SEN Teaching Assistant

SEN Teaching Assistant - Autism Specialist School - Radlett SENDhelp is recruiting an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant for an autism specialist school in Radlett, near Watford. Every pupil at the school has a diagnosis of autism, with needs ranging from moderate to more complex. Because of this, direct experience supporting autistic children or young people is essential. This is a full-time role within an all-ages setting for pupils aged 5-19. Experience with any age group is welcome, provided you have a strong practical understanding of autism and know how to adapt your communication, routines and support accordingly. Key details • Role: SEN Teaching Assistant • Location: Radlett, near Watford • Setting: Autism specialist school • Age range: 5-19 • Working pattern: Full-time, Monday to Friday • Essential: Direct experience supporting autistic children or young people About the role As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will support pupils with varying presentations of autism. Some pupils may be verbal, while others may use limited speech, symbols, visual communication systems or alternative methods of communication. Pupils may also have sensory processing differences, anxiety, emotional regulation needs, learning difficulties or behaviours that can become challenging when they feel overwhelmed. You may work one-to-one with a pupil, support a small group or assist the wider classroom team. The specific class and age group will depend on your experience and where your skills are best suited. The successful candidate must understand that autism affects each pupil differently. You will need to be observant, consistent and able to adjust your approach rather than relying on one fixed method of support. What you will be doing Your responsibilities may include: • Supporting autistic pupils across primary, secondary or post-16 education • Providing one-to-one and small-group classroom support • Helping pupils access lessons and structured activities • Using visual timetables, symbols and communication aids • Supporting sensory regulation and reducing environmental triggers • Recognising signs of anxiety, overload or distress • Using calm and appropriate de-escalation strategies • Following individual support plans, EHCP targets and behaviour strategies • Encouraging communication, independence and social development • Supporting pupils during transitions and changes to routine • Working closely with teachers, therapists and other support staff • Recording relevant observations and pupil progress • Supporting personal care or mobility where required • Maintaining a safe, predictable and positive environment Essential autism experience To be considered for this SEN Teaching Assistant position, you must have direct experience supporting autistic children or young people. Relevant experience may have been gained in: • An autism specialist school • A specialist SEND school • A mainstream school with an autism provision • A residential or respite setting • A formal care, education or support service General experience with children or broad SEN experience without meaningful autism responsibility will not be sufficient for this particular vacancy. What we are looking for The successful candidate will: • Have strong practical experience supporting autistic pupils • Understand that autism presents differently from one person to another • Be confident using structured routines and visual support • Understand sensory needs and emotional regulation • Recognise how communication difficulties can affect behaviour • Remain calm and consistent during challenging situations • Be able to follow individualised strategies accurately • Build trusting relationships while maintaining clear boundaries • Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team • Be patient, reliable and emotionally resilient • Be able to travel consistently to Radlett • Be committed to safeguarding and promoting pupil welfare Experience with non-verbal communication, PECS, Makaton, sensory programmes, challenging behaviour or complex autism would be particularly valuable. Why consider this opportunity? • Work in a dedicated autism specialist school • Support pupils across an all-ages provision • Develop deeper expertise in autism support • Work alongside experienced teachers, therapists and support staff • Gain experience with a wide range of communication and sensory needs • Help pupils build confidence, independence and greater access to education • Secure a consistent, full-time placement near Watford What SENDhelp offers • Competitive PAYE pay with no umbrella-company deductions • A dedicated consultant throughout your placement • Interview preparation and ongoing support • Access to relevant professional development and training • Support with registration, compliance and onboarding • Opportunities with SENDhelp partner schools across Radlett, Watford and Hertfordshire This role would suit an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant with a strong understanding of autism who is confident adapting their support to meet a wide range of needs. Please apply with an up-to-date CV clearly outlining your experience supporting autistic children/young adults. As a specialist SEND recruiter, child safety and welfare is our number one priority. That is why we conduct thorough checks on all our candidates, and ensure that they abide by our Candidate Code of Conduct. All Candidates will be required to provide an Enhanced DBS that is actively registered on the Update Service, or apply for one as part of the onboarding process. This is in addition to other mandatory compliance checks in line with the DfE guidelines. For further information please see our Safer Recruitment Policy. SENDhelp is an equal opportunities employer.