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ASD Teaching Assistant

ASD Teaching Assistant

18th June start
Full Time
Posted about 4 hours ago
Expiring 9th July
Cardiff, Wales
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Job description

Zen Educate is seeking a highly experienced and resilient Teaching Assistant to join our secondary school team. This is a full-time, long-term position supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH), and very challenging behaviour. This role requires a confident, proactive professional with strong classroom experience and excellent behaviour management skills. You will play a key role in supporting students both academically and emotionally, helping them to access learning and make positive progress. Key Responsibilities: - Provide 1:1 and small group support for students with ASD and SEMH. - Support students displaying challenging behaviour using consistent and effective strategies. - Implement behaviour support plans and risk assessments. - Assist teachers in adapting lessons to meet individual needs. - Promote emotional regulation, social skills, and positive engagement in learning. - Support students across a range of subjects within the secondary curriculum. - Maintain accurate records and liaise with teaching staff, SENCO, and external agencies where required. - Contribute to a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment. Essential Requirements: - Proven classroom experience in a secondary school (essential). - Experience supporting students with ASD, SEMH, and challenging behaviour. - Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills. - Calm, resilient, and patient approach. - Ability to build positive and professional relationships with young people. - Commitment to safeguarding and promoting student wellbeing. Desirable: - Team Teach or equivalent behaviour management training. - Experience in alternative provision or specialist settings. - Relevant Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent experience. This is a rewarding opportunity for a dedicated Teaching Assistant who is passionate about inclusive education and making a real difference in the lives of young people.
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About the school

This inclusive educational establishment places pupil wellbeing at the forefront of its mission. Every member of the school community is valued, fostering an environment where high expectations lead to success across various disciplines. The institution is dedicated to providing a personalised learning experience for all students, whether they are academically gifted, talented in sports or the arts, or require additional support. The aim is to nurture each pupil's potential, equipping them to become lifelong learners who are socially aware, healthy, and active members of society. For those considering this school for their child, whether at Year 7 or as a later entry, comprehensive information is readily available to assist in the decision-making process. Should you need further details, the school encourages you to reach out for assistance.

