Autism Teaching Assistant
Location: Carshalton, South West London
Pay: £475 – £550 per week (PAYE)
Contract: Full-time | Term-time only
Start Date: Immediate
Setting: Specialist School
Could you be the steady, trusted adult who helps a young person feel safe enough to succeed?
A specialist Autism and Complex Needs setting in Carshalton is looking for a compassionate and resilient Autism Teaching Assistant to support secondary-aged pupils who need more than just structure they need understanding. Many pupils have experienced disruption in education and benefit from consistent, supportive relationships that help them rebuild confidence and re-engage with learning.
This is a powerful opportunity to make a genuine difference, using a trauma-informed approach to guide young people towards positive outcomes, both in and beyond the classroom.
The Role
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Provide 1:1 and small group mentoring for pupils with Autism, Complex Needs and SLD
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Support students in lessons, during transitions and unstructured times
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Help pupils regulate emotions and re-engage with learning
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Implement behaviour strategies aligned with individual support plans
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Use de-escalation and restorative approaches to manage challenging situations
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Model calm, consistent and positive behaviour at all times
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Work collaboratively with teaching staff, pastoral teams and senior leaders
Backgrounds That Transfer Well
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Special Need schools or specialist provisions
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Youth work, mentoring or outreach roles
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Residential care or children’s homes
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Youth justice, secure settings or intervention programmes
Experience in high-pressure environments where consistency, communication and emotional regulation are key will be highly valued.
The Ideal Candidate
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Emotionally intelligent, reflective and calm under pressure
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Confident supporting young people with complex behavioural needs
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Skilled in de-escalation and restorative practice
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Able to build strong, professional relationships with pupils
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Patient, resilient and committed to long-term positive change
What We Offer
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£475 – £550 per week PAYE (no umbrella companies)
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Full-time, term-time only role
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Immediate start available
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Long-term opportunity with potential to become permanent
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Ongoing SEND and trauma-informed training
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Supportive leadership team with clear progression pathways
If you are looking for an Autism Teaching Assistant job in Carshalton, South West London, where you can support young people to feel understood, rebuild trust and take meaningful steps forward, this role offers both purpose and progression.