We are seeking an experienced Specialist SEND Teaching Assistant to provide highly individualised 1:1 support for a secondary-aged pupil with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) who is receiving their education through an Education Other Than In School (EOTIS) arrangement.

This is a specialist role, and applicants must have proven experience supporting secondary-aged children and young people with complex Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and significant sensory processing and learning needs.

The successful candidate will be patient, adaptable and confident in providing personalised support outside of a traditional school environment.

Essential Requirements

Applicants must have:

• Proven experience working as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, SEND Support Worker or similar.
• Significant experience supporting secondary-aged pupils with SEND.
• Demonstrable experience supporting children or young people with complex ASC/autism.
• Strong experience and understanding of sensory processing and sensory learning needs.
• Experience providing 1:1 support to children or young people with complex needs.
• Experience supporting engagement with education and learning activities.
• An understanding of how sensory processing, communication and emotional regulation can affect a young person’s ability to engage and learn.
• The ability to recognise signs of sensory or emotional dysregulation and respond calmly and appropriately.
• The ability to follow individual support strategies, EHCP outcomes and professional guidance.
• A calm, patient, consistent and relationship-led approach.
• A strong understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries.

Please note: This is a specialist SEND position. Applicants must have relevant practical experience supporting young people with complex ASC and sensory needs.

The Role

As the Specialist SEND Teaching Assistant, you will provide bespoke 1:1 support tailored to the young person’s EHCP, SEND profile and individual needs.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing consistent 1:1 support to a secondary-aged pupil.
• Supporting the pupil to access learning activities and their individual education programme.
• Using autism-informed and sensory-informed approaches.
• Supporting learning at a pace appropriate to the young person’s needs and current level of engagement.
• Adapting activities, resources and the environment to accommodate sensory processing needs.
• Supporting communication, emotional regulation and engagement.
• Recognising potential triggers and early signs of dysregulation and responding appropriately.
• Using calm, consistent and low-arousal approaches where appropriate.
• Helping to establish predictable routines and a safe, supportive learning environment.
• Building a positive, trusting and professional relationship with the young person.
• Supporting the development of confidence, communication, independence and life skills.
• Encouraging positive engagement with education without placing unnecessary demands on the pupil.
• Recording observations, engagement and progress as required.
• Working collaboratively with the pupil’s tutor/teacher, parents/carers, local authority and other professionals.
• Supporting progress towards the outcomes identified within the pupil’s EHCP.
• Following all safeguarding, risk assessment and reporting procedures.

About You

We are looking for an experienced SEND Teaching Assistant who understands that supporting a secondary-aged young person with complex ASC and sensory needs requires flexibility, patience, consistency and a highly individualised approach.

You will understand that successful engagement may need to be developed gradually and that relationship-building, sensory regulation and emotional safety are important foundations for learning.

You will be able to support the young person in a way that is age-appropriate, respectful and person-centred, while encouraging greater engagement, confidence and independence.

Qualifications & Experience

Relevant qualifications such as a Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification, Supporting Teaching and Learning qualification, SEND qualification or equivalent would be advantageous.

However, substantial and demonstrable practical experience of supporting secondary-aged young people with complex ASC and sensory processing needs is essential.

Safeguarding

The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check, references, identity and right-to-work checks, and verification of qualifications and employment history.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV together with a brief supporting statement outlining your:

• Experience supporting secondary-aged pupils
• Experience supporting young people with complex ASC
• Experience with sensory processing and sensory learning needs
• Experience providing specialist 1:1 SEND support
• Relevant SEND/autism training or qualifications