At a Glance
- Tasks: Support autistic learners in their education and personal development through 1:1 assistance.
- Company: Join Ambitious About Autism, a national charity dedicated to supporting autistic young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy term-time hours with full pay, training opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of autistic young people while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Patience, empathy, and resilience are key; experience with SEND is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 26936 - 27165 £ per year.
We are Ambitious about Autism, a national charity with a clear goal: to create a world where autistic children and young people are heard, included and supported. We are looking for patient, empathetic and resilient LSAs to join our Ambitious College in Tottenham. The age group of our learners is from 16 to 25 years and all learners have a primary diagnosis of autism.
Full time, permanent (term time only)
- Hours: 9am – 4.30pm
- Salary: 26,936 to 27,165 per annum
- Location: Capital City College, Tottenham, N15 4FY
- Start date: September 2026
The role: This is a role where no two days are ever the same! Some days can be very challenging, but they can also be incredibly rewarding. As a STA, you will be working on a 1:1 basis with our autistic pupils and assisting them with:
- Access learning
- Developing communication, confidence and independence
- Celebrate progress - however big or small
- Take part in community based activities like swimming and work experience
- Responding to behaviours of distress with patient and supportive care
- Supporting pupils with personal care
- Helping our pupils feel safe, understood and proud of themselves
Why join us:
- This is a term time only role (yet you are paid across 52 weeks!)
- You will be placed on a training programme when you join the role with continued CPD
- Be part of a warm, supportive and collaborative team
- Progression opportunities to grow your career in SEND
- Be part of a national charity with a clear mission and shared values
- Varied, meaningful work with real impact
- Access to staff discount schemes, including Blue Light Card eligibility
- Full benefits package is on our website
Ambitious About Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.
Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations.
We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person’s ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.
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. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search may be carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Teaching Assistant English Specialist employer: Ambitious about Autism
Ambitious About Autism is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for both staff and learners. Located in Tottenham, our Ambitious College offers a unique opportunity to work with autistic young people in a role that is both challenging and rewarding, with comprehensive training, career progression opportunities, and a strong emphasis on teamwork and community involvement. We pride ourselves on our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring that every employee feels valued and empowered to make a real impact in the lives of our students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant English Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Ambitious About Autism and understand their mission. This will help you connect your values with theirs during interviews, showing that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions. Think about how your experiences relate to supporting autistic learners. We can help you prepare by providing resources and tips on how to articulate your passion for SEND.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former staff if possible. They can give you insider insights into the role and the team culture. Plus, it shows your commitment to understanding the environment you'll be working in.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we often have additional resources and tips available there to help you stand out in the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant English Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting autistic children shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in making a difference in their lives, so share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and qualities mentioned in the job description. Highlight your patience, empathy, and resilience, as these are key traits we’re looking for in a Teaching Assistant.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the position there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ambitious about Autism
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Teaching Assistant, especially in the context of supporting autistic learners. Familiarise yourself with autism and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) to show that you're genuinely interested and knowledgeable.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated patience and empathy in previous roles or experiences. This is crucial for working with autistic pupils, so think of specific situations where you made a positive impact.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions that reflect your interest in the role and the organisation. For instance, ask about the training programme or how they celebrate the progress of their learners. This shows that you’re engaged and eager to contribute.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way! Be honest about your experiences and what you can bring to the team. The interviewers are looking for someone who fits into their supportive culture, so let your personality shine through.
