Job Description:

1:1 Teaching Assistant – Autism Support (Key Stage 1) – Totnes, Devon

Location: Totnes, Devon (specialist school, reachable by bus, train or bike)
Pay: £100 – £110 per day (DOE), paid weekly
Contract: Temporary, ongoing – with the potential to become permanent
Hours: 8:30am – 3:45pm, term time
Days: Full-time (5 days)
Setting: Specialist primary SEN provision – Key Stage 1
 

Are you a warm, patient person who wants to support young autistic children? Luma Education Recruitment is recruiting a 1:1 Teaching Assistant for a specialist school close to Totnes in South Devon. You will provide one-to-one and small-group support to children aged 5–7 with autism and complex learning needs, helping them communicate, learn and grow in confidence.

The Class

You will join a small, well-staffed Key Stage 1 class of just five pupils. All of the children are pre-verbal or at the early stages of communication, so much of your day will centre on building trust, reading each child's cues and using visual and alternative communication to unlock learning. The class team is experienced, supportive and welcoming to people who are new to specialist settings.

What Your Day Will Look Like

• Working 1:1 with individual pupils and with small groups to help them take part in lessons and routines.
• Supporting early communication using visuals, symbols, objects of reference, signing and other total-communication approaches.
• Helping children develop play, social interaction, self-care and everyday life skills.
• Recognising sensory needs and helping pupils feel calm, safe and ready to learn.
• Adapting activities and resources to suit each child's interests and stage of development.
• Following individual plans (including EHCP targets) and sharing observations with the class teacher.
• Working closely with teachers, HLTAs, support staff and visiting therapists.
• Celebrating every small step of progress with the children and their families.

Who We're Looking For

• A kind, patient and nurturing approach, with a genuine interest in autism and SEND.
• Experience with young children – for example as a teaching assistant, LSA, nursery practitioner, early years worker, carer or support worker.
• Calm, flexible and positive, even on busy days.
• A good communicator and a reliable team player.
• Experience of 1:1 support, autism or non-verbal communication is a bonus but not essential – full induction and coaching are provided.

You don't need to drive: the school can be reached from Totnes by public transport or bicycle.

What You'll Get

• £100 – £110 per day depending on experience, paid weekly.
• Term-time, school-day hours (8:30am – 3:45pm) for a great work–life balance.
• An immediate start in an ongoing role, with a real chance of a permanent position.
• Valuable hands-on experience in a specialist autism and SEN setting.
• Training, coaching and ongoing support from the school and your dedicated Luma consultant.

About Luma Education Recruitment

Luma Education Recruitment is a specialist UK education agency placing teaching assistants, learning support assistants, teachers and support staff in SEN schools, SEMH provisions and alternative provision. We take the time to understand what you are looking for and match you with roles that suit your skills, availability and career goals. Bright Talent. Bright Futures.

Luma Education Recruitment is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All candidates will go through safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS and reference checks.

Luma Education Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds.

To apply, click Apply Now and attach your CV. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an informal chat and a visit to the school.