Overview
SEN Teaching Assistant (Autism & SLD Specialist)
Location: Chorley Area (Lancashire)
Salary: £95.89 - £115.89 per day Dependent on Experience
Contract: Full-Time (5 Days per Week)
Hours: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm, Monday to Friday (Term-Time Only)
Job Type: Temporary to Permanent
We are recruiting for a highly regarded, independent Specialist School in the Chorley area. The school provides exceptional education and care for young people aged 6-19 who have mild, moderate, and severe autism (ASC), alongside associated complex learning needs. We are specifically seeking a dedicated and resilient individual with proven experience supporting pupils with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and those who are Non Verbal. If you have a passion for alternative communication and tailored support, this consistent Monday to Friday role is perfect for you.
Responsibilities
- Support pupils aged 6-19 with severe autism and complex learning needs within a structured classroom environment.
- Work closely with non verbal pupils, utilising communication tools such as PECS, Makaton, or AAC devices to ensure their voices are heard.
- Deliver highly individualised learning interventions tailored to pupils with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD).
- Foster a calm, safe, and positive environment, using proactive strategies to support sensory regulation and positive behaviour.
- Assist with life skills, social integration, and personal care where required, always maintaining the pupil's dignity.
Qualifications
- Essential experience working with children or young people with severe autism, SLD, and non verbal communication needs.
- Proficiency in alternative communication methods (e.g., Makaton, PECS) and a strong understanding of autism specific communication barriers.
- A patient, empathetic, and highly adaptable approach. Resilient and passionate about celebrating small steps of progress.
- Ability to commit to a full time schedule, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
Benefits
- Work within a specialist independent setting with excellent resources and small class sizes.
- Enjoy great hours (8:30 am - 3:30 pm), providing an enviable work life balance.
- Benefit from a supportive team of experts, including specialist teachers and therapists, with opportunities for ongoing professional development.
- Conveniently located in Chorley, easily accessible from Preston, Leyland, Blackburn, and the wider Lancashire area.
- Position subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory safeguarding references.
