SEN Teaching Assistant – High Needs Autism & Complex Needs

SEN Teaching Assistant – High Needs Autism & Complex Needs
Location: Lambeth, South London
Job Type: Full-time, Monday to Friday
Start Date: ASAP 
Daily rate: £108.35 per day

Are you an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant with a passion for supporting children with high needs autism, complex learning needs and non-verbal communication?

An inclusive and supportive primary school in Lambeth is looking for a dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant to join its specialist SEN team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced SEN TA, Autism Support Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or Complex Needs Teaching Assistant who is looking for a rewarding long-term role.

The successful candidate will support pupils with high needs Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), including children who are non-verbal or have limited verbal communication and require a high level of individualised support throughout the school day.

The Role – SEN Teaching AssistantYou will provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with significant additional needs, helping them access learning, develop communication and build independence.

The role will involve:

• Providing dedicated 1:1 support to children with high needs autism and complex SEN.
• Supporting non-verbal and minimally verbal pupils with their communication and interaction.
• Using appropriate visual communication systems, symbols, PECS, Makaton or other communication strategies where required.
• Supporting children with personal care, including toileting, changing and intimate care where necessary.
• Implementing individual SEN support plans, EHCP strategies and behaviour support plans.
• Supporting pupils with sensory needs and emotional regulation.
• Managing and responding appropriately to challenging behaviour and dysregulation.
• Encouraging pupils to develop independence, confidence and functional life skills.
• Supporting pupils during lessons, structured activities, breaktimes and lunchtime.
• Adapting activities and resources to meet individual learning needs.
• Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils who may have significant communication difficulties.
• Working closely with the class teacher, SENCO and wider multidisciplinary team.
• Maintaining a calm, consistent and nurturing approach throughout the school day.

The Ideal SEN Teaching AssistantThe school is keen to hear from candidates with previous experience supporting children or young people with:

• High needs autism / ASC
• Complex SEN
• Non-verbal or minimally verbal communication
• Severe learning difficulties
• Speech and language difficulties
• Sensory processing needs
• Challenging behaviour
• ADHD
• Global developmental delay
• Personal care requirements

Experience as a SEN Teaching Assistant, Autism Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Behaviour Support Assistant, Complex Needs TA or Support Worker would be highly relevant.

Candidates with experience using PECS, Makaton, visual timetables, AAC or other alternative communication methods are particularly encouraged to apply.

You will need to be patient, resilient, compassionate and confident when supporting pupils with complex needs. A genuine passion for working with children with autism and a willingness to provide personal care are essential.

Why Apply?

• Specialist high needs autism provision within a Lambeth primary school
• Opportunity to gain further experience with complex SEN
• Regular 1:1 support work
• Experience supporting non-verbal autistic pupils
• Develop skills in communication, behaviour and sensory support
• Experience with EHCPs and individual support plans
• Supportive SEN team and school environment
• Long-term opportunity with potential for permanent employment
• Excellent opportunity for experienced SEN TAs and Autism Support Assistants

If you are an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant passionate about supporting children with high needs autism, complex needs and non-verbal communication, this could be an excellent opportunity for you.

To apply, please contact Charlie Hayes on:

M: [phone removed]
E: [email removed]