Primary SEND LSA - Tower Hamlets

SEND Learning Support Assistant (LSA) – Autism Specialist Provision

Location: East London
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 3:30pm
Start Date: Immediate
Contract: Temporary cover until the end of November 2026

Are you an experienced SEND Teaching Assistant who understands autism and knows how to support children with complex communication and sensory needs?

Parker Smith Inclusion is working with a welcoming primary school in East London that is looking for an experienced SEND Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to join its specialist provision.

The provision supports a small group of approximately 6–8 children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), primarily with autism. Some children are non-verbal or have limited spoken language and require a highly individualised approach to learning, communication and emotional regulation.

The classroom environment is similar to an early years setting, with an emphasis on sensory exploration, play-based learning, communication and developing independence.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced SEND professional who understands that supporting children with autism requires patience, consistency, flexibility and the ability to recognise what a child may be communicating through their behaviour.

About the Role

You will work as part of a small specialist team, supporting children with a range of individual needs throughout the school day.

The successful candidate will be confident adapting their approach to each child, supporting communication and engagement while helping pupils feel safe, understood and ready to learn.

Some children may become physically dysregulated when overwhelmed or unable to communicate their needs. You must therefore be confident responding calmly and appropriately, recognising potential triggers and following individual support and behaviour plans.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support for children with autism and complex SEND.
• Supporting children who are non-verbal or have limited spoken language.
• Using play-based and sensory activities to encourage engagement and development.
• Supporting communication, interaction and early learning skills.
• Helping children develop independence through structured daily routines.
• Recognising signs of anxiety, sensory overload or emotional dysregulation.
• Responding appropriately to behaviours of concern using agreed strategies.
• Following individual EHCP outcomes, support plans and risk assessments.
• Working collaboratively with the class teacher and wider SEND team.
• Creating a calm, predictable and nurturing learning environment.
• Encouraging positive interactions, exploration and participation.
• Supporting children's personal, social and emotional development.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone with previous, hands-on experience supporting autistic children, ideally within a specialist school, autism resource base or SEND provision.

You will need to be:

• Patient, nurturing and emotionally resilient.
• Confident supporting children with limited or no verbal communication.
• Experienced in autism-specific support strategies.
• Comfortable working in a sensory-rich, play-based classroom.
• Able to recognise and respond to early signs of dysregulation.
• Confident supporting children who may display physical behaviours when overwhelmed.
• Calm under pressure and able to maintain professional boundaries.
• Consistent in following individual behaviour and communication plans.
• A strong team player who communicates effectively with colleagues.
• Passionate about helping children develop communication, independence and confidence.
• Experience with visual communication systems, sensory regulation strategies, PECS, Makaton or low-arousal approaches would be beneficial.

Contract and Practical Details

• Location: East London.

• Hours: 8:30am – 3:30pm, Monday to Friday.

• Duration: Temporary cover until the end of November 2026.

• Start: Immediate, with the possibility of a trial day before starting.

• Experience: Previous autism and SEND experience is essential.

Please note that the school does not have on-site parking, so candidates should consider their travel arrangements before applying.

Why Parker Smith Inclusion?

At Parker Smith Inclusion, we specialise exclusively in SEND education. We understand the importance of matching the right people with the right settings, particularly when supporting children with complex needs.

We want to hear from candidates who are committed to inclusive education and understand that progress can look different for every child. Small achievements in communication, engagement, emotional regulation and independence can make a significant difference.

If you are an experienced SEND LSA who can bring patience, consistency and specialist autism knowledge to a close-knit provision, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today to speak with Elise @ Parker Smith Inclusion about this opportunity.