Teaching and Learning Assistant

Package Description

To protect our autistic pupils and young adults within the National Autistic Society, all employees will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks which will include additional references and criminal background checks.

Join Us as a Teaching and Learning Assistant

At the National Autistic Society, we offer many services to support autistic children and young people. We work to improve education, care, and experiences so they can reach their full potential.

About the School

Sybil Elgar is an outstanding specialist school for autistic children and young people aged 4 ½ to 22 years old. We have over 50 years experience in providing a holistic and personalised education within a caring and safe environment. Our creative approach, and focus on independent life skills help every autistic child to learn and develop.

About the Role

As a Teaching and Learning Assistant, you will support autistic pupils to access education, develop independence, and achieve their personal goals. You will provide both one-to-one and group support, helping pupils to participate in learning, social, and community activities in a safe and structured environment. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will contribute to individualised support plans and ensure that each pupil is supported in a person-centred, autism-informed way that maximises their potential and wellbeing.

What You’ll Do

• Support pupils to access learning, leisure, and social activities both in school and the wider community
• Assist in implementing individual support and care plans tailored to each pupil’s needs
• Provide a safe, supportive, and structured environment that promotes wellbeing and independence
• Work collaboratively with families, teachers, and other professionals

What We’re Looking For

• A positive and compassionate approach to supporting autistic children and young people
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with pupils and colleagues
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Patience, flexibility, and resilience in a dynamic environment

Click here for the Job Description

This role is a permanent full-time role for 37 hours per week, term-time only.

What we can offer you

Pension – Auto-enrolled pension scheme.

Training – Great induction and training, including autism training.

Discounts – Online staff discount scheme for shopping, cycling, tech, and more (e.g., Asda, Tesco, Nike, Apple).

Healthcare – Cash plan for permanent staff.

Life Assurance – 2x your base salary.

Flexible Benefits – Options like private health, dental insurance, holiday trading, enhanced pension.

Support – 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme and counselling.

Mindfulness – Free Headspace app for you and up to 3 family/friends.

Blue Light Card – Eligibility for discounts.

About our application process

When you write your supporting statement

• Look at the job description and person specification.
• Tell us how your skills and experience match the role.
• Give examples if you can.

Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from autistic people

The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks.

We are an equal opportunities employer and part of the Disability Confident Employer scheme.

Please click here to view the safeguarding policy and please click here to view the policy and procedure for employment of ex-offenders.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Important Information

Agencies need not apply.

Please note the National Autistic Society are unable to provide sponsorship for Visas.

The National Autistic Society may use artificial intelligence (AI) to assist our recruitment team with reviewing applications for this role. All application decisions are made by people and are not determined automatically by AI.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Disability Confident

About Disability Confident

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.