Teaching Assistant – Specialist SEND Provision Location: Telford area Contract: Long-term, rolling placement Start date: 2nd November 2026 / As soon as possible Hours: Full Time About the Role We are currently recruiting a dedicated and compassionate Teaching Assistant to work within a specialist secondary education setting supporting pupils with additional needs. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting young people, promoting inclusion and helping pupils develop the confidence, independence and skills they need to succeed. Working alongside experienced teaching staff, you will provide tailored support to pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), helping them access learning, navigate the school day and develop positive relationships in a structured, supportive environment. The role is offered on a long-term rolling basis, making it ideal for someone looking for a consistent placement where they can build strong relationships with pupils and become a valued member of the school team. About the Pupils The setting supports secondary-aged pupils, primarily between 11 and 16 years old, who have identified additional needs relating to autism, communication and social interaction. Pupils may benefit from additional support with: * Communication and interaction: Understanding social cues, expressing their needs and developing positive relationships with peers and adults. * Emotional regulation: Managing anxiety, frustration, overwhelming situations and changes to routine. * Sensory needs: Accessing a learning environment that accommodates individual sensory preferences and sensitivities. * Learning and engagement: Breaking down tasks, maintaining focus, following instructions and accessing lessons at an appropriate pace. * Social development and independence: Building confidence, developing life skills and learning to manage everyday situations. Every pupil is an individual, and the successful candidate will need to adapt their approach to meet different needs, strengths and learning styles. Key Responsibilities * Support pupils on a one-to-one and small-group basis, depending on individual requirements. * Assist teaching staff with delivering engaging, accessible and differentiated learning activities. * Develop positive, trusting relationships with pupils through patience, consistency and understanding. * Support pupils with communication, social interaction and emotional regulation. * Help implement individual support plans and agreed strategies for behaviour and learning. * Recognise and respond appropriately to sensory needs, anxiety and situations that may cause distress. * Encourage independence, resilience, confidence and positive engagement with education. * Support pupils during lessons, transitions and other parts of the school day. * Work collaboratively with teachers, support staff and other relevant professionals. * Maintain a safe, inclusive environment and follow all safeguarding and school policies. Essential Requirements The ideal candidate will have: * Previous experience working with children or young people, ideally within a school, SEND provision or specialist setting. * A genuine interest in supporting autistic pupils and an understanding of individual differences. * A calm, patient and empathetic approach, particularly when pupils are experiencing difficulties with communication or emotional regulation. * Strong communication and interpersonal skills. * The ability to build rapport while maintaining clear, consistent and appropriate boundaries. * Flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing situations and individual pupil needs. * A proactive, reliable and team-focused attitude. * A strong commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and pupil wellbeing. Experience supporting pupils with ASC, communication differences or sensory needs would be particularly beneficial. Relevant qualifications in education, childcare, SEND or autism support would be advantageous. An enhanced DBS check, including the children's barred list where applicable, and satisfactory references will be required in accordance with safer recruitment procedures. Why Apply? This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people who benefit from additional support to access education and develop essential skills. You will have the opportunity to work within a specialist setting, gain valuable experience supporting pupils with additional needs and build meaningful professional relationships through a long-term placement. Interested in making a difference? Apply today to find out more about this Teaching Assistant opportunity and take the next step in your education and support career. Recruitment note: I've kept the advert anonymous, as requested, and avoided suggesting that every pupil will display challenging behaviour or require personal care. The final duties, hours and start date should be confirmed with the school before publication