Join Our Specialist SEN Team

Join Our Specialist SEN Team – 1:1 Support Assistant (Autism & SEN)

Are you a caring and dedicated professional from the care sector looking to take your skills into a school environment? Do you have experience supporting individuals with additional needs and a passion for making a difference?

At Teaching Personnel, we are looking for compassionate and proactive Support Assistants to work one-to-one with students with Autism and Special Educational Needs (SEN) in specialist school settings. This is a fantastic opportunity to transfer your experience from care work into a rewarding and structured educational role—no previous school experience required.

What is SEN?
SEN stands for Special Educational Needs, covering a wide range of conditions that impact a student’s ability to learn. This includes:

• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
• Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD)
• Speech, Language & Communication Needs (SLCN)
• Physical Disabilities and Sensory Impairments

Students with SEN may need personal care, mobility assistance, medical support, and communication help—all areas where your experience from the care sector will be highly valued.

Your Role as a 1:1 Support Assistant

• Providing tailored support to a student with autism, helping them access learning and daily activities
• Assisting with personal care, including toileting and feeding where required
• Supporting students using specialist facilities, such as hydrotherapy pools, sensory rooms, and soft play areas
• Encouraging communication using PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), Makaton, or alternative communication methods (training provided)
• Creating a structured, engaging, and inclusive environment where students can thrive
• Working closely with teachers, therapists, and other professionals to follow individual learning and care plans

Who We’re Looking For

• Experience in care, healthcare, or support work (e.g., residential care, social care, personal assistance)
• A compassionate, patient, and proactive approach
• The ability to adapt to different needs and communication styles
• A willingness to assist with personal care and physical support
• Previous experience with autism, SEN, or alternative communication methods is desirable but not essential—training and guidance are provided

Why Join Teaching Personnel?

• A supportive SEN team to guide you through your transition into education
• Flexible and long-term roles to suit your career goals
• Ongoing professional development including SEN-specific training
• The opportunity to work in specialist schools with outstanding facilities and expert staff

This is more than just a job—it’s a chance to change lives and build a meaningful career in SEN education. If you have a background in care and a passion for supporting young people, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today and take the next step in your career with Teaching Personnel’s SEN team.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.