Team Teach Trained Teaching Assistants – Post-16 Autism Specialist College

Location: Tower Hamlets, East London
Contract: Full-time
Start Date: Immediate / To be confirmed

Parker Smith Inclusion is working in partnership with a specialist post-16 college in Tower Hamlets to recruit Team Teach trained Teaching Assistants to support young people with autism and significant additional needs.

This is a rewarding opportunity for experienced SEND practitioners who want to make a genuine difference beyond the traditional classroom. The college focuses on preparing young people for adulthood by developing the practical skills, confidence and independence they need to navigate life beyond education.

Students follow individualised pathways, which may include supported employment programmes or practical learning in areas such as catering, fitness, IT and self-care. The aim is to help every learner develop valuable life skills, explore their interests and work towards greater independence and future opportunities.

We are looking for patient, resilient and proactive Teaching Assistants who understand the importance of building trusting relationships and supporting young people to achieve their individual goals.

The Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you will work directly with post-16 students who have autism and significant support needs. You will provide 1:1 and small-group support, helping learners access their programmes, participate in practical activities and develop the skills they need for adulthood.

This is a hands-on role where no two days will necessarily be the same. You may be supporting students during practical sessions, helping them follow daily routines, encouraging communication or promoting independence in real-world learning environments.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to students with autism and complex additional needs.
• Supporting learners to access vocational and life-skills programmes, including catering, fitness, IT and self-care.
• Helping students develop independence, confidence, communication and social skills.
• Supporting learners on employment-focused programmes and preparing them for future opportunities.
• Implementing individual support strategies and following behaviour support plans consistently.
• Using positive behaviour support and appropriate de-escalation strategies to help students manage distress and remain safe.
• Building positive, trusting relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Encouraging participation, choice-making and independence rather than completing tasks on students' behalf.
• Working collaboratively with tutors, teachers and the wider college team to ensure students receive consistent support.
• Supporting students to navigate transitions, routines and practical activities throughout the college day.

The Ideal Candidate

We are particularly interested in candidates who have experience supporting young people with autism and significant additional needs within a specialist education or care setting.

Essential requirements:

• Previous experience working with children or young people with SEND, ideally within a specialist school, college or similar provision.
• A patient, calm and resilient approach when supporting students with complex needs.
• The ability to build positive relationships and encourage independence while recognising when a learner requires additional support.
• Confidence following individual behaviour support plans and implementing agreed strategies consistently.
• A genuine interest in helping young people develop practical life skills and prepare for adulthood.

Team Teach training is a key requirement for this recruitment campaign, and we are keen to hear from candidates who hold current Team Teach training and have experience applying their learning appropriately in practice.

Experience with Positive Handling or other recognised behaviour management training may also be beneficial, depending on the training held and the college's requirements.

Previous experience supporting autistic young people who may experience distress, dysregulation or behaviours of concern would be highly advantageous.

Why Join This College?

• Purposeful work: Help young people develop the skills they need for greater independence and adult life.

• Practical learning: Support students beyond the classroom through vocational activities and everyday life skills.

• Meaningful relationships: Build trust with learners and celebrate their individual progress.

• Collaborative working: Work alongside a team focused on helping students achieve their personal goals.

Apply Today

If you are a Team Teach trained Teaching Assistant with a background in SEND and a passion for supporting autistic young people, we would love to hear from you.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who understands that progress looks different for every learner and who wants to help young people develop the confidence, skills and independence to shape their own futures.

Location: Tower Hamlets, East London
Hours: Full-time

Contact Parker Smith Inclusion today to discuss the opportunity.

Parker Smith Inclusion is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to appropriate safeguarding and recruitment checks.