Autism Practitioner

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Job Title:  Teaching Assistant/Autism Practitioner
Location: The Tower School, Epping, CM16 4BA
Salary:      £22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours:      37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.00am – 4.00pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:        March 2026

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

We’re looking for enthusiastic Teaching Assistants/Autism Practitioners to join our team and help pupils thrive at The Tower School.

About the Role

As an Autism Practitioner, you will support students to access and engage with their learning in a safe, structured, and stimulating environment. Working closely with teachers, tutors, and the wider multi-professional team, you will provide tailored support that promotes independence, social development, and emotional wellbeing.

You will also assist in planning, delivering, and adapting resources and interventions to meet individual needs.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting teachers and tutors to deliver high-quality education to students with autism
• Assisting in implementing school policies, procedures, and educational plans
• Providing individual or small-group support to help students access the curriculum independently
• Promoting students’ physical, educational, and moral development
• Organising and maintaining classroom resources, displays, and learning environments
• Contributing to student documentation, including BSPs, IEPs, Communication Profiles, Risk Assessments, and Pastoral Support Plans
• Working collaboratively to ensure student safety on and off site, following risk assessments
• Preparing teaching aids and resources as requested by teaching staff
• Supporting the care team with morning routines and personal care, as appropriate
• Contributing to the school’s development plan and wider initiatives

About You

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has experience working with pupils with autism and/or challenging behaviour
• Can work independently and as part of a team
• Has strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Is adaptable, patient, and proactive, committed to helping pupils achieve their potential

About Us

The Tower School is an independent specialist day school in Epping, Essex, supporting 62 pupils aged 11–18 with autism and complex needs. In a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment, pupils receive personalised support to develop academically, socially, and emotionally. Our curriculum blends academic learning with life skills and personal development, fostering confidence, independence, and resilience. Guided by the Ask, Accept, Develop framework, The Tower School empowers every young person to thrive and reach their full potential.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
  • Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
  • Hundreds of UK and international discounts
  • Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
  • Critical illness cover
  • Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

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