ASD Teaching Assistant (Secondary)

Job Title: ASD Teaching Assistant (Secondary)
Location: Sunderland
Salary: £87 - £108 per day (Depending on Experience)
Start Date: Immediate
Contract Type: Daily Supply, Long-Term

Do you have a passion for working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and helping them succeed in their educational journey?

GSL Education are seeking a highly skilled and empathetic ASD Teaching Assistant (TA) to join a secondary specialist provision in Sunderland. This role provides an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people by ensuring they receive tailored academic and emotional support in a structured and nurturing environment.

About the Role / Role Overview:

As an ASD Teaching Assistant (Secondary), you will work closely with students who have Autism Spectrum Disorder, providing personalised academic, behavioural, and emotional support. You will play a key role in implementing individual learning strategies, fostering a positive and inclusive classroom environment, and collaborating with teachers, SENCOs, and therapists to optimise student progress.

Key Responsibilities of ASD Teaching Assistant (TA): 

• Provide individualised and small-group support to students with ASD, ensuring a structured and supportive learning experience.
• Assist in delivering differentiated learning activities, adapting resources to meet diverse learning needs.
• Implement individual education plans (IEPs) and behaviour management strategies, promoting positive interactions and engagement.
• Support students in developing social communication skills, emotional regulation, and independence.
• Use visual supports, sensory aids, and alternative communication methods to enhance learning accessibility.
• Monitor student progress, providing feedback and reports to teachers and SEN staff.
• Encourage participation in school activities, social development programmes, and enrichment sessions.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and external professionals to implement personalised intervention plans.
• Foster a calm and inclusive learning environment, ensuring students feel safe, valued, and understood.
• Uphold safeguarding policies, ensuring the well-being and protection of all students.

Requirements for the role of ASD Teaching Assistant (TA): 

• Previous experience as an ASD Teaching Assistant or in a similar role, supporting children with ASD in a primary school setting.
• A Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent) is desirable but not essential.
• Strong understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder, neurodiversity, and associated learning challenges.
• The ability to implement structured routines, communication strategies (such as PECS or Makaton), and sensory interventions.
• Excellent behaviour management skills with a proactive and patient approach.
• Strong ability to build rapport and foster trust with students, staff, and parents/carers.
• A commitment to inclusive education, student well-being, and holistic development.
• Have an updated CV (covering the last ten years, barring any unexplained gaps) and an enhanced DBS registered to the update service (or be willing to apply for one).

Benefits: 

• Competitive daily pay rate reflecting experience and expertise.
• Opportunity to work in a highly regarded specialist provision with access to ongoing professional development.
• A dedicated consultant providing guidance and career support.
• The chance to make a profound impact on students’ education, confidence, and future aspirations.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment with a commitment to inclusive and high-quality education.

If you are a compassionate ASD Teaching Assistant looking for an exciting opportunity in Sunderland, we would love to hear from you. To apply or find out more, contact GSL Education today!

Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection and that successful applicants must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks; including providing an enhanced DBS certificate registered on the update service, or completing an application for a new check. 

As an ethical, inclusive and independent recruitment agency, GSL Education are committed to providing quality teaching and support staff in schools across the UK. 

For more information or to register your interest in the ‘ASD Teaching Assistant Secondary’ role, or to be considered, or to be considered, please click ‘apply now’ to submit your full and up-to-date CV and one of our dedicated consultants, will be in touch.