At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with autism in their learning journeys and build their confidence.
- Company: Autism Unlimited, dedicated to transforming lives through specialist education.
- Benefits: Comprehensive training, supportive team, and a rewarding work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with ongoing support and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a genuine difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring your passion and positive attitude!
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
At Autism Unlimited, we are fully committed to helping transform the lives of children with autism through specialist education, empowering every student to reach their full potential in a supportive, inclusive environment. Following the exciting expansion of Portfield School with the opening of our new site, Portfield Plus, we are looking to grow our team. We are recruiting for a full-time Teaching Assistant to join us! This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference by supporting students with their individual learning journeys, helping them build confidence, independence, and achieve meaningful success every day.
No previous experience? No problem. We believe the right attitude and passion matter most. That is why we have developed a comprehensive 12-week training programme, equipping you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence you would need to excel in your new role and build a rewarding career in specialist education.
Please note: Autism Unlimited does not provide visa sponsorship.
The role
Our Teaching Assistants support students by developing a positive, working relationship understanding their interests, preferences and unique learning styles so that all lessons are personalised. No two days at Portfield School are ever the same. The role is unbelievably rewarding and can be both physically and emotionally demanding at times; however, you will never be alone! Ongoing support will always be available from your team members, line manager, Leadership team, Mental Health First Aiders or our Employee Assistance programme.
We love celebrating all the amazing achievements, big or small. Whether it’s painting a picture, trying a new food, solving a tricky maths equation or a short conversation with someone new, every milestone matters. That feel-good factor is part of what makes our school so special.
Hours - 37 per week
- Monday - 08:30am - 4pm
- Tuesday - 08:30am - 4:30pm
- Wednesday - 08:30am - 4pm
- Thursday - 08:30am - 4pm
- Friday - 08:30am - 3:30pm
To be successful as a Teaching Assistant, we are looking for someone who:
- Can easily adapt themselves in different situations
- Has a fun and supportive nature
- Doesn’t hesitate to play and get messy
- Displays a calm approach, even when under pressure
- Will support with personal care such as nappies and toilet training
- Can participate in any exercise and activities required
- Will use their initiative where needed
Why join us?
See how we take care of our team - explore our great benefits online!
Apply now: If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you. To apply it couldn’t be simpler - just ‘apply’ to complete the application process. Should you need any assistance please give us a call on 01202 084834. Due to safer recruitment checks we will request references prior to interview. Please inform us if you do not want us to request a reference from your current employer. To be considered you must complete our application form.
Carly would be happy to help!
Closing date: 10th July 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 13th July 2026
Our Commitment
We welcome applications from everyone and value diversity in our workforce. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this. Anyone with any form of disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in order to participate in the job application or interview process. As part of our commitment to providing reasonable adjustments, please let us know if you require support to complete your application.
Autism Unlimited is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. Any vacancy we have will be filled based on qualifications and best fit without any reference to race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law. All successful candidates will be subject to disclosure and barring checks along with other relevant employment checks.
SEN Teaching Assistant in Christchurch employer: Autism Unlimited
At Autism Unlimited, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming the lives of children with autism. Our supportive and inclusive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering a comprehensive training programme for new Teaching Assistants to thrive in their roles. With ongoing support from a passionate team and a commitment to celebrating every achievement, working at Portfield School is not just a job; it's a meaningful journey where you can truly make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant in Christchurch
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Autism Unlimited.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Autism Unlimited!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Autism Unlimited, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Autism Unlimited or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant in Christchurch
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Autism Unlimited:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Autism Unlimited! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Autism Unlimited
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
