At a Glance
- Tasks: Support autistic learners 1:1, helping them access the curriculum and build independence.
- Company: Join Ambitious About Autism, a charity dedicated to empowering autistic children and young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy term-time only work, competitive salary, free breakfast, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Start date is October half term 2025; must have the right to work in the UK.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of young people while working in a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required, just a passion for supporting autistic individuals.
The predicted salary is between 25837 - 27165 £ per year.
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of autistic young people? Do you thrive on helping individuals develop their skills, confidence and independence? If so, we'd love to hear from you.
Ambitious College is an independent specialist day college supporting autistic young people aged 16-25. Our person-centred approach puts each learner at the heart of everything we do. We provide highly personalised learning programmes and specialist support, helping learners develop the skills they need to achieve their aspirations and participate more independently in everyday life.
Based at the West Thames College campus in West London, Ambitious College provides a vibrant and inclusive learning environment. Our learners benefit from a wide range of opportunities both on campus and in the wider community. Through partnerships with local businesses, community organisations and mainstream colleges, we create meaningful opportunities for learners to develop their confidence, independence and employability skills in real-world settings.
About the role
As a Specialist Teaching Assistant, you will play an important role in supporting our learners to achieve their individual goals. You will provide personalised support, often on a 1:1 basis, both within the college and out in the community.
You'll work closely with teaching and specialist staff to support learning, communication, independence and personal development. No two days will be the same, and you'll have the opportunity to see the direct impact your support has on the lives of the young people you work with.
This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is patient, compassionate and motivated to help autistic young people develop their skills, confidence and independence.
At Ambitious College, our values shape everything we do. We put autistic young people at the centre of our work and are committed to creating an environment where every learner is valued, supported and empowered to reach their potential.
If you're looking for a role where you can build meaningful relationships, develop your skills and make a genuine difference every day, we'd love you to join us.
Working pattern: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Working weeks: 41 weeks per year, paid over 52 weeks
Start date: October 2026
Interviews: Ongoing throughout September 2026
Ambitious about Autism is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity and we warmly welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates. We welcome applications regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, disability, or age. All applications will be considered solely on merit.
Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.
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Specialist Teaching Assistant employer: Ambitious about Autism
TreeHouse School, as part of Ambitious about Autism, is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for autistic children and young people. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer numerous growth opportunities and a collaborative work culture that values innovation and strategic thinking. Located in a vibrant community, our team enjoys the unique advantage of making a meaningful impact while working alongside passionate professionals committed to excellence in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the principles of autism and how they apply to education. Understanding the specific needs and challenges faced by autistic learners will help you demonstrate your commitment and suitability for the role during any interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of special education and autism support. Attend relevant workshops or seminars, as this can provide you with valuable insights and connections that may lead to job opportunities at Ambitious College.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with community-led activities and how you can promote independence and self-esteem in learners. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully supported individuals in similar settings.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Ambitious About Autism and their values thoroughly. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs during an interview will show your genuine interest in the organisation and its mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Specialist Teaching Assistant. Highlight your relevant experience in supporting autistic learners and how you can promote their independence.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to reflect your skills and experiences that align with the role. Emphasise any previous work with autistic individuals, community-led activities, or educational support roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working with autistic children and young people. Mention specific examples of how you've supported learners in the past and how you embody the values of Ambitious About Autism.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ambitious about Autism
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what a Specialist Teaching Assistant does, especially in the context of supporting autistic learners. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs and challenges these students may face, and think about how you can help them thrive.
✨Show Your Passion for Inclusion
Demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity and your passion for working with autistic children and young people. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your dedication to promoting independence and self-esteem in learners.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations involving autistic learners, such as managing challenging behaviour or adapting lessons to meet individual needs. Be ready to discuss your thought process and strategies.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers about the school’s approach, the team you’ll be working with, and the resources available for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