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Latest 9 jobs in Wales

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  • ASD Teaching Assistant
    SEN School school in Cardiff • Full Time
    18 Jun - 9 Jul 2026
    Zen Educate is seeking a highly experienced and resilient Teaching Assistant to join our secondary school team. This is a full-time, long-term position supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH), and very challenging behaviour. This role requires a confident, proactive professional with strong classroom experience and excellent behaviour management skills. You will play a key role in supporting students both academically and emotionally, helping them to access learning and make positive progress. Key Responsibilities: - Provide 1:1 and small group support for students with ASD and SEMH. - Support students displaying challenging behaviour using consistent and effective strategies. - Implement behaviour support plans and risk assessments. - Assist teachers in adapting lessons to meet individual needs. - Promote emotional regulation, social skills, and positive engagement in learning. - Support students across a range of subjects within the secondary curriculum. - Maintain accurate records and liaise with teaching staff, SENCO, and external agencies where required. - Contribute to a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment. Essential Requirements: - Proven classroom experience in a secondary school (essential). - Experience supporting students with ASD, SEMH, and challenging behaviour. - Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills. - Calm, resilient, and patient approach. - Ability to build positive and professional relationships with young people. - Commitment to safeguarding and promoting student wellbeing. Desirable: - Team Teach or equivalent behaviour management training. - Experience in alternative provision or specialist settings. - Relevant Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent experience. This is a rewarding opportunity for a dedicated Teaching Assistant who is passionate about inclusive education and making a real difference in the lives of young people. …
    Learn more
    Posted about 4 hours ago
  • ALN Teaching Assistant - Brecon
    SEN School school in Powys • Full Time
    29 Jun - 17 Jul 2026
    Location: Brecon, Powys Contract Type: Full-Time About the Role We are seeking a dedicated, resilient, and proactive General Cover ALN Teaching Assistant to join our supportive team in Brecon. This role is ideal for an experienced individual who is confident working within a school setting that supports a high number of pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN), including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The successful candidate will be expected to provide high-quality classroom support across a range of year groups and learning environments, often stepping into different settings at short notice. This is a role for someone who can "hit the ground running", build positive relationships quickly, and consistently go above and beyond to support pupils, staff, and the wider school community. Key Responsibilities: - Provide classroom support for pupils with ALN and ASD across the school. - Deliver effective general cover support when required, adapting to different classes and learning environments. - Support pupils' academic, social, emotional, and behavioural development. - Implement individual learning plans, behaviour support strategies, and interventions as directed by teaching staff. - Manage challenging behaviours using positive behaviour management techniques and de-escalation strategies. - Promote a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment. - Work collaboratively with teachers, ALN staff, pastoral teams, and external professionals. - Support pupils during lessons, break times, educational visits, and other school activities as required. - Maintain accurate records and provide feedback on pupil progress and wellbeing. - Uphold safeguarding and child protection procedures at all times.…
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    Posted about 11 hours ago
  • ASD, Interventions, Teaching Assistant- Full time, September start
    Secondary school in Vale of Glamorgan • Full Time
    1 Sep 2026 - 23 Jul 2027
    Zen Educate is seeking a committed and resilient Intervention Support Specialist to join our secondary specialist provision, working with high-achieving pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This is a full-time, long-term opportunity for someone passionate about unlocking potential and supporting students to thrive both academically and personally. You will play a key role in delivering targeted interventions, supporting pupils to access a broad curriculum, and helping them maintain high standards in core subjects—particularly Maths, Science, and English. Key Responsibilities - Deliver tailored intervention sessions to individuals and small groups - Support pupils in Maths, Science, and English, reinforcing learning and closing gaps - Build positive, consistent relationships with students to support engagement and emotional regulation - Work closely with teaching staff, SENCOs, and pastoral teams to implement support strategies - Monitor and track pupil progress, providing feedback and adapting interventions accordingly - Promote a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment About You - Experience working with secondary-aged pupils with SEMH and/or ASD - Strong academic background, with confidence supporting Maths, Science, and English - Calm, patient, and adaptable approach to behaviour and learning support - Excellent communication and teamwork skills - A genuine commitment to supporting high-achieving pupils with additional needs Desirable - Relevant qualifications (e.g., Teaching Assistant, Psychology, Education, SEN) - Experience in a specialist or alternative provision setting - Knowledge of intervention strategies and behaviour support techniques What We Offer - A supportive and collaborative working environment - Opportunities for professional development and training - The chance to make a meaningful, long-term impact on students’ outcomes If you are dedicated, proactive, and ready to support young people in reaching their full potential, we would love to hear from you.…
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    Posted 1 day ago
  • HLTA- Primary Level, Lower ability support, Secondary setting (September start)
    Secondary school in Cardiff • Full Time
    1 Sep - 18 Dec 2026
