Autism-focused Learning Support Assistant (Term-Time)

Job details

Actual salary: £20,533.38 per annum

Contractual hours: 33.75 hours per week, 39 weeks per year (term time plus 2 INSET days and some twilight sessions)

Working hours: 8:05am to 3:20pm (30 minute unpaid lunch break) Monday to Friday

Salary band: Band 5, Points 7-9. Current starting salary: £20,533.38 per annum

Anticipated start date: September 2026

Location: Bridgwater College Academy, Bridgwater

Basis: Part Time - Part Year

Job overview

Learning Support Assistant (Polden Centre)

33.75 hours per week, 39 weeks per year (term time plus 2 INSET days and some twilight sessions)

Working hours: 8:05am to 3:20pm (with 30 minute unpaid lunch break) Monday to Friday

Salary: Band 5, Points 7-9. Actual starting salary: £20,533.38 per annum

Bridgwater College Academy is seeking to appoint a skilled and enthusiastic Learning Support Assistant to join our ASC Polden Centre Team, working predominantly within Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about supporting young people with autism and committed to inclusive education.

The successful candidate will work within the specialist ASC base as well as supporting students in mainstream classes. You will help individual students and small groups to engage positively with learning, promote constructive behaviour, and will be supported to deliver tailored SEND interventions within our specialist provision.

Qualifications

To be considered for this role, you should:

• Have proven experience working with children with ASC, language and communication needs, or other SEND
• Have a genuine desire to understand and support the needs of students with autism
• Demonstrate a calm, positive approach and be a clear, confident communicator
• Be able to develop and maintain trusting, professional relationships with students and staff

What We Offer

• Employee reward scheme including high street discounts and a staff wellbeing centre
• Generous local government pension scheme
• On site parking

Closing Date

Closing date for applications: Sunday 7th June 2026 at 11:59pm.

EEO statement

We believe in hiring for potential and value the knowledge, skills and experience that individuals bring from all walks of life. We encourage applications from all candidates, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnerships. Applications from members of under-represented groups, including BAME, disabled, and LGBT, are particularly welcome. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff.

Benefits and Working Conditions

We care about our staff and provide a number of benefits in addition to salary, including a positive and supportive working environment, employer pension contribution of at least 19%, generous annual leave entitlement for all-year round staff, on site gyms, free parking, access to a retail discounts platform and an Employee Assistance Programme. We support a good work life balance and offer flexible working arrangements for part time hours and/or job shares.

Safeguarding and Recruitment

Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share its commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. A comprehensive screening process will be undertaken on all applicants, including a check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).