Teaching Assistant

Start date: 3rd November 2026

Main Purpose: To provide full-time support to learners within the Building Independence (BI) pathway at The Autism Project (TAP).

The role focuses on enabling learners to develop independence, communication, life skills, and confidence, supporting them to access the curriculum and participate in community-based learning. You will work closely with teaching staff to ensure learners make meaningful progress towards their EHCP outcomes and personal goals.

Information:

This is a permanent part time position, offered as either 2 days or 3 days per week, depending on the successful applicant.

Working days will be one of the following options:

Tuesday and Wednesday

Tuesday to Thursday

Working Hours - 9:00am - 4:00pm each day. Total daily working time: 6.5 hours (includes a 30 minute unpaid lunch break)

Weekly Hours

2 day option: 13 hours per week

3 day option: 19.5 hours per week

Salary is £28,860 per annum (full time 37.5hrs) pro-rata. This is £14.80 per hour (London Living Wage).

Holiday allowance is 37 days per annum plus bank holidays pro-rata.

Holiday can only be taken outside of TAP term times.

Your place of work will be at our classrooms at Larcom House SE17 1RT.

Flexibility: Term-time working only can be considered, on request.

Learner Support

1. Support learners to access sessions across the BI pathway, including Functional Skills, PSD, social skills, and independence-based learning.

2. Provide 1:1 and small group support, promoting independence and reducing support where appropriate.

3. Use autism-informed approaches to support communication, sensory, and behavioural needs.

4. Support learners to develop:

o daily living skills

o emotional regulation

o social interaction and communication

5. Apply consistent support strategies to help learners develop coping mechanisms and resilience.

6. To provide personal care support with learners if needed.

Classroom & Curriculum Support

1. Work in partnership with tutors to support lesson delivery and learner engagement.

2. Adapt tasks and resources to meet individual learning needs.

3. Support the implementation of planned learning activities and structured routines.

4. Assist with the preparation of teaching materials and visual supports.

5. Promote a positive and inclusive learning environment .

Independence & Community-Based Learning

1. Support delivery of independence-focused sessions, such as:

o cooking and life skills

o travel training support

o accessing local community services

2. Accompany learners on trips, enrichment activities, and community visits.

3. Support learners to apply skills in real-life contexts and unfamiliar environments.

Behaviour & Wellbeing Support

1. Support learners to manage behaviour positively using agreed strategies.

2. Recognise and respond to anxiety and emotional needs.

3. Contribute to a safe, structured, and predictable environment.

4. Promote wellbeing, confidence, and self-advocacy.

Assessment, Progress & Documentation

1. Support the recording of learner progress and achievements.

2. Contribute to:

o Termly reviews

o EHCP reviews

o Risk assessments and support plans

3. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in line with TAP requirements.

4. Provide feedback to tutors on learner progress and engagement.

Team Working & Communication

1. Work collaboratively with tutors, TAs, and the wider TAP team.

2. Communicate effectively with parents/carers and professionals when required.

3. Contribute to a consistent, person-centred approach across the BI pathway.

Safeguarding & Professional Practice

1. Safeguard all learners and promote their wellbeing at all times.

2. Follow TAP policies including safeguarding, behaviour, health & safety, and equality.

3. Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.

4. Participate in training, supervision, and ongoing professional development.

CareTrade is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff, volunteers, and partners to share this commitment. All roles are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check (with barred list where applicable), references, verification of identity and qualifications, and proportionate online checks of publicly available information as part of the shortlisting process.