    Zen Educate is seeking a resilient, highly organised, and passionate Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join a vibrant secondary school in Cardiff. This is a full-time, long-term position based within the school's specialised Resource Base, supporting Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 learners who are working significantly below age-related expectations. In this role, you will be the bridge between primary-style nurture and secondary-stage preparation. You will be responsible for planning, adapting, and delivering targeted Maths and English interventions to small groups and on a 1:1 basis. Because these learners require a high level of scaffolding, this role would perfectly suit a primary-trained teacher looking to step away from full class responsibilities, or an experienced HLTA with a strong primary background. Key Responsibilities Targeted Delivery: Deliver adapted literacy, numeracy, and life-skills sessions to lower-ability learners within the Resource Base. Curriculum Adaptation: Take secondary curriculum topics and differentiate them down to accessible, primary-level steps (e.g., teaching fundamental phonics, reading recovery, and basic functional math). Classroom Cover: Confidently step in to lead the Resource Base classroom when the lead teacher is completing PPA or intervention planning. TA Collaboration & Leadership: Work alongside a supporting Teaching Assistant assigned to your sessions. You will be responsible for guiding and directing them on how best to deploy their support to maximise learner engagement and classroom efficiency. Behaviour & Pastoral Support: Utilise positive behaviour strategies and de-escalation techniques to support learners who may exhibit frustration or anxiety due to learning barriers. Progress Tracking: Collaborate closely with the ALNCo (Additional Learning Needs Coordinator) to monitor student progress, update Individual Education Plans (IEPs/IDPs), and feedback to parents. The Ideal Candidate Ideally Primary Trained (QTS or Level 4/5 HLTA status): You possess a deep understanding of how fundamental reading, writing, and mathematical concepts are formed (KS1/KS2 framework). Secondary Adaptability: You have the maturity and presence to manage and build rapport with adolescent learners (ages 11–16). Leadership Capabilities: Ability to effectively direct and mentor a classroom Teaching Assistant, ensuring they understand how to best support both you and the specific needs of the children in the class. ALN Experience: Proven experience supporting learners with diverse additional learning needs, such as Autism, ADHD, Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD), or speech and language delays. Strong Team Player: Excellent communication skills to work alongside a dedicated team of Teaching Assistants, specialized teachers, and external agencies. Compliance: Must hold an enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or be willing to process a new one) and be registered with the Education Workforce Council (EWC). What the School Offers A welcoming, well-funded Resource Base with excellent sensory and academic provisions. Outstanding mentorship from an experienced ALNCo and senior leadership team. A genuine opportunity for the role to extend into a permanent contract for the new academic year starting September 2026. Free ongoing professional development and safe-guarding top-up training. How to Apply If you are an experienced HLTA or a Primary Teacher looking for a rewarding, long-term change within a supportive secondary environment, we want to hear from you.…
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    Posted 5 days ago
  • SEN Teaching Assistant, Primary- Full time
    SEN School school in Herefordshire • Full Time
    1 Sep - 18 Dec 2026
    Are you an experienced, passionate educator dedicated to making a profound difference in the lives of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)? Our vibrant and inclusive primary school is seeking an exceptional, full-time SEN Teaching Assistant to join our team immediately. This is a long-term position for someone ready to hit the ground running and become a vital part of our school community. Our Vision & Mission In this role, you will be a champion for our children, helping us to: - Provide a warm and safe environment, in which all members of the school community feel valued and are enabled to become happy and confident individuals, who appreciate their own worth. - Offer at an appropriate level, a stimulating, challenging, and enriched curriculum in a variety of environments, both during the school day and beyond, allowing our children to achieve their full potential. - Promote a climate of high expectation, in which the achievements and successes of all are celebrated. - Develop skills, qualities, knowledge, and understanding for life. - Ensure the pupils have a voice in all aspects of school life. - Create an environment in which individuals are empowered to accept responsibility for their own development. - Encourage mutual respect and understanding of others so that our pupils become caring, responsible individuals, both within school and the wider community. Key Responsibilities - Targeted SEN Support: Provide tailored 1:1 or small group support for primary-aged pupils with diverse SEN needs (e.g., ASD, ADHD, Speech & Language difficulties, or SEMH). - Curriculum Adaptation: Deliver a stimulating and enriched curriculum at an appropriate level, modifying tasks to ensure learning is both challenging and accessible. - Nurture Wellbeing: Maintain a warm, safe, and deeply encouraging environment where pupils feel secure, valued, and confident. - Promote Pupil Voice: Actively listen to pupils, ensuring they have a genuine voice in their daily school life and learning journey. - Behaviour & Independence: Encourage self-responsibility, resilience, and mutual respect among peers, helping pupils develop into caring, responsible individuals. - Celebrate Success: Recognise and celebrate every milestone, big or small, fostering a culture of high expectations and pride. What We Are Looking For - Proven Experience: Significant, recent experience supporting children with SEN within a primary school setting is essential. - Immediate Availability: Ready to commit to a full-time, long-term role starting straight away. - Skillset: A strong understanding of various SEN conditions, intervention strategies, and behaviour management techniques. - Core Alignment: A professional who naturally lives and breathes our school values: Our Core Values - Kindness: We care about everyone in school. We try to be a good friend. - Achievement: We take pride in what we do. We encourage others to do well. - Respect: We treat our school and all the people in it with care and acceptance.…
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    Posted 8 days ago
  • Debut Day- ALN support, full academic year
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    13 Jul 2026 - 23 Jul 2027
    Zen Educate seeking a resilient, highly motivated, and experienced Teaching Assistant to join a vibrant, large secondary school in Cardiff. This full-time role spans the entire academic year and is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced educational environment. You will split your time between delivering vital classroom-based support and leveraging your sports background to engage students, manage behavior, and foster inclusive participation. Essential to this role is proven experience working with secondary-aged students with Additional Learning Needs (ALN). Key Responsibilities 1. Classroom Support & ALN Delivery Provide tailored academic and emotional support to individual students or small groups with a range of Additional Learning Needs (ALN), including ADHD, Autism (ASD), and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties. Work collaboratively with Class Teachers and the ALNCo (Additional Learning Needs Coordinator) to implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and adapt learning materials. Keep students on task, break down complex instructions, and build their confidence in core subject areas. 2. Sports-Centric Engagement & Behaviour Management Utilise your sports background to connect with disengaged or vulnerable students, using physical activity as a tool to build rapport, teamwork, and resilience. Assist the PE department during practical sessions, ensuring safe, inclusive, and active participation for students of all abilities. Employ positive behavior management strategies to de-escalate challenging situations both in the classroom and on the playing field. 