Special Needs Teaching Assistant

Job Title: Special Needs Teaching Assistant

Job Type: 8:30am -4pm

Location: Merton

Salary: £96-£105 Per Day  

The Role: Special Needs Teaching Assistant – Merton  

As a Special Needs Teaching Assistant, you will have the opportunity to aid the development of students with Autism, focusing on both academic progress and social communication skills. You will play a key role in delivering tailored interventions and providing consistent in-class support to a specific student, helping them access the curriculum in a way that meets their individual needs. A central aspect of the role will involve working closely with the class teacher and SENCO to implement structured routines, behaviour support strategies, and emotional regulation techniques.

This position requires a calm, resilient, and patient approach, particularly when managing challenging behaviours that may arise. You will be expected to model positive behaviour, support de-escalation when needed, and encourage self-regulation through visual aids, social stories, and reward systems. Building a trusting, respectful relationship with the student is essential, as is promoting their independence, confidence, and self-esteem..

A Special Needs Teaching Assistant will be expected to:

• Provide 1:1 classroom support for a student with Autism, ensuring consistent access to learning activities and positive engagement with the curriculum
• Implement personalised strategies and interventions to support emotional regulation, communication, and behaviour management
• Use tools such as visual timetables, social stories, and sensory aids to help the student understand routines, transitions, and expectations
• Deliver targeted support both inside and outside of the classroom, including structured breaks and quiet time when required
• Assist in the implementation and monitoring of EHCP targets
• Model and encourage positive behaviour and social interactions, using reward systems and de-escalation techniques when needed
• Work closely with the class teacher, SENCO, and external professionals (e.g. speech therapists, educational psychologists) to adapt learning activities and respond to behavioural triggers
• Prepare and maintain a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment that meets the child’s sensory and emotional needs
• Keep accurate and confidential records of progress, incidents, and interventions, reporting to relevant staff as appropriate
• Encourage and promote the student’s independence, self-esteem, and confidence within the school community
• Support whole-class learning when appropriate and assist with group activities that include the supported student
• Attend relevant training sessions and staff meetings to develop professional knowledge in SEN and behaviour support strategies

Qualifications and requirements – Special Needs Teaching Assistant – Merton

• Experience in a similar role working with SEN needs  
• Proven ability to solve problems quickly and remain calm
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Benefits – Special Needs Teaching Assistant – Merton

In return, the school can offer the successful Special Needs Teaching Assistant the following:

• Competitive salary package.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Opportunity to gain valuable experience in the field of education
• Training courses provided

Special Needs Teaching Assistant – Merton