Teaching Assistant Autism Specialist

Teaching Assistant - ASD Unit

Location: Northampton, Northamptonshire
Start Date: September 2026
Contract Type: Full-Time Permanent
Pay: Competitive salary, dependent on experience

Are you passionate about supporting children with autism and helping them develop their confidence, independence, and communication skills?

Would you like to build a rewarding career in education while making a genuine difference to the lives of children with additional needs?

We are working in partnership with a welcoming and inclusive primary school in Northampton that is looking to appoint a caring and committed Teaching Assistant to join their dedicated ASD Unit from September 2026 on a full-time, permanent basis.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about SEND and wants to gain specialist experience supporting children with autism within a structured, nurturing, and supportive environment. You will work closely with teachers, SENCOs, and experienced support staff to help pupils access learning, develop key skills, and thrive both academically and socially.

The Role

• Providing dedicated 1:1 and small-group support to pupils within the ASD Unit
• Supporting children with autism and a range of additional learning needs
• Helping pupils access and engage with the primary curriculum through differentiated and personalised activities
• Supporting communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, and independence
• Helping children develop confidence and positive relationships with their peers
• Following individual support plans and contributing to pupils' personal development
• Using appropriate strategies to support children with communication and sensory needs
• Promoting positive behaviour through consistent, calm, and nurturing approaches
• Supporting children during lessons, break times, lunchtimes, and wider school activities
• Working closely with teachers and the wider SEND team to monitor progress and identify areas for further support
• Creating a safe, inclusive, and encouraging environment where every child can feel valued and supported

This Role Could Be Ideal If You

• Are passionate about supporting children with SEND and autism
• Are considering a long-term career in teaching, SEND, educational psychology, occupational therapy, or pastoral support
• Have experience working with children with autism or additional needs
• Want to develop specialist experience within a dedicated ASD provision
• Have worked in a school, nursery, childcare, care, youth work, or support setting
• Enjoy helping children overcome barriers to learning and develop their independence
• Are patient, compassionate, and motivated by seeing children make progress

We Are Looking For Someone Who

• Is caring, patient, calm, and approachable
• Has a genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs
• Can build trusting and positive relationships with pupils
• Has strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Is consistent and confident when supporting children who may display challenging behaviours
• Can work effectively as part of a wider team
• Is reliable, proactive, and willing to learn
• Can adapt their approach to meet individual children's needs
• Has previous experience with autism or SEND - desirable but not essential

What the Role Offers

• A full-time, permanent Teaching Assistant position starting in September 2026
• The opportunity to work within a dedicated ASD Unit in a welcoming Northampton primary school
• Valuable specialist experience supporting children with autism and additional needs
• A supportive team of teachers and experienced SEND professionals
• Competitive salary, dependent on experience
• Free access to over 2,500 CPD-accredited courses through The National College
• Ongoing support from a dedicated education recruitment consultant
• Excellent opportunities for professional development and progression within SEND and education

Develop Your SEND Career with Tradewind

As a Tradewind Teaching Assistant, you will have free access to over 2,500 CPD-accredited courses through The National College, giving you the opportunity to develop your knowledge and strengthen your career prospects.

Courses include Autism Awareness, Safeguarding, Behaviour Management, SEND, Mental Health in Schools, and many more.

Whether you already have experience supporting children with autism or are looking to take your first step into specialist SEND education, this role offers an excellent opportunity to develop your skills within a supportive primary school environment.

If you're passionate about helping children with additional needs reach their potential and want to build a long-term career in SEND education, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today to be considered for this permanent Teaching Assistant opportunity within an ASD Unit at a primary school in Northampton, starting September 2026.