Location: Grantham, Lincolnshire
Role Type: Full-Time | Term-Time Only
Salary: £21,000 – £24,000 FTE
Start Date: ASAP

About the School and ARP Provision

This role is based within a mainstream primary school in Grantham, Lincolnshire, which hosts a well-established Autism Resource Provision (ARP). The ARP supports pupils with autism spectrum condition (ASC) who require a more structured and specialist environment while remaining part of a mainstream school community.

The provision supports children across EYFS and Key Stage 1, with some pupils transitioning gradually into mainstream classes as their confidence and independence grow. The ARP offers a calm, low-arousal environment designed to reduce sensory overload and support emotional regulation, communication, and social development.

Pupils attending the ARP often have EHCPs and may present with sensory sensitivities, communication challenges, emotional regulation difficulties, and anxiety around transitions. Staff work closely with speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and educational psychologists to deliver highly personalised support.

The Role

As an ARP Teaching Assistant, you will be a key member of the specialist team supporting pupils with autism. You will work both within the ARP base and alongside pupils during supported inclusion sessions in mainstream classrooms.

This role requires a consistent, calm, and reflective approach. You will support pupils to engage with learning, develop communication skills, manage emotions, and build independence at a pace that meets their individual needs. You will also help pupils navigate transitions between environments and routines, which is often a significant challenge for autistic learners.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support for pupils with autism

• Support learning within the ARP and during mainstream integration

• Implement EHCP targets and individual support plans

• Use visual timetables, now/next boards, and structured routines

• Support emotional regulation using low-arousal approaches

• Assist with sensory regulation strategies and movement breaks

• Support early literacy and numeracy at a personalised level

• Encourage communication through play, interaction, and modelling

• Support pupils during transitions between activities and environments

• Maintain accurate records and observations

• Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCo, and external professionals

• Promote independence, self-care, and social interaction

• Uphold safeguarding, health, and safety policies

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience working with autistic children

• Understand autism and sensory processing differences

• Be calm, patient, and emotionally resilient

• Have experience in SEN, ARP, or specialist settings

• Be confident using visual and structured teaching approaches

• Hold a TA or SEN qualification (desirable but not essential)

• Be committed to inclusive education and safeguarding

Training and Development

The school provides:

• Autism-specific and ARP-focused training

• Ongoing SEN supervision and mentoring

• Support with behaviour and emotional regulation strategies

• Opportunities to progress into senior ARP or SEN roles

Safeguarding Commitment

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Enhanced DBS checks and safeguarding training are required.