Autism (ASC) Specialist Teaching Assistant

We are seeking a dedicated Autism Specialist Teaching Assistant to support pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) within an educational setting. The successful candidate works closely with teaching staff to provide tailored support, enabling pupils to access the curriculum and develop essential communication, social, and behavioural skills. This role demands patience, empathy, and a thorough understanding of autism and related communication methods.

Job Duties:

• Provide focused support to pupils with ASC, adapting learning activities to meet individual needs.
• Use non-verbal communication techniques, including Makaton, to facilitate understanding and interaction.
• Implement behaviour management strategies to promote positive behaviour and reduce incidents of distress or disruption.
• Assist in the development and delivery of personalised education plans in collaboration with teaching staff and specialists.
• Monitor and record pupil progress, providing feedback to teachers and contributing to reviews of individual learning targets.
• Support pupils during unstructured times, such as breaks and lunchtimes, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment.
• Attend relevant meetings, training sessions, and contribute to the continuous professional development related to ASC.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold safeguarding policies at all times.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience working directly with children or young people with Autism Spectrum Condition.
• Practical knowledge of non-verbal communication strategies, including proficiency in Makaton.
• Sound understanding of behaviour management techniques relevant to ASC.
• Basic literacy and numeracy skills, sufficient to support learning activities and maintain records.

Education:

• Minimum of GCSEs in English and Mathematics or equivalent qualifications.
• Additional qualifications in special educational needs or autism awareness are advantageous.

Experience:

• Proven experience in a teaching assistant role supporting pupils with ASC or similar needs within a school or educational setting.
• Experience using Makaton or other augmentative communication methods.
• Familiarity with personalised learning plans and behaviour support strategies.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Comprehensive understanding of Autism Spectrum Condition and its impact on learning and behaviour.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal.
• Ability to remain calm and patient in challenging situations.
• Strong observational skills and attention to detail.
• Collaborative approach to working with teachers, therapists, and families.
• Good organisational and time management skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent.
• Certification in Makaton or other specialist communication training.
• Training in positive behaviour support or de-escalation techniques.
• First aid qualification.

Working Conditions:

• Based primarily within a school environment in Greater London, Redbridge.
• Full-time hours on a contract basis, with flexibility to attend training and meetings outside of usual school hours.
• Role involves working closely with children who may display challenging behaviour and require specialist support.
• Occasional requirement to assist with physical activities and personal care tasks.
• Adherence to safeguarding and health and safety policies is essential.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.

We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service. Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.