MAKE A DIFFERENCE: 1:1 TEACHING ASSISTANT AT A WELCOMING CROYDON SCHOOL

Are you a patient, empathetic, and proactive individual with a passion for supporting children with special educational needs? A lovely school in Central Croydon, London, is seeking a dedicated 1:1 Teaching Assistant to join their team ASAP and to continue for the entire 2025/2026 academic year.
This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to work closely with pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, who may exhibit challenging behaviours. Your commitment and support will be pivotal in helping this pupil thrive academically, socially, and emotionally within the school environment.
What You’ll Bring: Essential Skills & Qualities

We’re looking for someone who embodies the following:

• Exceptional Patience & Empathy: You understand that every child is unique, especially those with ASC. You’ll approach situations with calmness, understanding, and a willingness to offer time and repetition.
• Clear & Concise Communication: Your ability to use direct, literal language, breaking down instructions into manageable steps, will be vital for effective communication.
• Keen Observational Skills: You can pick up on subtle cues – verbal and non-verbal – to understand a child’s needs, triggers, and responses to their environment.
• Flexibility & Adaptability: While routine is important, you’re able to adjust your approach and strategies as situations evolve.
• Proactive & Resourceful: You’re eager to learn, take initiative, and find creative, engaging ways to support the pupil, utilising their interests to foster motivation.
• Strong Team Player: You’ll collaborate effectively with teachers, parents, and other professionals to ensure a consistent and cohesive support system.
• De-escalation Skills: You possess the ability to recognise triggers and implement strategies to help a child regulate their emotions during challenging moments.
• Non-Judgmental Attitude: You approach behaviours with understanding, recognising them as a form of communication.
• A Sense of Humour: Maintaining a positive and light-hearted attitude helps navigate challenging situations and build strong rapport.
• Awareness of Sensory Needs: You understand how sensory sensitivities can impact autistic children and are prepared to adapt the environment or activities accordingly.

What We’re Looking For: Training & Experience

Ideally, you’ll have a solid understanding of, or a willingness to undertake training in, the following areas:

• Understanding Autism: A comprehensive grasp of the autism spectrum, neurodiversity, and common characteristics, moving beyond misconceptions.
• Communication Strategies: Experience with or a readiness to learn about visual communication aids (e.g., PECS, visual schedules), social stories, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
• Sensory Processing: An in-depth understanding of sensory differences and strategies to prevent sensory overload and provide effective support.
• Emotional Regulation: Ability to recognise signs of stress/anxiety and implement strategies to help children regulate their emotions.
• Behaviour Management: Understanding the function of challenging behaviours and applying proactive and reactive strategies, including de-escalation techniques.
• Promoting Independence: Strategies for teaching essential life skills through step-by-step instruction and visual supports.
• Supporting Transitions: Techniques for preparing children for changes in routine or environment.
• Collaboration with Families: A supportive approach to working with families of autistic children.

Any experience or training in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Special Education Needs (SEN) support would be a significant advantage and would result in a higher daily pay rate.
Why Join this School?
You’ll be part of a supportive and caring school community dedicated to providing an inclusive and nurturing environment for all pupils. This role offers the chance to genuinely impact a child’s educational journey and develop your own professional skills in a challenging yet incredibly fulfilling setting.

Please refer the Job description for details