Job description
Autism Teaching Assistant
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: Full-Time, Term Time Only
Salary: £92 – £115 per day
GSL Education are seeking a dedicated, patient, and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join a specialist education setting in York from September.
This is a rewarding opportunity for a Teaching Assistant who is passionate about supporting young people with Autism and additional learning needs. The successful candidate will work closely with teaching staff to provide tailored support, helping pupils develop academically, socially, emotionally, and personally within a nurturing and inclusive environment.
Whether you are an experienced SEND Teaching Assistant or have transferable experience supporting young people with Autism, communication needs, or complex behaviours, we would love to hear from you.
About the School
This specialist community school in York provides personalised education and support for young people with a range of additional needs, including Autism, social communication needs, and barriers to learning.
The school places relationships, trust, and understanding at the centre of its approach, ensuring every pupil is supported as an individual. Staff work collaboratively to create a calm, structured, and inclusive environment where pupils feel safe, valued, and able to achieve their potential.
The successful candidate will join a committed team that supports pupils through personalised learning approaches, positive behaviour strategies, and a focus on developing independence, confidence, and life skills.
About the Role
As an Autism Teaching Assistant, you will:
- Support Key Stage 3 and 4 pupils with Autism and additional learning needs within the classroom and wider school environment.
- Work alongside teachers to deliver personalised learning activities and support individual education plans.
- Provide one-to-one and small group support to encourage engagement, communication, and independence.
- Develop positive relationships with pupils, understanding their individual needs, interests, and communication styles.
- Support pupils with emotional regulation, confidence building, and social development.
- Use a range of strategies to promote positive behaviour and reduce barriers to learning.
- Encourage pupils to participate in lessons, activities, and wider school experiences.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, support staff, families, and external professionals to achieve the best outcomes for pupils.
The Ideal Autism Teaching Assistant Will Have:
- Previous experience working with children or young people with Autism, SEND, or additional learning needs.
- Experience supporting pupils with communication needs, sensory needs, or social and emotional difficulties would be advantageous.
- A patient, compassionate, and consistent approach to supporting young people.
- The ability to build trusting relationships and understand individual behaviours and communication methods.
- Confidence supporting pupils who may require additional emotional or behavioural support.
- Experience using communication strategies such as PECS, Makaton, or other AAC approaches would be desirable.
- A commitment to creating an inclusive environment where every pupil can thrive.
- An enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service or be willing to apply for one through GSL Education.
What GSL Education Offer:
- Competitive rates of pay paid through PAYE or an Umbrella Company.
- A dedicated consultant providing ongoing support throughout your placement.
- Access to a wide range of long-term and permanent education opportunities.
- Continuous professional development and training opportunities with over £8500 worth of CPD available to you for free.
- A supportive and experienced team with excellent knowledge of the local education sector.
- The opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people.
GSL Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to appropriate safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check with children’s barred list (where applicable), verification of employment history, references, and other relevant pre-employment checks in line with safer recruitment procedures.
If you are a passionate Secondary Teaching Assistant looking for a rewarding opportunity supporting young people with Autism this September, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today for a confidential conversation with the GSL Education team and take the next step in your education career.