Autism Learning Mentor – 1:1 Primary Support

Autism Learning Mentor - 1:1 Primary Support

Autism Learning Mentor - 1:1 Primary Support

Hours: Monday - Thursday | 8:30am - 4:30pm

Contract: Permanent | Term-Time Only

Working Week: Four Days

Probation: Three months

Want To Build Real Specialist Experience In Autism Support?

There's a big difference between occasionally supporting a pupil with SEND and having the opportunity to really understand how one autistic child learns, communicates and experiences school.

This permanent role in Morden gives you the chance to do exactly that.

You'll work 1:1 with one child, becoming a consistent part of their school week while developing valuable hands-on experience in autism support, communication, emotional regulation and inclusive learning.

You'll also work Monday to Thursday only, during term time, giving you a regular three-day weekend.

Develop Skills You Can Take Forward

Working closely with one pupil means you'll have the opportunity to see what genuinely works.

You'll learn to recognise patterns, understand triggers, adapt your communication and see how small changes in support can help a child become more confident and independent.

Working alongside teachers and the school's SEND team, you'll support areas including:

• - Communication and interaction.
• - Classroom learning and engagement.
• - Transitions between activities and environments.
• - Emotional and sensory regulation.
• - Social interaction and relationships.
• - Understanding routines and expectations.
• - Participation in practical, creative and outdoor activities.
• - Developing confidence and independence.
• - Making choices and communicating needs.
• - Recognising and responding to anxiety or dysregulation.

You'll also observe progress and share what you're learning with teachers and the SENDCo, helping everyone around the child provide consistent support.

Already Supporting Children? This Could Be Your Next Step

But school experience isn't the only route into the role.

Your background could also be in:

• - Childcare or Early Years.
• - Youth work.
• - Children's residential care.
• - Family support.
• - SEND services.
• - Children's care or support work.

If you've developed good experience supporting children with autism, SEND or additional needs and would now like to deepen that experience within education, we'd like to hear from you.

The Approach Matters

The school isn't simply looking for someone to sit beside a child all day.

Good 1:1 support should help a pupil need you less over time, not more.

You'll therefore need to know when to offer support, when to encourage and when to give the child space to try something independently.

We're looking for someone who:

• - Is calm, patient and emotionally consistent.
• - Understands autism and individual differences.
• - Recognises that behaviour can communicate an unmet need.
• - Can build trust without creating dependency.
• - Is observant and notices changes in behaviour or engagement.
• - Communicates effectively with children and adults.
• - Can follow agreed strategies consistently.
• - Is reliable and understands the importance of continuity in a 1:1 role.
• - Takes genuine satisfaction from seeing a child make progress.

Formal qualifications are welcomed, but relevant experience and the way you support children are equally important.

An Enhanced DBS, or willingness to obtain one, and satisfactory references will be required.

A Permanent Role With An Unusual Working Week

Alongside the opportunity to develop specialist SEND experience, you'll benefit from:

• - Monday to Thursday working.
• - A regular three-day weekend.
• - Term-time only hours.
• - A permanent contract, subject to a three-month probation period.
• - Consistent experience supporting one pupil.
• - Close working with teachers and SEND professionals.
• - The opportunity to develop specialist autism-support skills.
• - The chance to see the impact of your work over time.

Make Your Next Role More Specialist

If you've already built experience supporting children and you're ready for a role where you can develop deeper expertise in autism and 1:1 SEND support, this could be an excellent next step.

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