Autism Support Teaching Assistants – Southwark Primary Schools

Autism Support Teaching Assistants – Southwark Primary Schools

Location: Southwark, South East London
Job Type: Flexible supply, short-term and potential long-term opportunities
Start Date: Upcoming opportunities
Pay: Dependent on experience, responsibilities and individual assignment

Help Every Child Feel Understood, Supported and Ready to Learn

Are you a patient, compassionate Teaching Assistant with experience supporting autistic children?

Do you enjoy helping pupils develop confidence, communication skills and greater independence in the classroom?

Forward Teaching is welcoming registrations from Autism Support Teaching Assistants interested in potential opportunities across primary schools in Southwark.

Every child has their own strengths, interests and learning needs. Providing thoughtful, individualised support can make a meaningful difference to their school experience.

We’re particularly interested in connecting with Teaching Assistants who understand the importance of building trusting relationships, recognising individual communication preferences and creating positive, inclusive learning environments.

Whether you have experience providing one-to-one support, working within specialist SEND provisions or supporting autistic pupils in mainstream classrooms, we’d love to hear from you.

About the Role

As an Autism Support Teaching Assistant, your responsibilities may include:

• Providing one-to-one and small-group support for autistic pupils.
• Helping children access classroom activities and learning opportunities.
• Supporting communication using appropriate individual strategies.
• Using visual timetables, structured activities and other supportive resources.
• Helping pupils manage transitions and changes to classroom routines.
• Supporting emotional regulation through calm, consistent approaches.
• Encouraging confidence, independence and positive social interactions.
• Recognising and responding appropriately to sensory needs.
• Working collaboratively with class teachers, SENCOs and other professionals.
• Supporting individual learning targets and Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) outcomes where appropriate.
• Helping create a safe, welcoming and inclusive classroom environment.

Responsibilities will vary depending on the school, individual pupil needs and assignment.

Potential opportunities may include day-to-day supply, short-term support placements and longer-term Teaching Assistant roles.

What We’re Looking For

We’re particularly interested in hearing from candidates who have:

• Previous experience supporting autistic children in a school or relevant educational setting.
• An understanding of autism and different communication and learning needs.
• Confidence providing individual and small-group support.
• Experience using visual resources or structured learning approaches.
• An understanding of sensory differences and emotional regulation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• A patient, empathetic and adaptable approach.
• The ability to work collaboratively with teachers and SENCOs.
• A commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and pupil wellbeing.

A Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification would be beneficial, although relevant practical experience is also valued.

Experience with approaches such as PECS, Makaton, communication boards or other augmentative and alternative communication methods would be welcome but is not essential.

We recognise that autistic pupils have individual strengths, preferences and support requirements. Candidates should be comfortable adapting their approach to each child rather than relying on a single method.

Why Register with Forward Teaching?

At Forward Teaching, we believe successful education recruitment starts with understanding people.

We know that supporting children with additional learning needs requires patience, consistency and the right environment.

That’s why we take time to understand your experience, strengths and working preferences before discussing suitable opportunities.

By registering with Forward Teaching, you can benefit from:

• A friendly, approachable education recruitment service.
• Potential opportunities across Southwark primary schools.
• Flexible supply and longer-term working options.
• Opportunities to develop your SEND classroom support experience.
• Clear communication throughout the recruitment process.
• Personal support from a dedicated recruitment contact.

Whether you’re looking for occasional supply days, regular weekly work or a more consistent school placement, we’d welcome a conversation.

Register Your Interest Today

If you’re an experienced Teaching Assistant with a passion for supporting autistic children, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact Forward Teaching to discuss your experience, availability and preferred working arrangements.

📧 lottie@forward-teaching.co.uk

📞 020 3633 1444

Forward Teaching | Connecting Great People With Great Schools

Forward Teaching is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to appropriate safeguarding and recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and verification of their right to work in the UK.

This advert welcomes registrations for potential upcoming opportunities. Individual assignments are subject to school requirements and availability.