Autism specialist Teaching Assistant

Autism Specialist Teaching Assistant – Northampton

Full‑Time | Long‑Term Role
Start: ASAP
Via Tradewind Recruitment

Tradewind Recruitment is seeking a compassionate, committed, and skilled Autism Specialist Teaching Assistant to join supportive SEND settings across Northampton. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about working with autistic students and is dedicated to creating an environment where every young person can learn, communicate, and thrive in ways that work best for them.

In this role, you will be supporting students with severe autism
, many of whom experience significant communication differences
, sensory processing needs, and unique learning profiles. Your work will focus on helping students engage meaningfully with their day, develop independence, and express themselves through a range of communication approaches. These may include PECS, Makaton, visual schedules, sensory regulation strategies, and communication‑based interventions – experience with these is highly desirable, though full training can be provided for the right candidate.

The ideal candidate is someone who:

• Understands and respects neurodiversity, recognising autism as a different but equally valuable way of experiencing the world

• Can remain calm, patient, and solution‑focused when supporting students with high levels of need

• Is confident in using structure, predictability, and sensory‑informed practice to help students feel safe and regulated

• Can work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and families to ensure every student's individual needs and strengths are celebrated and supported

• Is enthusiastic about building trusting, nurturing relationships grounded in understanding, acceptance, and consistency

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include personalised support, facilitating communication, helping students manage transitions, and enabling them to access learning in a way that suits their sensory and cognitive profile. You will also contribute to creating a classroom environment where autistic learners feel understood, respected, and empowered.

If you are passionate about supporting autistic young people and want to make a meaningful difference in their school experience, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today with Tradewind Recruitment and start your journey supporting exceptional students in Northampton.