An Ilford primary school is seeking an ASD Teaching Assistant to provide dedicated support for pupils with autism, helping them develop communication, independence and confidence in the classroom. This full-time, long-term position offers graduates and experienced support staff the opportunity to build meaningful experience in specialist SEND provision within a mainstream school. You'll work closely with class teachers and the SENCO to deliver individualised support that responds to each pupil's learning and developmental needs. For graduates considering educational psychology, speech and language therapy, teaching or a career in special educational needs, this role provides valuable experience of autism-informed practice. The school is looking for someone thoughtful, academically capable and committed to building consistent relationships with the children they support.
As an ASD Teaching Assistant, you'll gain practical experience in adapting learning activities, supporting emotional regulation and developing communication strategies for pupils with different needs. Working alongside experienced education professionals will help you understand how individual support plans translate into everyday classroom practice. You'll develop your understanding of sensory processing, structured routines and approaches that promote pupil independence. This is a role where patience, observation and professional judgement matter just as much as enthusiasm. The experience will provide a strong foundation for further training or progression within education and SEND.
Key Highlights:
* Position: ASD Teaching Assistant – Primary SEND Support
* Salary: £105–£115 per day, dependent on experience
* Location: Ilford, East London
* Ofsted: Grade to be confirmed
* Contract: Full-time, long-term, term-time only
* Start Date: ASAP, October 2026
* Specialism: One-to-one and small-group support for pupils with autism
* Career Development: Practical experience relevant to educational psychology, speech and language therapy and teacher training
* Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, during school hours
What You'll Be Doing:
* Provide individualised one-to-one support for pupils with autism, adapting activities to their communication and learning needs.
* Implement structured routines, visual timetables and appropriate communication strategies to support classroom participation.
* Deliver targeted interventions that develop social communication, emotional understanding and early academic skills.
* Encourage independence through carefully planned learning activities and consistent positive reinforcement.
* Monitor pupil engagement, progress and behaviour, sharing observations with teachers and the SENCO.
* Adapt classroom resources to accommodate sensory preferences, different processing speeds and individual learning profiles.
* Collaborate with teaching staff and specialist professionals to maintain consistent approaches across the school day.
Ideal Candidate for This Ilford School:
* A strong academic background, ideally a 2:1 degree or above in Psychology, Education, Neuroscience, Linguistics or a related subject, is desirable.
* An interest in autism, neurodiversity and inclusive education is essential, with previous SEND experience beneficial but not mandatory.
* The ability to build trusting relationships with children who may communicate verbally, non-verbally or through alternative communication methods.
* A calm, patient and observant manner, particularly when supporting pupils experiencing sensory overload or emotional dysregulation.
* A clear interest in progressing towards educational psychology, specialist teaching, speech and language therapy or child development.
* Availability for a full-time, long-term position and willingness to contribute consistently to pupils' individual support plans.
Why Join This Ilford School?
* Develop practical understanding of individualised support within a mainstream primary classroom.
* Build sustained working relationships through regular one-to-one and small-group support.
* Understand how teachers, SENCOs and external specialists coordinate provision for pupils with additional needs.
* Gain experience using visual communication tools, sensory strategies and structured interventions.
* Build a strong foundation for postgraduate psychology applications, SEND qualifications or future teacher training.
* Follow pupil progress over time rather than moving between short-term placements.
How to Apply:
If you're ready to develop your experience as an ASD Teaching Assistant in Ilford, we'd welcome an application outlining your academic background, relevant experience and interest in autism support.
Working closely with children who have autism offers an opportunity to understand how thoughtful, consistent support can shape their experience of school. For an aspiring education or psychology professional, this Ilford position combines meaningful responsibility with the chance to develop skills that will remain relevant throughout your career
Salary description
£105.00 - £115.00 per day