Autism Support Assistant 1:1 - Four-Day Week

Autism Support Assistant - 1:1 | Four-Day Week

Location: Morden, South West London
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:30am-4:30pm
Working Pattern: Full-Time | Term Time Only | Four-Day Week
Contract: Permanent, subject to a three-month probation period
Salary & Benefits: Details available on application

Could You Be the Person Who Helps a Child Thrive at School?

For a child with Autism, having the right person beside them can transform their experience of school.

Someone who notices when things are becoming overwhelming. Someone who understands that communication doesn't always happen through words. Someone who knows when to offer reassurance - and when to step back and allow independence to grow.

A welcoming school in Morden is looking for an Autism Support Assistant to provide dedicated one-to-one support for a child with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).

Working Monday to Thursday during term time , you'll become a consistent and trusted part of the child's school day, helping them participate in learning, build relationships and develop the confidence to do more for themselves.

Your Role

No two days will be exactly the same because your support will be shaped around the individual child.

You'll work alongside teachers and the school's SEND team to understand what helps the pupil feel secure, communicate effectively and engage positively with school life.

You'll be responsible for:

• Providing consistent one-to-one support throughout the school day.
• Helping the child access classroom activities at an appropriate level.
• Supporting outdoor, practical and creative learning experiences.
• Building a positive relationship based on trust and consistency.
• Helping the pupil navigate routines, changes and transitions.
• Supporting communication and positive interaction with other children.
• Recognising signs of anxiety or dysregulation and responding calmly.
• Using agreed strategies to support emotional regulation.
• Adapting activities and resources where necessary.
• Encouraging the child to make choices and develop independence.
• Observing progress and sharing relevant information with teachers and the SENDCo.
• Recognising and celebrating the small steps that lead to bigger achievements.

It's About Knowing When to Help - and When Not To

Good one-to-one support isn't about doing everything for a child.

It's about gradually helping them need you less.

You'll encourage the pupil to try things independently, make decisions, communicate their needs and become increasingly confident participating in school life.

Sometimes you'll provide direct support. At other times, the most valuable thing you can do will be to quietly step back and allow the child to discover what they can achieve for themselves.

Who Could Be Right for This Role?

You may already be working as a Teaching Assistant, SEND Teaching Assistant, Autism Support Worker, Learning Support Assistant, SEN Support Worker or 1:1 Teaching Assistant .

Alternatively, your experience could come from childcare, care, youth work, tutoring, residential support or children's services.

We'd particularly like to hear from you if you:

• Have experience supporting children with Autism, SEND or additional needs.
• Are calm and reassuring when a child is finding something difficult.
• Understand that behaviour can communicate an unmet need.
• Take time to understand the individual rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Build relationships through patience, consistency and trust.
• Can encourage independence without withdrawing support too quickly.
• Communicate sensitively with children, colleagues and families.
• Enjoy working collaboratively as part of a wider team.
• Believe children should be supported to participate fully in their school community.

Formal qualifications are welcomed, but your experience, approach and ability to connect with children are equally important .

An Enhanced DBS, or willingness to obtain one, and satisfactory references will be required.

A Four-Day Working Week

This permanent role offers an unusual working pattern within education.

You'll work Monday to Thursday, 8:30am-4:30pm during term time , giving you a consistent three-day weekend while still becoming an integral part of the child's school experience.

Alongside the working pattern, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Develop valuable experience supporting Autism and SEND.
• Work closely with experienced teachers and SEND professionals.
• Build a meaningful one-to-one relationship with a child.
• Support learning both inside and outside the classroom.
• Develop your understanding of individualised SEND support.
• See the direct impact of your work through a child's growing confidence and independence.
• Become part of a nurturing and inclusive school community.

Could This Be Your Next Role?

We're interested in more than qualifications on a CV.

We want to hear from people who genuinely enjoy supporting children and understand how much patience, consistency and encouragement can matter to a child with additional needs.

If that sounds like you, apply today with your CV and a brief introduction explaining what interests you about one-to-one Autism support.