Special Needs Teaching Assistant (SEN TA) – Autism
Sutton, South West London
£90–£100 per day (PAYE, depending on experience)
Full-Time | Term-Time Only | Long-Term to Permanent
Start Date: Easter or September
Are you passionate about supporting children with special educational needs?
We are recruiting a Special Needs Teaching Assistant (SEN TA) to join a highly supportive SEND school in Sutton, Surrey. This is a rewarding opportunity to work with children with Autism (ASC)?
If you have experience in SEND education or a genuine passion for helping children with additional needs, this role offers meaningful, long-term career development.
About the School
This specialist school supports pupils with Autism and additional needs. You must be able to support students on a 121 and small group basis, understanding how to approach working with pupils who may struggle with social reasoning, and have conflicts and self-doubt.
The school provides a structured, sensory-based learning environment where emotional regulation and well-being come before academic learning.
Your Role as a Special Needs Teaching Assistant
As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting students with diverse needs
- Build trusting, consistent relationships with pupils
- Support students with Autism, social and emotional needs and learning difficulties
- Assist with personal care (toileting, changing where required)
- Support emotional regulation and co-regulation strategies
- Adapt learning approaches to meet individual needs and engagement styles
- Recognise when students need support to regulate before learning
- Remain calm and resilient during challenging situations
- Support non-verbal and alternative communication methods
Learning Approach & Experience (Desirable)
- Experience or understanding of the following is highly beneficial:
- Sensory engagement
- EYFS, KS1-KS4 curriculum - adapted to different needs and abilities
- Supporting children with non-traditional communication styles
- Candidates from Early Years backgrounds often excel in this setting due to the developmental learning approach
- Trauma-informed and applied practice
- Neuroscience-aligned practice
- Neurodiversity Affirming Practice
Who We’re Looking For
- This role is ideal for someone who:
- Has a genuine passion for SEN / SEND education
- Has experience with or understanding of Autism
- Understands that behaviour is communication
- Is patient, resilient, and emotionally intelligent
- Bring a positive, proactive attitude
- Is motivated to make a real difference in children’s lives
- Professional or lived experience supporting additional needs
- Backgrounds in care, psychology, therapy, or education
- Team Teach training (desirable but not essential)
Why Apply?
- Long-term to permanent opportunity
- Supportive and welcoming school environment
- Meaningful, impactful work
- Excellent experience for SEN career pathways
- Ongoing support from a specialist education recruiter
If you're looking for a rewarding SEN Teaching Assistant role in Sutton, apply now or contact Jamie at Parker Smith Inclusion to discuss this or other SEND opportunities.