Challenging Behaviour & Autism Support Assistant

Challenging Behaviour & Autism Support Assistant
Primary School – Greenwich, South East London
Full time, long term role
Rate: £108.35 per day

Are you experienced in supporting children with autism, challenging behaviour and additional emotional needs? Are you patient, resilient and confident managing challenging situations?

Pertemps Education Network is working in partnership with a welcoming primary school in Greenwich to recruit a dedicated Challenging Behaviour & Autism Support Assistant.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in SEN, SEMH or behavioural support who is passionate about helping children overcome barriers to learning and develop positive relationships.

You will be supporting two primary-aged pupils who require consistent 1:1 support to help them manage their emotions, regulate their behaviour and engage positively with their learning.

One pupil has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and attachment difficulties. She requires a consistent, nurturing adult who can build trust, provide reassurance and establish clear boundaries.

The second pupil is experiencing emotional and behavioural difficulties following significant changes in his family circumstances. He needs an understanding individual who will listen, acknowledge his feelings and help him develop healthier ways of expressing his emotions.

Both pupils can become dysregulated and may display physically challenging behaviours, including hitting, kicking, throwing objects and leaving the classroom without permission.

The successful candidate will be confident managing these situations, recognising triggers and implementing effective de-escalation strategies while maintaining a calm, fair and consistent approach.

The Role – Autism & Behavioural Support

• Provide dedicated 1:1 support to pupils with autism, attachment difficulties and SEMH needs.
• Build positive, trusting relationships through consistency and patience.
• Support emotional regulation and help pupils develop positive coping strategies.
• Implement positive behaviour management strategies and effective de-escalation techniques.
• Confidently manage challenging behaviour, including physical dysregulation.
• Identify behavioural triggers and implement appropriate preventative strategies.
• Support classroom engagement, transitions and positive social interactions.
• Maintain clear boundaries while adopting a nurturing and empathetic approach.
• Work closely with teachers, the SENCO and wider school team.

The Ideal Candidate

• Previous experience supporting children with autism and/or SEMH needs.
• Experience managing challenging behaviour, including physical behaviours.
• Confident using positive behaviour management and de-escalation techniques.
• Understanding of emotional regulation, attachment difficulties and behavioural triggers.
• Calm, patient, resilient and emotionally intelligent.
• Able to build strong relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.
• A genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs.

Candidates with experience in SEN schools, mainstream autism provisions, residential care, youth work, mental health support or behavioural intervention are particularly encouraged to apply.
Why Apply?

• Valuable experience within autism and SEMH education.
• Develop further skills in behaviour management and de-escalation.
• Opportunity to make a genuine difference to children’s lives.
• Work alongside an experienced primary school team.
• Ongoing support from your dedicated Pertemps Education Network consultant.

To apply, please contact Charlie Hayes on: 

E: charlie.hayes@pertempseducation.co.uk
M: 07758 135 941