SEND Teaching Assistant

SEND Teaching Assistant – 1:1 Autism Support

Location: Merton, London

Salary: £93–£100 per day, depending on qualifications and experience

Contract: Full-time, long-term, temporary

Hours: Term time, 8:30am–3:30pm

Start date: September 2026 – ASAP

Transparency Education is recruiting an experienced SEND Teaching Assistant to support a Year 1 pupil with autism on a one-to-one basis at a vibrant and welcoming primary school in Merton.

The school offers an exciting, creative curriculum, working with specialists, including artists in residence, to bring fresh experiences into the classroom. You will help your pupil take part in this learning, build confidence and develop greater independence.

The pupil communicates verbally and needs consistent support with engagement, routines and transitions. They can leave supervised areas unexpectedly, so this role requires someone attentive and proactive who can follow agreed safety strategies while building a positive, trusting relationship.

Your responsibilities

• Provide tailored one-to-one support during lessons, playtimes and transitions.
• Break learning into manageable steps, using clear language and visual prompts where helpful.
• Support emotional regulation and recognise when the pupil may need reassurance or a change of approach.
• Maintain close supervision and follow the pupil’s individual risk assessment and support plan.
• Encourage positive interactions with classmates and increasing independence.
• Work closely with the class teacher and SENCO, sharing observations about progress, engagement and wellbeing.

What we’re looking for

• Previous experience supporting children with autism is essential.
• A calm, patient approach and confidence supporting a child who may leave supervised areas.
• An understanding of autism-related communication, sensory and regulation needs.
• The ability to maintain consistent routines and respond calmly to changing situations.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• A relevant Teaching Assistant or childcare qualification is desirable.

What the role offers

• A long-term opportunity to build a meaningful working relationship with one pupil.
• A welcoming school with a creative, engaging curriculum.
• Collaboration with the class teacher and SENCO to help the pupil access school life.
• The opportunity to use your autism-support experience in a focused and rewarding role.

Why work via Transparency Education?

Transparency Education are a widely recognised, education recruitment company. We pride ourselves on our high levels of customer service and professional development that we offer our teachers and support staff. We:

• Ensure that you will have your own dedicated consultant who will provide ongoing support and guidance.

• Offer an excellent ‘refer a friend’ scheme that pays you £150 for each candidate you refer to us after they have worked and been paid for their first 10 days.
• Pay in line with the Agency Worker Regulations (AWR) meaning you will be paid equally to a permanent employee.
• Give you access to a wide range of CPD training through our in-house team of experienced senior leaders

Application Process: Do you feel you meet the criteria for this exciting opportunity? If so, please either apply below or contact us directly. All applicants will require the appropriate qualification and training for this role. For teacher roles, we require a formally recognised teaching qualification. If you are not contacted within 2 working days, unfortunately, you have been unsuccessful for this role. However, we will keep your CV and continue to help you in your search for a job within education. Good luck with your application, we look forward to hearing from you.

Transparency Education operates stringent safer recruitment procedures.

We are committed to promoting equality and challenging discrimination. Transparency Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post will be subject to an Enhanced DBS Clearance.