Autism Specialist Teaching Assistant - Primary
Tower Hamlets (Bethnal Green)
Long Term Contract, Full Time
£95 per day PAYE
Parker Smith Inclusion are supporting a Primary School based in the heart of Tower Hamlets, Bethnal Green which has easy transport links from the Central, Weaver and District Line and bus routes.
As an autism specialist teaching assistant you'll be based in the specialist classroom supporting learners that are not able to access mainstream, focusing on a sensory learning & child led environment using play based and quality interactions, they also have access to a swimming pool to support the children with hydrotherapy therefore the right candidate must be comfortable to get in the pool and be involved in this part of their day. We also require flexibility from the TA we hire to be able to step in and help out in other classes within the school as/when required, you'll need to be a real team player!
Due to the needs of these students I am only able to consider candidates that have experience with autism in a specialist classroom and/or special school setting. The school are also going to provide onboarding and specialist training to the successful candidate giving you the best opportunity for success!
The Role
As a Teaching Assistant, you will:
- Support children with autism within a specialist, non-mainstream provision.
- Model play and develop high-quality, meaningful interactions with children.
- Follow children's interests and respond positively to their sensory and learning needs.
- Support children with personal care, including changing when required.
- Support swimming lessons and be willing to enter the pool when needed.
- Work flexibly across the school and provide cover in other areas when required.
- Build positive, trusting relationships with children and colleagues.
- Participate fully in training and professional development opportunities.
Requirements
The successful candidate will:
- Have experience working with children with autism, particularly children who require specialist rather than mainstream provision.
- Have a genuine interest in supporting children with additional needs.
- Be confident in a child-led and sensory learning environment.
- Be comfortable supporting children with personal care, including changing.
- Be willing to enter a swimming pool to support swimming lessons.
- Be flexible and willing to work across different areas of the school when required.
- Have excellent communication, patience and interpersonal skills.
- Be enthusiastic about learning and developing their practice.
Training and Development
Ongoing training will be provided, giving the successful candidate opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills in supporting children with autism and additional needs.
The school may initially consider trialling more than one candidate from 1 September, with a view to identifying the person best suited to the role once the children return and their individual needs can be observed in practice.
If you are an experienced and compassionate Teaching Assistant who is passionate about supporting children with autism, we would love to hear from you.