Job Title: Teaching Assistant - Complex Needs & SLD
Location: Westminster
Contract Type: Full-time, Term-time only
Start Date: October 2025
About the Role
We are looking for a caring, resilient, and proactive Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated team, a specialist provision for children and young people aged 4 to 18 with autism, severe learning difficulties (SLD), communication challenges, and complex additional needs.
This is a rewarding opportunity to support pupils with unique learning profiles through a highly individualised and therapeutic approach to education, care, and communication.
Key Responsibilities
* Support pupils with autism, SLD, and complex needs in accessing a broad, adapted curriculum tailored to their learning and sensory needs.
* Work under the guidance of class teachers and therapy staff to deliver structured, sensory-based, and communication-focused activities.
* Provide personal care, including toileting and feeding, in a way that promotes dignity, wellbeing, and independence.
* Support the implementation of alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) methods such as PECS, Makaton, communication books, and electronic devices.
* Assist in the creation of calm, low-arousal learning environments that support emotional regulation and minimise sensory overload.
* Follow positive behaviour support plans, helping pupils manage dysregulation and develop coping strategies.
* Safely assist pupils with physical movement, including hoisting and repositioning, following individual support plans and training.
* Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, families, and other professionals to support holistic development.
Essential Requirements
* Experience working with children or young people with autism, SLD, and/or complex needs.
* A compassionate and patient approach, with the ability to build strong, trusting relationships.
* Confidence and willingness to support with personal care and physical needs (training provided).
* An understanding of or interest in communication support strategies and sensory-based teaching.
* Ability to remain calm and consistent when supporting pupils with dysregulation or challenging behaviour.
* Team-focused and adaptable, with excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Desirable (but not essential)
* Experience with Makaton, PECS, or other AAC systems.
* Knowledge of autism strategies and sensory processing approaches.
* Relevant qualifications such as NVQ Level 2/3 in Teaching & Learning, Childcare, or Health and Social Care.
* Team Teach or other positive behaviour support training