SEN - Sen Teaching Assistant
| Company: | senploy |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £95 to £105 a year |
| Hours: | Full-time |
| Location: | E6 2HN |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Posting date: | 20 Oct 2026 |
| Closing date: | 16 Nov 2026 |
Summary
1:1 Autism Support Assistant, Secondary School, East Ham
Location: East Ham, London
Contract: Full-time
Hours: 8:30am to 3:30pm, term time only
Start date: ASAP
About the role
We are looking for a 1:1 Support Assistant to work with a pupil with autism who is non-verbal. You will be their consistent, trusted adult throughout the school day, helping them feel safe, understood and able to take part in school life.
The pupil communicates can sometimes become distressed, which may show as challenging behaviour including hitting and kicking. This is how they communicate when overwhelmed, not something personal. We need someone who can stay calm, read the signs early, and respond with kindness and consistency.
Key responsibilities
- Provide dedicated 1:1 support in lessons and during breaks, lunchtimes and transitions
- Use visual supports, routines and communication strategies to support understanding and expression
- Recognise triggers and early signs of distress, and use de-escalation techniques to keep the pupil and others safe
- Follow the pupil's EHCP, behaviour support plan and risk assessment
- Support the pupil's personal care and independence skills where needed
- Work closely with the class teacher, SENCO and other professionals
- Record incidents and progress accurately and contribute to review meetings
- Build positive, trusting relationships with the pupil and their family
About you
You will:
- Experience working in a secondary school.
- Be calm, patient and emotionally resilient, and able to stay composed in challenging situations
- Be comfortable working with a pupil who may be physically aggressive, including hitting and kicking
- Have experience of, or a real interest in, supporting children or young people with autism, SEN or non-verbal communication
- Be a reliable, flexible team player who takes guidance well
- Be physically fit enough for a active role, as some physical intervention may occasionally be needed to keep everyone safe
Desirable: Team Teach or similar de-escalation training, Makaton or PECS experience, previous work in a school or care setting. Training will be given to the right candidate.