ALN Practitioner - Long Term Position

Full-Time ALN Teaching Assistant (Specialist Resource Base)

Location: Swansea / Neath Port Talbot SA1
Type: Full-Time Term Time Only
Start Date: September 2026
Pay Rate: £14.25 per hour PAYE Weekly Pay

About the Role

We are recruiting on behalf of a highly regarded primary school in Swansea for a dedicated and compassionate Full-Time Teaching Assistant to join their specialist Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Resource Base from September 2026.

This is a rewarding opportunity to support a small group of pupils with complex communication, learning, and behavioural needs within a nurturing, highly structured environment. Working alongside an experienced specialist team, you will play a vital role in helping learners access education, develop communication skills, build independence, and celebrate every achievement.

The school is recognised for its warm, caring and inclusive ethos, where every child is valued as an individual. Inspectors praised the strong relationships between staff and pupils, the school's family centred approach, effective support for pupils with ALN, and the excellent progress made by learners within its specialist provision. Staff work collaboratively to ensure every pupil feels safe, supported and able to thrive.

The Learners You Will Support:

The pupils within the specialist base have a range of complex additional learning needs, including:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Many learners have significant differences in communication, social interaction and sensory processing. They may:

• Be non verbal or minimally verbal.
• Communicate using PECS, Makaton, communication boards or AAC devices.
• Prefer routine and predictability.
• Experience anxiety during transitions or unexpected changes.
• Require sensory regulation strategies throughout the day.
• Need support developing social interaction and play skills.

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) Profile

Some learners present with a PDA profile of autism and may:

• Experience high levels of anxiety when demands are placed upon them.
• Avoid everyday requests using distraction, negotiation, humour or refusal.
• Require indirect language, flexibility and relationship based approaches.
• Respond positively to low demand environments and collaborative problem solving.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Some pupils may present with behaviours associated with ODD, including:

• Frequent refusal to follow adult direction.
• Emotional outbursts when feeling overwhelmed.
• Difficulty managing frustration.
• Challenging behaviours which communicate unmet needs rather than deliberate defiance.
• A need for consistent boundaries, calm responses and positive relationship building.

Complex Communication Needs

Learners may:

• Have little or no functional speech.
• Require visual communication systems throughout the day.
• Need additional processing time.
• Benefit from repetitive language, modelling and structured communication opportunities.

What You Will Be Doing

• Provide consistent one to one and small group support within the specialist base.
• Deliver learning activities adapted to individual communication and developmental needs.
• Support pupils with emotional regulation using agreed strategies.
• Promote communication through visual supports, AAC and alternative communication methods.
• Encourage independence with daily routines and personal development.
• Implement Individual Development Plans (IDPs) alongside teaching staff.
• Record progress and contribute to pupil reviews.
• Build positive relationships with pupils, families and the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Support personal care where required.

We're Looking For Someone Who Is

• Patient, resilient and emotionally intelligent.
• Calm under pressure and able to respond positively to challenging situations.
• Passionate about inclusive education and supporting children with complex needs.
• Able to build trusting relationships through consistency and empathy.
• Adaptable and willing to learn specialist communication and behaviour strategies.
• A positive team player who thrives within a collaborative environment.

Essential Requirements

• Experience working with children or young people with ALN, SEND or additional support needs.
• Understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder and complex communication needs.
• Enhanced DBS Certificate (or willingness to obtain one).
• EWC Registration (or willingness to register).
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle desirable but not essential as there are public transport options close to the school.

What We Offer

£14.25 per hour PAYE

Weekly pay

Full time, long term opportunity from September

Free CPD including:

• Autism Awareness
• Behaviour Management
• Trauma Informed Practice
• Positive Behaviour Support
• Makaton Awareness
• Safeguarding
• Additional ALN focused professional development

Ongoing support from an experienced consultant 24/7

Opportunity to work within an outstanding specialist learning environment

The chance to make a lasting difference to the lives of children with complex additional learning needs

Apply Today

If you have the patience, resilience and passion to support children with complex additional learning needs, we'd love to hear from you.

Submit your CV today to be considered for this rewarding full time opportunity starting in September 2026 - interviews and trials have already begun!