3. General School Support Maintain accurate records of student progress, behavior, and engagement levels, reporting feedback to teachers and the ALN department. Supervise students during break times, lunch hours, and extracurricular sports clubs. Act as a positive, grounded role model, upholding the school’s values, safeguarding policies, and high behavioural standards. Candidate Requirements Essential Criteria Experience: Proven track record of working within a UK secondary school classroom environment (Ages 11–16). ALN Expertise: Substantial experience supporting pupils with varied ALN, with a deep understanding of how to manage complex behavioral and emotional needs. Availability: Must be available full-time (8:30 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday to Friday) for the entire academic year. Compliance: Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to process a new one) and registration with the Education Workforce Council (EWC) in Wales. Desirable Criteria Sports Background: A degree in Sports Science, coaching qualifications, or significant experience in playing/coaching competitive sports. Qualifications: Level 2 or 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (STLIS) or a relevant higher education degree. Language: Ability to speak Welsh is an advantage but not essential. What the School Offers A highly supportive, well-resourced ALN department and senior leadership team. Opportunities for continuous professional development (CPD), including Team-Teach, Autism Awareness, and standard safeguarding updates. A dynamic, welcoming environment in a school highly regarded for its community ethos and excellent sports facilities.…
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    Posted 8 days ago
  • General Cover Class Teaching Assistant - Rhondda Cynon Taf Secondary
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    Teaching Assistant Job Specification: The Teaching Assistant supports teaching staff in delivering high-quality learning and promoting student progress, wellbeing, and inclusion across the school. The role involves working with individual students, small groups, or whole classes to support learning, behaviour, and engagement in line with the school’s policies and values.…
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    Posted about 1 month ago
  • Anxiety & Trauma Support, Teaching Assistant- September start
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    1 Sep 2026 - 23 Jul 2027
    Zen Educate is looking for an experienced and compassionate Teaching Assistant to support learners with anxiety and trauma backgrounds within a secondary specialist provision. This is a full-time, long-term role suited to someone who understands the importance of consistency, trust, and relationship-building in helping young people feel safe and ready to learn. You will work closely with students who may struggle with emotional regulation, engagement, and confidence, providing both academic and pastoral support. An important part of this role is the ability to connect with pupils through shared interests—whether that’s sport, art, music, gaming, or another hobby—using it as a bridge to build rapport and encourage participation. Key Responsibilities - Provide 1:1 and small group support for students with anxiety and trauma-related needs - Build strong, trusting relationships to support emotional wellbeing and engagement - Use a trauma-informed approach to manage behaviour and reduce barriers to learning - Support access to the curriculum across subjects, adapting approaches as needed - Incorporate personal interests or hobbies into interactions to motivate and relate to pupils - Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral staff, and external professionals - Monitor progress and contribute to support plans and reviews About You - Proven experience working with secondary-aged pupils, particularly those with anxiety or trauma backgrounds - Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice and emotional regulation strategies - Patient, empathetic, and resilient, with a calm and consistent approach - Able to build meaningful connections with young people - Willing to share and use a personal hobby or interest as a tool for engagement - Strong communication and teamwork skills Desirable - Relevant qualifications (e.g., Teaching Assistant, Youth Work, Psychology, Counselling) - Experience in SEMH or alternative provision settings - Training in safeguarding, behaviour support, or mental health first aid What We Offer - A supportive and nurturing team environment - Ongoing professional development and training opportunities - The opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people If you are passionate about supporting vulnerable learners and can bring both empathy and creativity to your role, we encourage you to apply.…
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    Posted about 2 months ago
  • English Teacher - SEN School
    SEN School school in Denbighshire • Full Time
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    Summary: We are seeking a dedicated and experienced SEN School Teacher to join our specialised residential school in Denbighshire. This full-time role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to an environment that upholds our school's ethos of nurturing every child's potential through personalised learning and compassionate support. The successful candidate will be committed to delivering high-quality English education tailored to the needs of students with special educational needs, working within a collaborative team to foster a positive and inclusive community. The role is long-term/permanent, providing stability and continuity for both staff and students. Key Responsibilities: - Plan and deliver English lessons to small classes of up to five students, ensuring lessons are accessible and cater to individual learning needs in accordance with the school’s personalised approach. - Assess and monitor student progress regularly, adapting teaching methods and resources to support individual development and achieve GCSE level outcomes where appropriate. - Work alongside two Teaching Assistants to provide targeted support for students, facilitating their engagement and understanding of the curriculum. - Develop individualised learning programmes in collaboration with the wider team, ensuring alignment with each student’s educational plan and goals. - Maintain a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment that promotes the well-being and confidence of all learners. - Uphold the school's values of respect, resilience, and independence, fostering a positive ethos that encourages student participation and achievement. - Collaborate with colleagues, parents, and external professionals to support holistic student development and ensure consistent progress. - Contribute to the planning and organisation of school activities and interventions that promote social, emotional, and academic growth. Why Join Zen Educate? At Zen Educate, we understand the importance of work-life balance for teachers and teaching assistants. Whether you are looking for better pay, more flexibility in your schedule, or hands-on support to help you find the right role, we are here to support you every step of the way. Join our platform today and let us help you take the next step in your career.…
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    Posted about 1 year ago

