic framework, and independence is treated as a goal in its own right at every age. Expectations are high for every pupil, however complex their needs.
What the role looks like day to day
You will support pupils one-to-one and in small groups, with a high adult-to-child ratio. You will help pupils communicate in ways that work for them, using visual supports and AAC. You will support personal care and sensory and water-based activities throughout the school day. You will be trained, supervised, and given real opportunities to develop your practice. No two days repeat themselves.
Who this suits
Personality and attitude matter more here than formal qualifications. Psychology graduates, drama graduates, care assistants, youth workers, and people with lived experience of SEND all do well in this setting. Prior school experience is not essential. A genuine interest in Autism and complex needs is.
The role is full-time, term-time only, 8:30am to 4pm, starting ASAP or in September 2026. It begins as a long-term placement with a genuine route to a permanent contract.
The school is easily reached from Wimbledon, Raynes Park, New Malden, Esher, Epsom, Twickenham, and Richmond.
How to apply
Apply now, or call Heeji Moon at Parker Smith Inclusion on 0203 011 4848 for an honest conversation about whether this role is right for you. You can also find out more at www.psinclusion.co.uk.
Working with PS Inclusion, you will be represented by a consultant who knows this school personally and will tell you the truth about the work before you commit to it. You will be prepared properly for the interview and supported well beyond your first day. Your questions get answered by someone who understands SEND, not a call centre.
Parker Smith Inclusion is an ethical specialist SEND recruitment consultancy supporting educators and schools across London and Surrey. We operate on a PAYE-only basis with transparent pay, capped fees, and no hidden costs. Over 400 five-star Google reviews from educators reflect the way we work.