Job Description

Brent, North West London

* Full-time, 8:30am - 4:00pm

* September Start

* Permanent contract opportunity

As a Teaching Assistant, you should already understand the importance of patience, consistency and encouragement. Supporting a child with complex Autism takes that understanding to a completely different level. This role is about connection before communication. Regulation before learning. Trust before anything else.

The Role: One-to-one SEN Teaching Assistant

You will be supporting a Year 1 child with complex needs within a SEN provision. She does not yet have a functional form of communication. No reliable verbal language. No consistent gesture or sign. Her attention span is currently very limited. When overwhelmed, she can become dysregulated.

Your role will not be about "managing behaviour".

It will be about:

* Building shared attention through Intensive Interaction

* Developing engagement using workstation approaches and Bucket Time

* Supporting co-regulation during moments of distress

* Assisting with personal care and toileting with dignity and respect

* Recognising and celebrating progress that others may not even notice

In this role, progress might look like 20 seconds of eye contact, a moment of shared laughter, or tolerating a new activity without distress.

If you understand that these moments are huge milestones, you will find this deeply rewarding.

The School

This is a well-established and inclusive primary school in Brent with a strong commitment to SEND. The SEN provision space is calm, structured and thoughtfully designed.

The school works closely with Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Therapists who visit weekly. Staff receive training in Bucket Time and sensory-informed practice.

Agency staff are treated as part of the team, receive school email, attend Friday briefings, have access to CPD, and attend staff events. Leaders are visible, supportive and very clear about expectations. They will always observe candidates interacting with children before offering a position, because fit matters here.

Who Will Thrive Here

This role will suit someone who:

* Has genuine experience supporting complex Autism

* Understands sensory processing differences and regulation

* Has worked with non-verbal or pre-verbal children

* Is comfortable and confident in supporting personal care

* Is emotionally steady, calm and resilient

* Wants long-term work and can commit until at least July 2027

If that is you, they will value you highly.

What You Will Gain

* Specialist experience in a growing SEN provision

* Direct exposure to SALT and OT-led strategies

* The opportunity to potentially move into a permanent role as the SEN unit expands in September

#CTSEN