Job title: Autism support assistant Location: Horsham, West Sussex Contract: Full-time, permanent Salary: £23,175 per annum (including full pay during school holidays) Start date: Immediate start available, with further roles from September 2026
Not every support role is the same. This one asks more of you — and gives more back.
Teaching Personnel is recruiting autism support assistants for specialist and resourced mainstream schools across Horsham. We have roles available for an immediate start as well as September 2026, and we're looking for full-time professionals who bring genuine knowledge, patience and commitment to some of the most rewarding work in education.
These schools are built around the needs of pupils on the autism spectrum. That means your understanding of sensory needs, communication approaches and structured environments isn't just helpful here — it's essential. If you want a role where your expertise is valued, your contribution is visible and your work genuinely matters, this is it.
What you'll be doing
Providing dedicated 1:1 and small group support to pupils with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) across a range of needs and year groups.
Implementing support strategies in line with each pupil's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), ensuring consistency and progress.
Supporting communication using approaches such as Makaton, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), or other augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods.
Creating calm, structured and predictable environments that reduce anxiety and help pupils feel safe enough to learn.
Assisting with sensory regulation, transitions and changes in routine throughout the school day.
Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team alongside teachers, speech and language therapists and occupational therapists.
Keeping accurate records of pupil progress and following safeguarding and confidentiality procedures at all times.
Who we're looking for
Experience supporting pupils or young people with autism in a school, care, therapeutic or community setting — or a strong, informed interest in doing so.
Awareness of autism-specific approaches such as TEACCH, Intensive Interaction, low-arousal strategies or structured teaching.
A calm, consistent and reliable presence that pupils can trust and depend on every day.
Strong communication skills and the ability to adapt your approach to each individual pupil's needs and communication style.
Full-time availability, Monday to Friday, term-time.
Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply for one before starting.
What's in it for you
£23,175 per annum, with full pay during school holidays.
Specialist autism and SEN training through Teaching Personnel's CPD programme.
A dedicated consultant who takes the time to match you with the right school for your skills and preferences.
Immediate start options available, alongside September 2026 placements.
Long-term and permanent contracts with schools that invest in and retain their support staff.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website
Salary description
£23174.00 - £23175.00 per year