Job Description

Autism Specialist Teaching Assistant - Leeds | Term-Time Only | Full-Time or Part-Time

Empower Young Minds with Your Autism Expertise

Summary

A specialist school in Leeds is seeking a skilled and compassionate Autism Specialist Teaching Assistant to join its dedicated team. This classroom-based role offers the chance to make a meaningful difference supporting pupils with autism and complex needs across their educational journey--not just academically, but in developing life skills, confidence, and independence.

The Role

In this varied and rewarding position, you will:

Provide consistent 1:1 and small group support to children with autism, sensory processing differences, and communication needs Implement visual supports, sensory strategies, and structured routines to reduce anxiety and support learning Encourage independence through life skills such as cooking, self-care, and outdoor activities Facilitate therapeutic, sensory, and creative activities to promote communication and wellbeing Support emotional regulation and help manage transitions throughout the school day Collaborate with teachers, therapists, and families to ensure individualised pupil support

Who We're Looking For

We're keen to hear from individuals with professional or personal experience supporting children or young people with autism. You might come from:

A special school or educational background Health, care, residential support, or youth services Psychology, social care, or SEND pathways Personal experience supporting a family member or friend
Essential qualities include:

Strong understanding of autism and sensory needs Calm, patient, and resilient approach Excellent communication and teamwork skills A genuine passion for supporting neurodiverse children Openness to training in approaches such as PECS, Makaton, or sensory regulation strategies

About the School

This Leeds-based specialist school supports children with autism and associated communication and learning needs. The school offers:

Small class sizes with high staff-to-pupil ratios Structured, consistent routines with positive behaviour support Sensory spaces, therapy rooms, and outdoor learning areas A collaborative, professional team focused on inclusion and personal development

Hours and Schedule

Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 3.30pm, term-time only. Full-time and part-time applications are warmly welcomed.

Why Apply?

Competitive pay

Work within an experienced, supportive SEND team Gain valuable autism-specific classroom experience Access professional development and specialist training Build meaningful relationships with pupils and help them thrive

Use Your Experience to Support and Empower

If you're ready to make a real difference using your autism expertise, apply now to join this supportive, forward-thinking school.

Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do, and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such, we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education, you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temp to perm

Pay: 90.00-105.00 per day

Benefits:

Company pension Free parking On-site parking Referral programme
Work Location: In person