Autism Specialist SEN Teaching Assistant (ASC & Complex Needs)

£90–£100 per day (PAYE only)
Full-time | Term-time only
Hammersmith
Start date: ASAP

This position is for someone who understands that supporting children with Autism and complex needs is skilled, emotionally intelligent work. It requires patience, consistency, calm thinking under pressure, and a genuine interest in how neurodivergent children experience the world.

I am working with a specialist SEND setting in Hammersmith supporting pupils with Autism (ASC), many of whom have additional needs including ADHD, speech and language difficulties, sensory processing differences, SLD and SEMH profiles. Some pupils are non-verbal. Some communicate using PECS, visuals or assistive technology. Many require structured, predictable environments to feel safe and able to learn.

This is purposeful work. It is not passive classroom support.

About the Setting

This is a specialist provision designed specifically for pupils who cannot access mainstream education without significant adaptation.

Class sizes are small. Structure is intentional. Communication strategies are embedded into the day. Regulation is prioritised before academic demand.

Staff are trained in autism-specific approaches and trauma-informed practice. The environment is calm but can be intense. When dysregulation happens, the team responds with consistency rather than control.

The Role

As an Autism Specialist SEN Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with ASC and complex needs

• Support non-verbal and minimally verbal pupils using structured communication systems

• Help pupils regulate emotionally using agreed sensory strategies

• Implement behaviour support plans consistently

• Adapt learning materials to meet individual processing needs

• Work closely with teachers, therapists and the wider SEND team

• Support with personal care where required

• Build trusting relationships with pupils who may initially present as withdrawn or dysregulated

You will not stand at the side of the classroom. You will be actively involved in learning, regulation and development throughout the day.

The Reality

Some days are incredibly rewarding. Some days are challenging.

There may be moments of dysregulation, refusal, or emotional escalation. There may be personal care responsibilities. Progress can be gradual rather than instant.

The people who thrive here are steady, reflective and genuinely curious about behaviour. They do not take things personally. They understand that behaviour communicates need.

Who This Role Is For

This role is for you if:

• You have genuine professional or personal SEND experience

• You have supported children or young people with Autism, SEMH, SLD or complex needs

• You understand sensory regulation and structured communication approaches

• You are emotionally resilient and calm under pressure

• You are intentionally pursuing a career within SEND

This role is not suitable for applicants with no SEND experience or those simply seeking general classroom exposure.

What You Can Expect

• £90–£100 per day

• PAYE only, no umbrella companies

• Ongoing support from a specialist SEND recruitment consultant

• Transparent communication throughout the process

• A setting where SEND is understood and prioritised

We are a transparent and ethical SEND specialist recruitment consultancy. We work exclusively on a PAYE basis and partner with settings that genuinely value skilled SEND professionals.

If you are experienced in Autism and complex needs support, and you want to work somewhere that takes SEND seriously, apply with your CV.

If you are unsure whether your experience is relevant, but you know SEND is where you belong, I am happy to have a conversation.

INDSUPP