Job description
SEN Teaching Assistant – Year 6 (Autism & PDA)
Stockport
ASAP – July 2026
Full Time (Monday to Friday)
Are you an experienced SEN TA with a strong understanding of Autism and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)?
GSL Education Manchester is recruiting for a highly skilled SEN Teaching Assistant to provide 1:1 support to a Year 6 pupil with Autism presenting PDA traits in a supportive Stockport primary school. This role is available immediately through to July, offering consistency during a crucial Upper KS2 transition period.
This is role with some general classroom TA responsibilities but the school requires someone confident in low-demand approaches, co-regulation strategies, flexible boundaries, and trauma-informed practice.
About the Role:
You will work closely with the SENCO and class teacher to create a bespoke support plan that reduces anxiety, builds trust, and encourages engagement on the pupil’s terms.
The pupil responds best to:
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Relationship-first approaches
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Indirect language and reduced demands
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Predictable routines with flexibility
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Emotionally regulated adults
Your role will focus on regulation before curriculum, ensuring the pupil feels safe, understood, and supported in accessing learning.
Key Responsibilities:
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Provide consistent 1:1 support in Year 6
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Implement Autism- and PDA-informed strategies
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Support emotional regulation and minimise anxiety triggers
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Use co-regulation, diversion, and negotiation techniques appropriately
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Adapt tasks to promote autonomy and reduce perceived pressure
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Work collaboratively with SENCO, teachers, and parents
We Are Looking For:
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Strong experience supporting pupils with Autism and/or PDA profiles
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Knowledge of low arousal approaches and demand avoidance strategies
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Experience in SEMH, specialist SEN, or alternative provision settings
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Calm, emotionally intelligent, and reflective practice
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Confidence working with pupils in Upper KS2
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A practitioner who understands that behaviour is communication
This role would particularly suit:
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Experienced SEN TAs
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SEMH practitioners
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Specialist provision staff
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Behaviour mentors with Autism experience
To Work with GSL Education You Must:
✔ Have the right to work in the UK
✔ Provide two recent professional references
✔ Hold an enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or be willing to apply)
How to Apply:
If you are an experienced SEN practitioner looking for a meaningful, specialist role, we would love to hear from you.
Orien.Mojdeh@gsleducation.com
0161 537 6500
Please note: This role requires a strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection. All successful applicants will undergo safer recruitment checks including an enhanced DBS.