LSA - Autism Provision

Witham Oaks Academy, Witham, Essex, CM8 1NA

31 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  As soon as possible

• Closing date

  19 February 2026 at 12pm (midday)

• Date listed

  19 January 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teaching assistant
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Early years, Key stage 1, Key stage 2
• Working pattern: Part time: The working hours for this position are 24.5 hours per week, the working pattern is 8.45am – 3.00pm Monday-Thursday and 8.45am - 2.30pm on a Friday. (15-minute unpaid morning break and 1-hour lunch break), paid on Scale 3 point 5, £14,132 per annum.
• Contract type: Permanent
• Actual salary: £14132

What skills and experience we're looking for

Key responsibilities

Under the direction of the Head of Provision, you will:

• Support pupils with autism in individual, small-group and whole-class settings
• Implement support strategies informed by EHCPs and individual support plans
• Use structured approaches to support communication, emotional regulation and behaviour
• Create a calm, predictable and supportive learning environment
• Promote independence, confidence and positive relationships
• Observe and record progress, contributing to reviews and planning meetings
• Work closely with families and external professionals where appropriate

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience of working with children with autism and/or SEND (desirable but not essential)
• Hold GCSE (grades A-C or equivalent) in both Maths & English
• Be calm, empathetic and highly patient
• Understand the importance of routine, consistency and clear communication
• Be able to follow guidance while also showing initiative
• Have good teamwork and communication skills
• Be committed to inclusive practice and safeguarding

We welcome applications from candidates with transferable experience, including care, youth work, nursery or mental health support.

What the school offers its staff

• Clear guidance and professional support from an experienced Head of Autism Provision
• High-quality training in autism‑specific strategies
• A supportive, collaborative staff team
• Opportunities for professional development and progression
• A chance to make a genuine difference in children’s lives

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

We are seeking a compassionate, patient and motivated Learning Support Assistant to work within our Autism Provision, supporting children with autism to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

You will work closely with class teachers and therapists, under the guidance of the Head of Autism Provision, to deliver structured, consistent and individualised support tailored to each child’s needs.

This is a rewarding role for someone who believes that every child can succeed when given the right support.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Upload additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

IMAT 2025-26 LSA - Austism Provision.doc - 89.5 KB (opens in new tab)

About Witham Oaks Academy

• School type: Academy, ages 7 to 11
• Education phase: Primary school
• School size: 274 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 7 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Witham Oaks Academy website
• Email address: michellesmith@inspiresmat.co.uk
• Phone number: 01376 518190
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/powers-hall-academy

Arranging a visit to Witham Oaks Academy

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email michellesmith@inspiresmat.co.uk.

School location

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