LSA - Autism Specialist

Witham Oaks Academy, Witham, Essex, CM8 1NA

14 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  As soon as possible

• Closing date

  19 November 2026 at 12pm (midday)

• Date listed

  5 November 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teaching assistant
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 2
• Working pattern: Part time: The LSA working hours for this position are 24.5 hours per week, working pattern is 8.45am - 3.00pm Monday-Thursday and 8.45am-2.30pm Friday, term time only. (15-minute unpaid morning break) This also includes an additional 2.5 hours per week, (½ an hour per day), lunchtime support.
• Contract type: Permanent
• Actual salary: £16,297 per annum

What skills and experience we're looking for

Do you have a passion for supporting children with Autism to thrive, succeed and achieve their full potential?

Witham Oaks Academy, part of Inspires Multi-Academy Trust, is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, caring and committed Learning Support Assistant to join our dedicated team. This is an exciting opportunity to work within our well-established specialist autism provision and mainstream setting, supporting children with a range of communication, interaction and learning needs.

Applicants should have experience working with children in a school environment. It is essential that you have GCSEs (grades A-C) in both Maths and English, or hold equivalent qualifications in this area.

At Witham Oaks Academy, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to ensuring every child receives the support, encouragement and opportunities they need to flourish both academically and personally.

The Role

The successful candidate will:

• Support pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) to access learning and achieve positive outcomes.
• Work closely with class teachers, SEND professionals and families to implement personalised support strategies.
• Foster pupils' communication, independence, social interaction and emotional regulation skills.
• Adapt learning activities and resources to meet individual needs.
• Contribute to the positive ethos of the academy and specialist provision.
• Help create a safe, nurturing and engaging learning environment where children can thrive.

We Are Looking for Someone Who:

• Has experience of working with children, preferably those with Autism or additional needs.
• Possesses a good understanding of Autism Spectrum Condition and the barriers autistic children may experience in education.
• Can build positive, trusting relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
• Is patient, resilient and able to remain calm under pressure.
• Has excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Demonstrates a genuine commitment to inclusion and improving outcomes for children with SEND.
• Is willing to engage in ongoing professional development and training.

What the school offers its staff

We Can Offer:

• The opportunity to work alongside experienced SEND professionals and specialist staff.
• High-quality training and professional development opportunities.
• A supportive leadership team committed to staff wellbeing.
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of children and families.
• Access to a comprehensive employee assistance programme.
• A welcoming and collaborative culture within Inspires Multi-Academy Trust.

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.

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.

Additional documents

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

IMAT 2026-27 LSA - Austism Provision.doc - 90 KB (opens in new tab)

About Witham Oaks Academy

• Organisation type: Academy, ages 7 to 11
• Education phase: Primary school
• Size: 290 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 7 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Witham Oaks Academy website
• Email address: HR@inspiresmat.co.uk
• 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 HR@inspiresmat.co.uk.

School location

Get a job alert when similar jobs are listed

Find more school jobs in Essex, Southend and Thurrock