SEND Teaching Assistant - Westminster Specialist Autism & Communication Needs School (Ages 4-19)
Hours:
Full-Time (8:30am-3:30pm, Monday to Friday)
Start Date:
ASAP
We are a well-established special school in Westminster catering to pupils aged 4-19 with autism and complex learning needs (moderate to severe). Our classrooms are small (6-10 pupils) and highly staffed with a teacher and multiple teaching assistants in each room.
The school delivers a creative, topic-based curriculum designed around functional skills, independence, and communication. Therapists work directly with staff and pupils to embed Speech & Language, Physio, and Occupational Therapy into everyday learning.
Staff develop deep, consistent relationships with their pupils, enabling personalised learning and behaviour support throughout the day. We believe in collaboration -- with families, therapists, and each other -- to help every child reach their potential.
Who We're Looking For
We welcome applicants who:
Have experience with autism, communication needs, or challenging behaviour (school or care setting)
Are emotionally intelligent, proactive, and committed to supporting neurodivergent learners
Understand the importance of structure, visuals, routines and sensory regulation
Are comfortable assisting with personal care, mobility support or feeding when required
Want to progress into teaching, therapy or pastoral care in the future
Desirable experience or training:
PECS, Makaton, basic BSL, Zones of Regulation
Manual Handling, Hoist Training, Personal Care
Backgrounds in psychology, care, youth work or SEND education
Required:
Enhanced DBS (Child Workforce) on the Update Service
Right to work in the UK
Available Monday to Friday, term-time only
Why Join Us?
Small classes, consistent staff teams, and individualised support for each pupil
A topic-based, cross-curricular model built around engagement, communication and functional skills
In-class therapy integration (SLT, OT, Physio) so pupils don't miss learning time
Collaborative, well-resourced environment with strong leadership and training
Opportunities to grow your career into therapy, education or SEND specialism
We want people who care, who can stay calm, and who genuinely want to help these pupils thrive -- no day is the same, but every day matters.