Location: West London
Job Title: ARP Teaching Assistant
Sector: Primary Education / SEN / Autism Provision
Contract Type: Full-Time, Long-Term (Term Time Only)
Start Date: ASAP or September
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
About the School and ARP
A highly respected and inclusive primary school in West London is seeking a committed and compassionate ARP Teaching Assistant to join their Autism Resource Provision. The ARP supports pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), primarily those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), alongside associated communication, sensory, and social interaction needs.
The school has a strong reputation for inclusive practice and places pupil wellbeing at the centre of everything it does. The ARP is a well-established, structured provision designed to meet the individual needs of pupils while promoting inclusion within mainstream classes where appropriate. The team works closely with external professionals, including speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and educational psychologists.
About the Role
As an ARP Teaching Assistant, you will support pupils both within the specialist ARP environment and during carefully planned integration into mainstream lessons. You will work closely with the ARP teacher and wider SEN team to deliver personalised learning programmes that support academic progress, communication development, emotional regulation, and independence.
This role requires patience, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to supporting children with additional needs. You will be supporting pupils who may display sensory sensitivities, communication difficulties, anxiety, or challenging behaviour linked to unmet needs.
Key Responsibilities
Your responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to:
* Providing one-to-one support for pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition
* Supporting small group learning within the ARP
* Implementing personalised learning and behaviour support plans
* Supporting communication using visual timetables, PECS, and other strategies
* Assisting pupils with sensory regulation strategies
* Supporting emotional regulation and positive behaviour
* Supporting pupils during transitions between ARP and mainstream classrooms
* Assisting with personal care, toileting, feeding, or medical needs where required
* Monitoring progress and contributing to EHCP reviews and annual reviews
* Maintaining detailed records and observations
* Working collaboratively with teachers, SEN staff, and therapists
* Creating a calm, structured, and predictable learning environment
* Supporting safeguarding, health, and safety procedures at all times
The Ideal Candidate
The school is seeking an ARP Teaching Assistant who:
* Has experience working with children with SEN, particularly autism
* Has a strong understanding of ASC and sensory processing differences
* Is patient, empathetic, and emotionally resilient
* Can remain calm in challenging situations
* Has strong communication and teamwork skills
* Is committed to inclusion and safeguarding
Experience in an ARP, SEN school, or specialist provision is highly desirable. Candidates with transferable experience from care, support work, or therapy assistant roles are also encouraged to apply.
Training, Support & Development
The school offers a strong package of training and professional development, including:
* Autism-specific training and CPD
* Sensory integration strategies
* Positive behaviour support and de-escalation
* Safeguarding and child protection training
* Ongoing supervision and SEN support
There are excellent opportunities for long-term progression within SEN education.
Safeguarding Commitment
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS checks, references, and safeguarding training.
Why Apply?
* Work in a specialist autism provision
* Make a meaningful impact on pupils' lives
* Long-term, stable role with strong support
* Excellent SEN training and development
* Inclusive and values-led school culture