Job Description

Job Title: Special Needs Teaching Assistants - Secondary ASD Schools
Location: Barnet, North London
Start Date: September 2025
Contract Type: Full-Time / Long-Term / Flexible Supply
Salary: Competitive PAYE Rates - Weekly Pay

Tradewind Recruitment is currently recruiting dedicated and compassionate Special Needs Teaching Assistants (SEND TAs) to support students at several secondary schools in Barnet that cater specifically for young people aged 11-18 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related needs.

Starting from September 2025, these roles are ideal for candidates looking to gain hands-on experience in autism education and make a lasting difference in the lives of neurodiverse pupils.

About the Schools:

The schools provide a supportive and structured environment for students with a wide range of autism profiles, including those with additional needs such as ADHD, sensory processing difficulties, anxiety, and speech and language delays. Many pupils benefit from a low-stimulus setting, small class sizes, and highly individualised learning and communication support.

Staff teams work collaboratively, drawing on therapeutic and autism-informed approaches to promote communication, independence, and emotional regulation.

The Role:

As a Special Needs Teaching Assistant, you will:

  • Support pupils with ASD on a 1:1 basis or in small groups, helping them access learning in a way that suits their needs

  • Assist teachers in delivering structured, visual, and multi-sensory lessons

  • Help implement individual support plans and EHCP targets

  • Encourage positive behaviour, engagement and communication

  • Provide support with emotional regulation and sensory needs, using calm, consistent strategies

  • Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team including teaching staff, SENCOs, and therapists

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

  • Experience supporting children or young people with autism or special educational needs

  • A calm, patient, and empathetic approach

  • An understanding of communication needs and/or behavioural strategies used in ASD settings

  • Good communication and teamwork skills

  • A willingness to learn and adapt to the needs of individual pupils

  • Backgrounds in education, care, psychology or youth work are highly desirable

Why Work with Tradewind Recruitment?

  • PAYE only - no umbrella companies or hidden deductions

  • Access to over 2,500 free CPD courses through The National College

  • Specialist support from consultants who understand SEND education

  • Flexible and long-term placements in inclusive, well-resourced ASD schools

  • Free safeguarding and specialist training prior to placement

  • Opportunities to grow professionally within the SEND sector

If you're passionate about helping autistic young people thrive in a structured, supportive learning environment, we want to hear from you.

Apply today to join Tradewind Recruitment as a Special Needs Teaching Assistant in Barnet's outstanding ASD secondary schools.