Due to an increase in the number of pupils and students attending the school, we are looking to expand our outstanding team. We are looking to recruit a Physical Education based Teaching Assistant to support the delivery of high-quality, inclusive education through sport, physical activity, and well-being for children and young people with Autism.
Working closely with class / form teachers, PE staff, and the wider multi-disciplinary team, the role will focus on promoting engagement, resilience, independence, and emotional well-being through structured Physical Education and sport-based lessons and activities. The specialist Teaching Assistant will play a key role in supporting the delivery of Physical Education lessons, helping pupils access activities at their own level, and encouraging participation, teamwork, and skill development. They will contribute to personalised learning plans through Physical Education, uphold the school's ACE ethos, and promote a safe, positive environment where every learner can achieve and enjoy success in physical activity.
High Grange School is an Outstanding school and also is also a nationally accredited Trauma Informed School.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
· Support pupils with Autism and associated needs in accessing sport, Physical Education, and movement-based learning across an ambitious curriculum.
· Assist the PE teacher(s) and class teachers in delivering tailored lessons and individual one to one sessions, adapting activities and resources to meet individual learning profiles.
· Implement and support the school's ACE programme, behaviour plans, and communication strategies within sporting and physical activity contexts.
· Promote ACE, adaptive thinking, communication, emotional wellbeing, teamwork, and independence through consistent use of structured routines, visual aids, and positive reinforcement in sport lessons.
· Provide one-to-one and small group support during PE, games, and extra-curricular sports activities, encouraging participation, confidence, and skill development.
· Monitor and record pupil progress, behaviour, and engagement in physical activities, sharing relevant information with the PE teacher(s) and wider team.
· Foster a calm, structured, and encouraging sporting environment that meets the sensory, physical, and emotional needs of each student.
· Work collaboratively with therapists, pastoral team, families, and leaders to ensure consistent, holistic support through Physical Education lessons and extracurricular sport activities.
· Contribute to safeguarding and health & safety practices, including safe use of equipment, supervision during lessons, and promoting a secure environment in all sporting contexts.
· Adapt flexibly to a variety of situations, combining directed activities with initiative, organisation, and problem-solving to maximise pupil engagement in sport.
Commit to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, upholding the school's safeguarding policies and procedures across all school and sporting activities, including off-site fixtures and trips.
Qualification & Experience
· A good standard of general education (e.g. GCSEs in English and Maths, or equivalent).
· A genuine passion for sport, physical activity, and promoting healthy lifestyles with children and young people with Autism and additional needs.
· Enthusiasm for encouraging participation, teamwork, resilience, and confidence through PE, games, and extra-curricular sport.
· Willingness to take part in ongoing training, including safeguarding, Autism-specific approaches, and sport/PE-related professional development.
· Ability to follow instructions and work effectively as part of a team during lessons and sporting events.
· Energy, adaptability, and a positive attitude towards supporting pupils and students in achieving their personal best in physical activities.
· Any previous experience in coaching, sports leadership, PE support, youth sport, or voluntary sport settings is desirable but not essential.
Knowledge and Skills
· Ability to build trusting, supportive relationships with pupils with special educational needs, showing patience and empathy.
· Good communication skills, including the ability to adapt language and approaches to meet individual pupil needs.
· Awareness of, or willingness to learn about, Autism, Trauma-informed practice, and strategies to support.
· Ability to work collaboratively with teachers and therapists to implement individual education and behaviour support plans.
· Resilience, flexibility, and a calm approach when supporting pupils who may display challenging behaviours.
Personal Qualities
· Compassionate and empathetic, with a genuine commitment to supporting children with additional needs.
· Patient and calm under pressure, able to respond positively to challenging situations.
· Reliable and professional, with a strong sense of responsibility and integrity.
· Flexible and adaptable, willing to adjust approaches to meet the diverse needs of pupils.
· Enthusiastic and motivated, with a positive attitude towards learning and personal development.
· Proactive, positive and willing to give new things a go.
Training
· The successful candidate will be expected to undergo certified training and refresher courses in a range of areas including Child Protection, Physical Intervention, Behavioural Management, First Aid, Fire Prevention and Health & Safety at Work and other specialist training related to the location.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £24,258.00 per year
Benefits:
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person