Therapeutic & Enabling Learning Support Assistant – Autism & Life Skills Focus

Location: Reading
Setting: Specialist Provision for Autistic Learners and Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD/PMLD)
Contract: Term time | Full-time preferred

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Therapeutic & Enabling Learning Support Assistant to join our specialist school supporting learners with autism and severe or profound learning difficulties.

This unique role combines therapeutic support with life skills development
, providing personalised guidance to help learners develop communication, independence, emotional regulation, and confidence. You will work closely with teachers, therapists, and families to create nurturing, structured, and empowering learning experiences, enabling learners to thrive academically, socially, and personally.

• Provide personalised 1:1 and small-group support, embedding therapeutic approaches in daily learning

• Support communication using PECS, Makaton, or other augmentative systems

• Assist learners with sensory regulation, emotional wellbeing, and engagement in learning

• Encourage practical independence, daily living skills, and personal development

• Implement, monitor, and contribute to EHCP targets and personalised learning plans

• Collaborate closely with teachers, therapists, and multidisciplinary teams to adapt lessons and resources

• Observe, record, and celebrate learners’ achievements, milestones, and progress

• Build trusting, positive relationships, acting as a consistent, supportive, and empowering presence

• Has experience supporting learners with autism, SLD, or PMLD in educational, therapeutic, or care settings

• Understands person-centred, trauma-informed, and therapeutic approaches

• Is patient, compassionate, and confident working with complex needs

• Can work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team

• Has excellent observational, communication, and problem‑solving skills

• Is passionate about empowering learners to achieve independence, confidence, and wellbeing

• Excellent rates of pay!
• Speedy registration process & fast‑track compliance.
• Flexible days and working hours to suit your schedule.
• 5‑Star rated with over 3000 reviews across Google & Facebook!
• Exclusive school & trust partnerships.
• Access to our FREE Perks Portal – exclusive discounts (our version of the Blue Light Card).
• 1000+ accredited, discounted CPD courses via Milk Academy.
• FREE PSHE lesson plans and resources, designed by real teachers.
• FREE Educator Wellbeing eBook & access to our wellbeing hub.
• School Preparation Pack – be ready for your school placements!
• 24/7 support from your personal consultant.
• Our Unbottled division brings lived‑experience speakers into schools.
• We’re located across England & North Wales with 9 offices!
• Join the UK’s only eco‑friendly education supply agency!

Milk Education is a purpose‑driven teaching supply agency focused on putting educators first. We’re committed to finding high-quality teaching talent and supporting schools across the U.K.

We are proudly APSCo Compliance+ accredited, reflecting our dedication to the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be subject to compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and APSCo guidelines.

Milk Education is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.

DBS on the Update Service is desirable. Comprehensive training in therapeutic interventions, autism, and life skills development will be provided.