Teaching Assistant

Shorefields; Eight Ash Green; On-site; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist educational institution in Eight Ash Green is looking for a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support students with autism. This full-time role requires patience, strong communication skills, and previous experience in a school setting. Responsibilities include preparing lessons, supervising activities, and ensuring a nurturing environment. Benefits include wellbeing programs and training opportunities. The ideal candidate should possess relevant qualifications and demonstrate a passion for making a difference in young people's lives.

Benefits

Staff wellbeing programmes

Free counselling service

Comprehensive training and supervision

Free on-site parking

Exclusive discounts via Blue Light Card

24/7 access to a GP

Bereavement counselling

Life cover

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Learning Support Assistant or Teaching Assistant in a school setting.
• Highly advantageous experience of working with learners with autism or learning disabilities.
• Valid driving licence is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Help prepare for lessons and contribute towards Individual Student Plans.
• Supervise out of school visits and activities.
• Assist in maintaining personal hygiene of students.

Skills

Experience as an LSA or TA

Understanding of autism

Patience

Enthusiasm for teaching

Education

GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths and English

NVQ Level 3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning

Job description

Job Ref No. ECC0-202 Position Type: Teaching/Child Support Pay Range: £23,229.82 per annum (term-time only)

Position Start Date: 01/02/2026 Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 31/01/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: ASAP

Are you passionate about helping young people reach their full potential? Doucecroft School, part of Autism Anglia, is looking for a Teaching Assistant to join our friendly and dedicated team.

Find out more about our school here:Doucecroft School

Salary: £23,229.82 per annum (term-time only, plus additional training days)

Hours: 38.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 39 weeks per year (term time only) plus 3 training days during school holidays

What the role involves

• Under the direction of the Class Teacher, help prepare for lessons, contribute towards and carry out schemes of work and Individual Student Plans (ISPs)
• Retain an up-to-date knowledge of each student's stage of development with regard to assessment, communication, ISPs and management programmes and share information with colleagues as might be appropriate
• Supervise out of school visits and activities in line with school policies and practices
• To participate in a wide range of physical activities with students e.g. swimming, ice skating, horse riding
• Analyse and simplify tasks and present information in a meaningful and appropriate manner to each student
• Maintain an awareness of, and interest in, the developments within the field of curriculum development for students with autistic spectrum disorders
• Assist in keeping careful and accurate records
• Ensure student and staff safety is maintained at all times, managing challenging and unpredictable situations
• Attend parents' evenings, case conferences and meetings as meetings as necessary, some of which may be outside working hours
• Ensure teaching materials and resources are suitable, in good order and that an adequate supply is available for the task
• Assist in preparing students for departure from school
• Carry out playground duties in line with school policy
• Support the students in maintaining personal hygiene
• Work closely with the Class Teacher and other staff maintaining close links with the Senior LSA and Learning Support Assistants
• Maintain good relationships with parents/carers, outside agencies and the general public with a high degree of personal and professional integrity
• Have a good understanding of autism and treat students with dignity and respect and to be aware of the vulnerability of students at the school
• Ensure that the School's Child Protection and Safeguarding Policies and Procedures are promoted within the school and adhered to by all members of staff
• Participate fully in the school's supervision system in relation to your own professional development
• Be familiar with and put into practice all school policies and procedures

What we're looking for

• NVQ Level 3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning (desirable but not essential).
• You must have previous experience as an LSA or TA in a school setting
• Maths and English GCSE Grade C/4 or above.
• Experience of working with learners with autism or learning disabilities (highly advantageous).
• A valid driving licence (desirable).
• Most importantly, we're looking for someone with patience, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for supporting young people.

Benefits & Support

• Staff wellbeing programmes and mental health support
• Free counselling service
• Comprehensive training and supervision
• Free on-site parking
• Exclusive discounts with major, restaurants & more via the Blue Light Card
• A supportive and accessible leadership team, always available for guidance and assistance
• 24/7 access to a GP
• Bereavement counselling
• Life cover

Commitment to Diversity

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

How to apply

If you're looking for a role where you can use your skills to change lives, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today by clicking the link below, and a member of our recruitment team will be in touch.

Doucecroft is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. This role is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, registration with the DBS Update Service, and other relevant checks, including verbal verification of references.

We welcome applications from all individuals who meet the requirements of the role and may wish to request flexible working or reasonable adjustments.

Please note: unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship. Candidates must already have the right to work in the UK.

Information about the School

Doucecroft School is a specialist co-educational school for children and young people with autism and additional complex needs, age 3 –19 years. Established in 1973, we are experienced and successful in meeting the needs of students with wide-ranging strengths and needs, providing a nurturing environment where students are able to thrive and grow in independence and self-esteem.

Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy are provided on-site by our experienced therapy team.

Doucecroft School is part of Autism Anglia, a regional charity working with children, adults and families affected by Autism.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.