Full job descriptionSpecial Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant

Location: Southwark, South East London (SE1 / Camberwell areas)
Age Group: All Ages (Primary through Secondary / Post-16)
Specialism: Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) & Associated Needs
Position Type: Full-time
About the SchoolLocated in the vibrant London Borough of Southwark (SE1 and surrounding areas), we are an outstanding specialist school dedicated to educating children and young people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). Operating across specialized sites, our provision provides a tailored, low-arousal, and highly supportive learning environment. We empower pupils across all age groups to develop crucial communication, social, independence, and academic skills suited to their unique strengths.
The RoleWe are seeking dedicated, empathetic, and energetic SEN Teaching Assistants to join our experienced team. Working in small classes with high staff-to-pupil ratios, you will collaborate with teachers, Speech & Language Therapists, and Occupational Therapists to deliver individualized learning and support plans.
Key Pupil Needs & Responsibilities:*Autism & Complex Learning Profiles: Provide focused 1-to-1 and small-group learning support tailored to pupils on the autism spectrum, including those with moderate to severe learning difficulties (MLD/SLD).
*Communication Support: Utilize specialist visual communication strategies—including PECS, Makaton, and visual timetables—to support learners who are non-verbal, pre-verbal, or have speech and language delays.
*Sensory Processing & Regulation: Help pupils manage sensory sensitivities by facilitating sensory breaks, utilizing sensory rooms/equipment, and supporting emotional self-regulation.
*Positive Behavior Support: Employ empathetic, proactive strategies to manage anxiety, dysregulation, and challenging behaviors in a calm, reassuring manner.
*Life Skills & Personal Care: Assist pupils with personal care routines, independence training, community visits, and practical life-skills education.
What We Are Looking For:*Experience or Strong Passion: Prior experience in an SEN setting working with autism is highly desirable, but we also welcome compassionate individuals with transferable skills and a genuine commitment to special education.
*Key Qualities: Exceptional patience, resilience, adaptability, and an optimistic, nurturing approach.
*Communication Skills: Strong observational skills to understand non-verbal cues, sensory triggers, and individual pupil preferences.
*Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team of educators, therapists, and support staff.
What We Offer:*Small class sizes allowing for deeply impactful 1-to-1 pupil relationships.
*Extensive professional development, including specialist training in autism interventions, sensory integration, and positive behavior management.
*A supportive, multi-site school community with excellent transport links across Southwark (SE1 / Camberwell).
How to ApplyIf you are passionate about enabling young people with autism to thrive and achieve independence, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV alongside a brief cover letter explaining your interest in working within a specialist SEN environment.