Autism Specialist Teaching Assistant - Preston 

£90-£110 per day (depending on experience)
Location: Preston | Full-Time | Long-Term Role

Do you have a passion for supporting children and young people with Autism?

Are you experienced, adaptable, and ready to make a real difference in a setting that values care, compassion, and teamwork?

We're looking for a dedicated Autism Teaching Assistant to join a specialist team at a warm, person-centred school in Preston. This school provides exceptional care and education to children and young people aged 6-19 with complex Autism profiles and associated needs.

Here, no two days are the same — but every day is rewarding.

The role is at an independent, residential special school is known for its nurturing, structured environment tailored specifically to support young people with Autism and complex needs. Students receive personalised learning pathways and holistic care, with an emphasis on consistency, communication, and emotional wellbeing. The setting is calm, well-resourced, and driven by a therapeutic, student-first ethos.

As an Autism Teaching Assistant, you'll play a vital role in supporting students both in the classroom and in wider school life. You'll work as part of a highly skilled team to promote engagement, independence, and wellbeing.

Your key responsibilities will include:

Supporting students with Autism on a 1:1 and small group basis

Assisting with communication and regulation using tailored strategies

Administering personal care in a respectful and supportive manner

Collaborating with teachers, therapists, and care staff to deliver holistic support

Supporting students with PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) profiles (knowledge of PDA is a strong advantage)

Who We're Looking For:

Experience supporting children or young people with Autism is essential

Understanding of PDA and low-demand approaches is highly desirable

Comfortable with administering personal care

A positive, proactive attitude and the ability to remain calm under pressure

A flexible team player who's open to feedback and collaboration

Committed to safeguarding and promoting student wellbeing

What's in it for you?

Daily rate of £90-£110 (depending on experience)

Long-term opportunity in a supportive, specialist setting

Ongoing CPD and career development through TeacherActive

A chance to truly change lives every day

If you're ready to take the next step in your SEN career and be part of something truly meaningful — we want to hear from you. Call Zoe on (phone number removed) or email (url removed)

All applicants will be contacted to discuss suitability and then invited to register with TeacherActive.

Registration involves an enhanced DBS check, ID checks and will require you to supply good professional references. We pride ourselves on excellent service. We can provide a wide range of opportunities in schools and other educational institutions, with good rates of pay, at times to suit your needs.

Regular external audits have shown repeatedly that our standards are exceptional. We are passionate about finding the right staff for each environment.

TeacherActive is an equal opportunities employer, and operates as an Employment Business in providing temporary or contract job-seeking services