At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with autism through tailored strategies and communication methods.
- Company: Teaching Personnel, dedicated to enhancing the lives of children with autism.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, specialist training, and dedicated consultant support.
- Other info: Long-term roles available with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience or strong interest in supporting pupils with autism required.
The predicted salary is between 23175 - 23175 £ per year.
Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Contract: Full-time, long-term and permanent
Salary: £23,175 per annum (Including full pay over School holidays)
Start date: Immediate start available, and September 2026
Teaching Personnel is recruiting autism specialist support staff for schools across Horsham, with roles available for an immediate start as well as for September 2026. We work with specialist provisions and resourced mainstream schools across West Sussex, and right now they need experienced, knowledgeable and committed support professionals to join their teams on a full-time basis.
These are not generic teaching assistant roles. You will be working in environments specifically designed for pupils on the autism spectrum, where your understanding of communication approaches, sensory needs and structured teaching makes a measurable difference every single day.
What the role involves:
- Providing 1:1 and small group support to pupils with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) across a range of ages and needs.
- Implementing personalised strategies in line with each pupil's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
- Supporting communication needs using approaches such as Makaton, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), or augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.
- Creating calm, structured and predictable environments that reduce anxiety and support learning.
- Assisting with sensory regulation and transitions between activities, lessons and environments.
- Working closely with teachers, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Maintaining accurate records in line with EHCP targets and safeguarding requirements.
What we are looking for:
- Demonstrable experience or a strong interest in supporting pupils or young people with autism in a school, care or therapeutic setting.
- Working knowledge of autism-specific approaches such as TEACCH, Intensive Interaction or low-arousal environments.
- A calm, consistent and predictable approach that pupils can rely on.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to adapt your style to each individual pupil.
- Full-time availability, Monday to Friday, term-time.
- Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply for one.
What you will gain:
- Competitive full-time salary (see above).
- Access to specialist autism and SEN training through Teaching Personnel's CPD programme.
- Dedicated consultant support, matching you with the right school for your experience and preferences.
- Immediate start options available for the right candidate, alongside September 2026 placements.
- Long-term and permanent contract opportunities with schools that invest in their staff.
To apply or find out more information and set up a visit. All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with 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 all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
Autism Support Assistant in Horsham employer: Teaching Personnel
Contact Detail:
Teaching Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Autism Support Assistant in Horsham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with autism support. They might know of openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on autism-specific approaches like TEACCH or PECS. Show us that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the role!
✨Tip Number 3
When you get an interview, think about how you can demonstrate your calm and consistent approach. Maybe share a story from your experience that highlights your skills in creating a supportive environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people and increases your chances of landing that dream job.
We think you need these skills to ace Autism Support Assistant in Horsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that are relevant to supporting pupils with autism. We want to see how your background aligns with the specific needs of the role, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Passion: Let us know why you’re passionate about working with children on the autism spectrum. Share any personal experiences or insights that have shaped your understanding and commitment to this field. We love to see genuine enthusiasm!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you can find more information about the position and our values there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching Personnel
✨Know Your Autism Approaches
Familiarise yourself with autism-specific strategies like TEACCH and Makaton. Be ready to discuss how you've used these approaches in past experiences or how you plan to implement them in your role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare examples of how you've adapted your communication style to meet the needs of different individuals. Highlight any experience you have with tools like PECS or AAC devices, as this will demonstrate your ability to support diverse communication needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Calm Approach
Think of situations where you've successfully created a calm and structured environment for students. Share these examples during your interview to show that you can provide the predictability that pupils with autism rely on.
✨Engage with Multi-Disciplinary Teams
Be prepared to discuss your experience working alongside teachers and therapists. Emphasise your collaborative skills and how you can contribute to a multi-disciplinary team, which is crucial for supporting pupils effectively.