SEND Teaching Assistant - Autism, SEMH and ADHD Specialism
Location: Croydon, South East London
Start Date: ASAP
Hours: Full-time and Long-term
Pay: £93 - £105 PAYE per day
What does it take to help a pupil with autism, ADHD or SEMH needs feel safe, understood and supported when anxiety, emotional dysregulation or difficulties with communication and emotional regulation make everyday situations overwhelming?
In a specialist setting supporting pupils with autism, ADHD, SEMH and associated needs, patience, consistency and a trauma-informed approach are essential. Understanding how anxiety, emotional dysregulation and unmet needs can present through behaviours that challenge allows staff to respond with empathy, reassurance and clear boundaries. Building trusting relationships and creating a calm, predictable environment can make a meaningful difference to pupils’ emotional wellbeing, engagement and development.
I am currently working with a specialist school in South East London seeking dedicated Autism, ADHD and SEMH Learning Support Assistants / Teaching Assistants for full-time, long-term-to-permanent positions.
What Your Week Could Look Like
Imagine supporting a pupil with autism, ADHD or SEMH needs who finds transitions, changes to routine or everyday demands overwhelming. Using a calm, consistent and trauma-informed approach, you help them manage anxiety, regulate their emotions and feel safe within the school environment.
Throughout the day, you support pupils with a range of social, emotional and communication needs. You recognise that distress, anxiety and unmet needs can present through behaviours that challenge, responding with empathy, patience and clear boundaries rather than focusing solely on the behaviour.
Working alongside the class team, you build trusting relationships and provide individualised support to help pupils manage emotional dysregulation, develop coping strategies and engage positively with learning. You adapt your approach to each pupil, recognising that sensory needs, impulsivity and difficulties with emotional regulation can affect how they experience and respond to the world around them.
These moments may seem small, but for pupils with autism, ADHD and SEMH needs, building trust, developing emotional regulation and feeling safe, understood and supported can represent significant progress.
What the Role Involves
- Providing 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with autism, ADHD, SEMH and associated needs.
- Building trusting relationships through a consistent, nurturing and trauma-informed approach.
- Supporting pupils with anxiety, emotional dysregulation and behaviours that challenge, recognising the underlying needs behind their behaviour.
- Using visual supports, PECS and alternative communication approaches where appropriate to help pupils communicate and engage.
- Supporting pupils to access a broad and balanced curriculum tailored to their individual learning, emotional and developmental needs.
- Encouraging social development, emotional regulation, independence and positive relationships within a safe, supportive environment.
- Working alongside teachers and a multidisciplinary therapy team, incorporating approaches such as play, music, drama, art and LEGO therapy.
- Supporting consistent, holistic care through collaboration with colleagues and external professionals, including CAMHS, Early Help and social care teams.
Who Should Apply?
This role would suit someone who is dedicated to supporting pupils with autism, ADHD and SEMH needs and understands the importance of a nurturing, trauma-informed approach to emotional wellbeing, positive behaviour support and individualised learning.#
You should apply if you are:
- An experienced Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant with an interest in supporting pupils with autism and complex needs.
- Someone with a strong understanding of trauma-informed practice and how emotional dysregulation can present through behaviours that challenge.
- A patient, resilient and nurturing individual who can build trusting relationships and provide consistent, compassionate support.
- Confident in supporting pupils with emotional regulation, transitions, communication and engagement in learning.
- Someone who can maintain clear boundaries while creating a calm, safe and supportive environment.
- A strong team player who can work collaboratively with teachers and wider support staff to meet individual needs.
- Previous experience in a specialist SEND, autism or setting where you were supporting SEND pupils would be advantageous.
- Most importantly, someone who recognises that behaviour is a form of communication and is committed to helping every pupil feel safe, understood and supported to reach their potential.
About Parker Smith Inclusion
PS Inclusion recruits exclusively for SEND roles, with placements focused on long-term and permanent opportunities.
Before introducing candidates to a school, the team takes the time to understand their experience, strengths, and the type of setting in which they would thrive. The aim is to connect educators with opportunities that suit their skills and allow them to make a meaningful difference.
With more than 1,500 educators placed and over 400 five-star Google reviews, the team is recognised for its efficiency and supportive approach throughout the recruitment process.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced Teaching Assistant looking for an opportunity to make a genuine difference in a specialist autism and complex needs school, we would love to hear from you.
With an ASAP start, flexible working options, and the opportunity to support pupils with a diverse range of needs, this could be your next step in SEND education.
Apply today to find out more and arrange an interview!
Reach out to Jamie at Jamie@psinclusion.co.uk.