Communications Assistant

About the role:

This specialist SEND school on the outskirts of Lincoln supports children with autism as their primary need, many of whom are pre‑verbal or have emerging communication skills. The school provides a nurturing, structured environment focused on communication development, sensory‑friendly learning and personalised support. This is a full‑time role to begin ASAP.

• Support Communication Development by working closely with teaching staff and communication specialists to implement strategies such as Intensive Interaction, PECS, visual flashcards, Makaton (if applicable) and other alternative/augmentative communication methods.
• Help deliver highly structured and adapted activities, breaking tasks down into small, achievable steps and responding to each child’s individual communication profile.
• Use Visual and Sensory Supports to prepare and use visual timetables, object cues, sensory tools and structured routines to support engagement and emotional regulation.
• Promote Positive Interaction and model and encourage purposeful, reciprocal communication through play‑based and child‑led approaches.
• Provide Calm, Consistent Support to create a predictable, low‑arousal environment and use gentle, responsive strategies to help children feel safe, connected and ready to learn.

• Experience supporting children with autism, communication needs or developmental delays (school, SEND setting, early years, play therapy, residential care or similar).
• Understanding of pre‑verbal or emerging communication needs, with confidence using visual tools, simple language, modelling and interactive approaches.
• Knowledge of communication‑based strategies such as Intensive Interaction, PECS, flashcards, visual supports or sensory‑based teaching.
• Relevant qualifications such as Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant, SEND training, childcare, or equivalent experience.