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To make sure you're getting bookings perfect for you, we will invite you to a 30-minute online interview with our team to learn about your experience, preferences and why you're passionate about working in education. You can do this through any smartphone or computer. If you'd prefer to interview in person at our office, just let us know. Recent regulation changes require us to see your documents for your right to work in the UK in person. This takes no more than 5 minutes, dropping by our offices in London or Manchester.

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Roles

What roles do you cover?

We help Teachers, Teaching Assistants, and Cover Supervisors find work. We work with all types of schools and help with short-term, long-term and permanent roles. Many of our long-term roles convert to permanent roles. We make it far easier than a traditional agency for teachers to convert temporary positions into permanent ones.

What areas do you cover?

We work with over 400 schools in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Leeds.

How much work is there?

Generally speaking, we have consistently high demand for daily supply teachers in Greater London, Manchester Birmingham, Bristol and Leeds. Teaching assistant work is generally higher for long-term roles rather than daily supply cover.

Do you have primary, secondary or nursery jobs?

Yes. We can help with daily supply and long-term jobs in nurseries, primary schools and secondary schools. We don't typically have jobs in further education or college.

Do you have work for cover supervisors, invigilators, or school administrators?

While the majority of our work is for teachers and teaching assistants, we do also have work for cover supervisors and invigilators. Explain what you are looking for when you sign up and our team will help you.

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Do you do school admin jobs?

If you're looking for teaching or teaching assistant roles, and would also be interested in admin roles, it's worth letting us know. If you're only looking for admin roles, we might not be the place for you, as this isn't what we specialise in.

General

How is Zen different from a recruitment agency?

Zen Educate is a technology platform to connect teachers with schools directly. Agencies are an expensive middleman between schools and teachers. They have to charge high commissions because their booking procedures are largely manual and run on outdated systems. Because we run more of the process online or on your phone, we create an experience that delights schools and teachers at a fraction of the cost.

What roles do you cover?

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