Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant – Autism & Inclusion Resource Unit – Sheffield

Location: Sheffield (S10/S6 area)
Start Date: January 2027
Contract: Full-Time, Long-Term
Salary: Competitive Daily Rates

Are you passionate about supporting young people with autism and helping them thrive in education?

PK Education are recruiting a dedicated and resilient Teaching Assistant to work within an on-site Inclusion Resource (IR) Unit at a large secondary school in Sheffield, starting January 2027.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a specialist provision within a mainstream secondary school, supporting autistic students who require additional structure, personalised learning and a more tailored approach to education.

The unit provides a supportive environment where students can develop their confidence, emotional regulation, social skills and independence, while remaining connected to the wider school community.

We’re looking for someone who understands that every young person is different and can adapt their approach to meet individual needs.

The Role

• Supporting autistic students within the school’s on-site IR Unit

• Providing one-to-one and small-group support

• Helping students access learning through structured, adapted activities

• Supporting emotional regulation, communication and social development

• Using positive behaviour strategies to support students experiencing difficulties

• Helping students manage sensory needs, anxiety and changes to routine

• Encouraging independence and confidence

• Working closely with SEND staff, teachers and pastoral teams

• Supporting students with their transition into mainstream lessons where appropriate

Who We’re Looking For

• Previous experience supporting autistic children or young people

• Experience in SEND, specialist provisions, alternative provision or mainstream schools

• An understanding of autism, sensory processing and communication differences

• A calm, patient and consistent approach

• Confidence supporting students who may experience emotional dysregulation

• Strong relationship-building and communication skills

• A genuine passion for inclusive education

• Available full-time from January 2027

Why This Role?

This isn’t your typical classroom Teaching Assistant position.

You’ll be working within a dedicated on-site provision, building meaningful relationships with a smaller group of students and helping them overcome barriers to education.

You’ll have the opportunity to see the difference your support makes, whether that’s helping a student successfully access a lesson, develop confidence in social situations or manage a challenging moment.

Why Choose PK Education?

• Established education recruitment agency since 2005

• Competitive daily rates

• Full-time, consistent work from January

• Long-term opportunities within Sheffield secondary schools

• Dedicated support from an experienced local consultant

• Opportunities to develop specialist SEND experience

Interested?

If you have experience supporting autistic young people and want to make a genuine difference within a specialist school provision, we’d love to hear from you.