SEN Teaching Assistant (Autism & Complex Needs)

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Location: Spalding, Lincolnshire
Role Type: Full-Time / Long-Term
Salary: £21,500 – £24,500 FTE
Start Date: ASAP

About the School

This role is based at a specialist SEN school in Spalding, Lincolnshire, supporting pupils with autism, complex learning needs, communication difficulties, and associated behavioural or sensory challenges. The school caters for children across primary and secondary age ranges, offering a highly structured, therapeutic learning environment.

The school’s approach is centred on individualised learning, emotional regulation, and life skills development, recognising that many pupils require support beyond the academic curriculum. Staff work closely with therapists, behaviour specialists, and families to deliver consistent, personalised support.

Class sizes are small, and pupils benefit from predictable routines, visual structure, and calm, low-arousal environments.

The Role

As a SEN Teaching Assistant (Autism & Complex Needs), you will provide daily support to pupils with significant additional needs. You will work closely with teachers and therapists to implement EHCP targets, behaviour plans, and communication strategies.

This is a hands-on role requiring emotional resilience, flexibility, and a strong understanding of autism and complex needs. You will support learning, behaviour, communication, sensory regulation, and personal care where required.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support for pupils with autism

• Implement EHCP and therapy-led strategies

• Support communication using visuals, symbols, and AAC tools

• Assist with emotional regulation and sensory needs

• Support learning activities adapted to developmental levels

• Assist with personal care and self-help skills

• Support transitions and unstructured times

• Record observations and contribute to progress reviews

• Work collaboratively with teachers and therapists

• Maintain safeguarding and health & safety standards

Person Specification

The successful candidate will:

• Have experience supporting pupils with autism and complex needs

• Be calm, patient, and emotionally resilient

• Understand behaviour as communication

• Be confident supporting challenging behaviour

• Have strong teamwork and communication skills

• Hold a SEN or TA qualification (desirable)

• Be committed to safeguarding and inclusive education

Professional Development & Support

• Autism and complex needs training

• Behaviour support and sensory integration workshops

• Ongoing supervision and mentoring

• Career progression into senior SEN roles

Safeguarding Statement

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Enhanced DBS checks are required.