Teaching Assistant with Autism Specialism
Thornhill Academy, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR2 7NA15 days remaining to apply
Start date details
November 2025
Closing date
31 October 2025 at 9am
Date listed
16 October 2025
Job details
Job role
- Teaching assistant
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- Grade 4 (NJC scale points 6 – 8) £21,025.82 - £21,701.36
Additional allowances
Grade 4 (NJC scale points 6 – 8) £21,025.82 - £21,701.36
Teaching Assistant with Autism Specialism job summary
Teaching Assistant with Autism Specialism
📍 Location: Thornhill Academy
💰 Salary: Grade 4 (NJC scale points 6 - 8) £21,025.82 - £21,701.36
⏳ Contract and Working Pattern: 32.5 hours, term time plus 5 days. Permeant
📅 Start Date: November 2025
About Us
Thornhill Academy is a proud member of Consilium Academies, a Trust dedicated to Excellence and Equity with Integrity.
At Thornhill Academy, we are committed to delivering a high-quality, inclusive education that enables every child to achieve their potential and flourish both academically and personally. Following our recent Good Ofsted rating (May 2024), we are on an exciting journey of continued improvement and growth — including plans for a complete school rebuild beginning in 2026.
We are proud of our diverse school community, where students come from 14 ethnicities and speak over 35 languages. Our inclusive culture celebrates difference, fosters mutual respect, and provides a safe, nurturing environment for all.
The Role
We are seeking a Teaching Assistant with Autism Specialism to join our dedicated SEND team. You will play a key role in supporting students with autism, helping them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Working under the guidance of the SENDCO and class teachers, you will:
- Provide one-to-one and small group support for students with autism.
- Assist in delivering tailored learning and care programmes.
- Promote independence, confidence, and engagement in learning.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and external specialists, such as the Autism Outreach Team, to ensure the best outcomes for students.
- Support a positive, inclusive learning environment that celebrates diversity and achievement.
About You
You are passionate about making a real difference in young people’s lives and have a genuine interest in supporting students with additional needs.
Essential Requirements:
- NVQ Level 3 for Teaching Assistants (or equivalent qualification/experience).
- Strong literacy and numeracy skills (NVQ Level 2 or equivalent).
- Knowledge and understanding of autism and its impact on learning.
- Experience supporting children and young people in an educational setting.
- Ability to build positive, nurturing relationships with students and colleagues.
Desirable:
- Experience working directly with students with autism.
- Knowledge of child development, barriers to learning, and effective intervention strategies.
Why Join Us?
As part of Consilium Academies, you will benefit from:
- Access to the Consilium Centre for Professional Learning, providing high-quality training and development opportunities.
- A supportive, values-driven culture built on Excellence, Equity, and Integrity.
- Collaboration across a network of eight schools with shared best practice and innovation.
- Opportunities for career progression and professional growth within the Trust.
Safeguarding and Equality
Consilium Academies is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background, gender, ethnicity, or disability.
Applications and Information
For further information about the role please see attached recruitment pack including, job description and person specification.
If you have any questions about the role or would like to arrange a visit to Thornhill Academy, please contact kate.jackson@Consilium-at.com
Closing date for applications is 9.00am Friday 31st October 2025
Interviews will take place on a date to be arranged.
Please ensure that within your application you provide the names, addresses, and contact details for two referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer.
We look forward to welcoming a new team member who shares our commitment to excellence in education!
Consilium Academies is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments are made subject to an Enhanced DBS Check, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants.
The Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Under Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016, the Public Sector fluency duty requires state funded schools to ensure candidates for their customer facing roles have the necessary standard of spoken English.
Further information about the job
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
This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About Thornhill Academy
- School type
- Academy, ages 11 to 16
- Education phase
- Secondary
- School size
- 564 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 16
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Thornhill Academy website
School location
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