SEND Learning Support Assistant (LSA) – Autism Support (2:1 Provision)

Location: Ely, Cambridgeshire
Hourly Rate: £23.00–£27.00 per hour DOE
Contract: Term-time only

AP Education works closely with local authorities to provide personalised Alternative Provision for children and young people who are unable to access mainstream education.

We are seeking a compassionate, experienced Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to work alongside a dedicated tutor, providing 2:1 support for a learner with autism in the Ely area.

This is a rewarding opportunity to support a learner''s educational, emotional and social development through a consistent, nurturing and individualised approach.

The learner has autism and additional support needs, including:

• Speech and language delays and communication difficulties.

• Learning difficulties requiring adapted teaching approaches.

• Emotional regulation and behavioural support needs.

• Difficulties with attention, concentration and maintaining engagement.

• Hyperactivity and sensory processing differences.

• Fine motor skills difficulties.

The successful candidate will need to be patient, adaptable and confident supporting an autistic learner, recognising individual communication preferences, sensory needs and emotional regulation strategies.

Working alongside the tutor, you will help create a calm, structured and supportive learning environment, initially within the learner''s home, with a gradual transition into community-based learning.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the tutor during personalised Maths, English and Science sessions, helping the learner access and engage with activities.

• Providing consistent 1:1 assistance to the learner as part of a 2:1 provision, working collaboratively with the tutor.

• Using autism-informed strategies, including visual supports, clear communication, predictable routines and sensory adjustments.

• Supporting emotional regulation, managing transitions and responding calmly to behaviours that may communicate distress or unmet needs.

• Encouraging communication, independence, confidence and positive engagement with learning.

• Helping the tutor adapt activities to accommodate the learner''s communication, sensory and learning needs.

• Supporting the learner''s gradual transition from home-based education into community activities.

• Sharing observations and feedback with the tutor to support progress and consistency.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Previous experience as an LSA, Teaching Assistant or SEND Support Worker, ideally supporting autistic children or young people.

• A good understanding of autism, sensory processing differences and communication needs.

• Experience supporting learners with emotional regulation difficulties and behaviours that may challenge.

• Confidence working alongside a tutor in a 2:1 Alternative Provision setting.

• A calm, patient and proactive approach, with the ability to build positive, trusting relationships.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with education professionals and families.

• Experience using visual timetables, communication aids or other autism-specific support strategies would be advantageous.

• Guaranteed weekly pay.

• Access to tailored curriculum platforms and personalised learning resources.

• Comprehensive baseline assessment toolkit, downloadable resources and training videos.

• Training and guidance from our Head of Education.

• Regular CPD opportunities, including trauma-informed practice and SEND-focused workshops.

• Access to our bespoke tutor platform, with additional training and support materials.

• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference through individualised learner support.

• A dedicated Education Coordinator to support you throughout your placement.

• Streamlined compliance and onboarding process.

• Access to future placements through our established local authority partnerships.

Ready to Make a Real Difference?

If you''re passionate about helping young people thrive and want to work in a flexible, supportive environment — we’d love to hear from you.

 Call us on (phone number removed) and ask for Penny Darby
Or apply now to become one of our Support Staff to our tutors in Cambridgeshire

AP Education is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via the DBS. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, gender, disability, or sexuality.