Specialist SEN Teaching Assistant – PDA Support (1:1, Home-Based)
Location: Aylesbury
Hours: Monday to Friday, 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Start Date: ASAP
Setting: Child’s home (education provision)
SENDhelp is currently recruiting a specialist SEN Teaching Assistant to provide 1:1 educational support to a young boy with severe autism and a PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) profile, within his home environment in Aylesbury.
This is a highly specialist role suited to an experienced practitioner who understands the complexities of PDA, can work flexibly and creatively, and is able to build trust-based relationships at the child’s pace.
About the role
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Deliver 1:1, child-led educational support in the home (based in Aylesbury)
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Use low-demand, relational and regulation-focused approaches
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Support emotional regulation, engagement and readiness to learn
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Work closely with the lead practitioner and wider professional team
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Maintain clear professional boundaries within a home-based setting
- The initial hours are 12:00pm – 2:00pm, Monday to Friday.
- Once a positive relationship and consistency are established, there is strong potential for the hours to be extended and expanded.
Essential experience
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Proven experience supporting children with severe autism
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Direct experience working with PDA profiles (essential)
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Strong understanding of demand-avoidant behaviours and nervous system regulation
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Calm, reflective and emotionally intelligent approach
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Ability to adapt in the moment and avoid rigid or compliance-based strategies
- Able to get to Aylebsury, where the child lives
Ideal SEN Teaching Assistant’s will be
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Patient, consistent and relationship-driven
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Confident working independently in a home setting
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Skilled in recognising early signs of dysregulation
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Able to prioritise connection, trust and safety over outcomes
What SENDhelp offers
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Specialist placements matched carefully to your experience
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Ongoing guidance and support from a dedicated consultant
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Opportunity to grow the role and hours over time
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Competitive hourly rates, paid weekly
This role would suit an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Autism Practitioner, or Education Support Worker with a strong background in PDA.
📩 Apply now to be considered for this opportunity, or contact SENDhelp directly for more information.
