ASD specialist teaching assistant (MER041) Cardiff, Wales
Specialist ALN Teaching Assistant (ASD) – Cardiff (September Start) – Pay: £16.11 per hour.
Are you passionate about supporting young people with Additional Learning Needs to thrive in education? Do you have experience working with pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the skills to provide calm, structured, and consistent support? Aspire People are recruiting for a Specialist ALN Teaching Assistant to work in schools across Cardiff from September. This is a highly rewarding opportunity where you’ll play a vital role in helping pupils with ASD build confidence, develop communication skills, and successfully engage with learning.
The Role
As a Specialist ALN Teaching Assistant, you will be working closely with pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder, providing tailored support both in and out of the classroom. You will be instrumental in creating a safe, structured and nurturing environment that allows learners to reach their full potential. This is more than a support role—you’ll be making a genuine, lasting difference every single day.
Key Responsibilities
- Specialist 1:1 and small group support: Provide tailored support to pupils with ASD, adapting approaches to meet individual needs
- Structured learning support: Help pupils access the curriculum through clear routines, visual aids and differentiated strategies
- Behaviour and emotional support: Promote emotional regulation and positive behaviour using consistent, supportive techniques
- Communication support: Encourage social interaction, communication development and engagement in learning
- Collaborative working: Work closely with teachers, ALNCOs and external professionals to support EHCPs/IDPs and individual learning plans
- Safeguarding: Ensure pupil wellbeing by following safeguarding procedures and recording any concerns appropriately
The Ideal Candidate
- Experience working with children or young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Strong understanding of strategies to support communication, sensory needs and behaviour
- A calm, consistent and nurturing approach
- Ability to build strong, trusting relationships with pupils
- Excellent communication skills and a team-focused mindset
Desirable (but not essential)
- Experience with SEMH, speech and language needs, sensory processing difficulties or other ALN.
Why Aspire People?
- Support from a dedicated education specialist consultant
- Opportunities across a range of supportive schools in Cardiff
- Access to long‑term roles and career development opportunities
- A chance to work in a role where you will see the progress and impact you make every day
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