SEN Teaching Assistant | Autism Specialist School | Lewisham | September 2026
Location: Lewisham, South East London
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: Full-Time | Long-Term
Salary: £93–£100 per day (PAYE), depending on experience
SEN Teaching Assistant – Autism Specialist School
Are you looking for a rewarding SEN Teaching Assistant role where you can make a genuine difference every day?
Do you have a passion for supporting Autistic children and young people to develop confidence, independence, communication skills and achieve their full potential?
We are recruiting on behalf of an outstanding specialist school in Lewisham that provides exceptional education for Autistic pupils aged 5–19. The school is recognised for its highly personalised approach, specialist expertise and commitment to ensuring every learner is understood, valued and supported to thrive both in school and beyond.
This is an excellent opportunity for aspiring teachers, psychologists, therapists, experienced Learning Support Assistants or anyone looking to build a long-term career within SEND education.
About the School
This specialist setting has built an outstanding reputation for providing a nurturing, inclusive and ambitious education for Autistic pupils with a wide range of communication, sensory and learning profiles.
The school's philosophy is centred around recognising each young person's strengths, interests and individuality. Staff work collaboratively to create personalised learning experiences that help pupils develop academically, socially and emotionally while promoting confidence, resilience and independence.
Communication sits at the heart of everything the school does. Staff are trained to use a range of specialist communication approaches, visual supports and structured teaching strategies to ensure every pupil can access learning in a way that works for them.
Learning extends far beyond the classroom. Pupils regularly access community-based learning, educational visits and real-life experiences that help develop independence, confidence and preparation for adulthood. Older students benefit from meaningful vocational opportunities, enterprise projects and work-related learning designed to develop employability skills and prepare them for adult life.
The Role
As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will become a key member of a highly supportive team, helping pupils access learning while developing essential communication, social and life skills.
Your responsibilities will include:
-
Supporting Autistic pupils in the classroom and during wider school activities
-
Delivering personalised learning support tailored to individual needs
-
Promoting communication, emotional regulation and positive social interaction
-
Encouraging independence and preparing pupils for adulthood
-
Supporting structured teaching programmes and sensory learning activities
-
Assisting with vocational learning, life skills and community-based experiences
-
Using positive behaviour support strategies to help pupils achieve success
-
Working closely with teachers, therapists and families to provide consistent support
-
Creating a calm, safe and engaging learning environment where every pupil can flourish
Why Join This School?
-
Outstanding specialist Autism provision
-
Small class sizes allowing meaningful relationships with every pupil
-
Highly collaborative multidisciplinary team including therapists and specialist practitioners
-
Excellent training in Autism education, communication strategies, safeguarding and therapeutic approaches
-
Strong focus on staff wellbeing and professional development
-
Personalised curriculum designed around each learner's strengths and interests
-
Excellent preparation for adulthood through life skills, enterprise and community learning
-
Inclusive, supportive culture where every member of staff is valued
What We're Looking For
We would love to hear from candidates with experience in education, SEND or care, including:
-
SEN Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant (LSA)
-
Autism Support Worker / Behaviour Mentor
-
Youth Worker
-
Psychology Graduate
-
Speech and Language Therapy Assistant / Occupational Therapy Assistant / Health and Social Care professional
You'll also have:
-
Experience supporting children or young people with Autism, SEND or additional needs (desirable)
-
A genuine passion for inclusive education
-
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
-
Patience, resilience and a calm, positive approach
-
A commitment to helping young people become as independent as possible
-
An understanding of safeguarding and child protection
Why Apply?
This is much more than a Teaching Assistant position.
You'll be joining a specialist school where every day is focused on helping young people build communication skills, confidence, independence and successful futures. The school invests heavily in its staff through ongoing training, collaborative working and opportunities for career progression within specialist education.
Apply today to be considered for this rewarding SEN Teaching Assistant opportunity, or contact Jamie Martinez at Parker Smith Inclusion for a confidential discussion.