Most education jobs feel like you're just managing a classroom. This one? You're genuinely changing how young people with Autism and ADHD see themselves and their future. We're a specialist college in Devon where small class sizes (5-7 learners) mean you actually get to know each student deeply, and where life skills and work experience matter more than chasing exam grades
Picture your week: you're supporting young people aged 16+ in real, practical learning that connects to their lives. One day you're working 1-2-1 with a learner on Maths skills they actually need; the next you're helping plan a fieldtrip, or coaching someone through a work experience placement. The learners have Autism, ADHD and other disabilities that shape how they learn and communicate. Your job is to keep them engaged, motivated and moving towards their goals - and the small group sizes mean you see genuine progress
This isn't a high-pressure, high-turnover environment. The college invests seriously in its team. You get comprehensive learning and development to grow your expertise in neurodiversity and disability. There's a therapies team running monthly confidential wellbeing check-ins just for staff, plus group reflective practice sessions so you're never carrying the weight alone. Mental health support is built in, not bolted on
The practical stuff matters too: you'll only work term time (39.6 weeks a year), but you're paid for 5.6 weeks of annual leave as well, so your time out is genuinely protected. The pension scheme, life assurance at 2x salary, and access to a GP through the Medicash scheme after 12 months show they're serious about looking after you long-term
What you will be doing
- Assist teaching staff in classroom activities: planning lessons, delivering support, and assessing how learners are progressing against their goals
- Work 1-2-1 with individual learners or in small groups, keeping them engaged and motivated to reach their full potential
- Support learners across life skills, work experience placements, Maths and English, and enrichment activities that matter to them
- Drive learners safely on fieldtrips and community learning activities (you'll have access to the college cars)
- Keep detailed, clear records and communicate learner progress to teaching staff, parents and other professionals
Why you will love working here
- Salary of £22,204.50 to £23,052.00 per annum for 37.5 hours per week, term time only - so you get your summers, half-terms and holidays properly back
- 5.6 weeks of annual leave paid on top of your term-time work, because your time off is non-negotiable
- Pension scheme where we add 3% to your 5% contribution, plus life assurance at 2x your salary from day one
- Access to mental health and wellbeing support, monthly confidential check-ins with our therapies team, and group reflective practice sessions - your emotional labour is recognised and supported
- After 12 months, you're eligible for Medicash (immediate GP access and wide health cover), Blue Light Card discounts, Cycle2Work scheme, and we cover the cost of your enhanced DBS
Is this you?
- Is this you: patient, compassionate and resilient - you genuinely understand that Autism and ADHD shape how young people communicate and behave, and you don't take it personally
- You're a strong communicator, both spoken and written - you'll be updating plans, speaking to families, and collaborating with teachers and therapists
- You hold a current driving licence and you're comfortable and confident behind the wheel (essential for fieldtrips)
- You have a genuine interest in working with Autistic learners and young people with disabilities - this isn't just a job to you, it's where you want to build your career
- You're willing to grow: you'll engage with the learning and development opportunities on offer and reflect on your practice with the team
Applications close on 12 October 2026. Great roles like this are filled quickly, so the sooner you apply the better.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.