Job Description
Skills and qualities - Patience and understanding – remaining calm, supportive and reassuring when pupils become anxious, overwhelmed or frustrated. - Understanding of autism – recognising that autistic pupils may have different communication styles, sensory needs, routines and ways of interacting with others. - Communication skills – using clear, simple language, visual prompts, gestures or other communication methods suited to each pupil. - Positive behaviour support – encouraging appropriate behaviour through praise, consistency and a positive, respectful approach. - Safeguarding awareness – understanding the importance of keeping children safe, following school policies and reporting concerns promptly. - Observation skills – recognising signs of distress, sensory overload, anxiety or changes in behaviour and responding appropriately. - Teamwork – working closely with teachers, teaching assistants, lunchtime supervisors and other school staff. - Promoting independence – encouraging pupils to manage eating, drinking, tidying up and other lunchtime routines at their own pace. - Supporting social interaction – helping pupils develop friendships, take turns, share resources and participate in playground activities. - Flexibility and adaptability – responding calmly to unexpected changes and adapting support to individual needs. - Empathy and respect – treating every child with dignity, recognising their strengths and celebrating their achievements. - Intimate care - willingness to support children with toiileting and personal hygiene Suggested relevant experience - Experience that would be valuable for this role includes: - Supporting autistic children or children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). - Working in a primary school, special school, nursery, after-school club or other childcare setting. - Helping children during mealtimes, playtime and other unstructured parts of the school day. - Supporting children who experience sensory sensitivities, anxiety or difficulties with communication and social interaction. - Using visual timetables, picture cards, now-and-next boards or other communication aids. - Helping children follow routines and manage transitions between activities. - Supporting positive behaviour and helping children regulate their emotions. - Working collaboratively with parents, teachers and other professionals to support children's needs. - Following safeguarding, health and safety, food hygiene and confidentiality procedures.