02/09/2026
SEND Teaching Assistant / Nurture Mentor – Secondary Student with ASD
Location: Bolton area
Start Date: ASAP
Hours: Full-time, term-time
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience and qualifications
We are seeking an exceptional SEND Teaching Assistant / Nurture Mentor to provide dedicated support to a high-achieving secondary-aged student with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at a prestigious school in the Bolton area.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and highly motivated individual who is passionate about supporting young people to thrive both academically and personally.
The Role
The successful candidate will work closely with the student, school staff and wider support team to provide individualised academic, emotional and pastoral support throughout the school day.
The student is academically able and has significant potential. The role is therefore not simply about classroom assistance — it requires someone who can build a strong professional relationship, understand the individual's needs, promote independence and help them successfully navigate the social, emotional and organisational demands of secondary school.
You will be expected to:
Provide 1:1 support across the school day.
Support the student to access and engage fully with the curriculum.
Help develop confidence, independence and self-advocacy.
Provide nurture and pastoral support when required.
Help the student manage anxiety, transitions, routines and changes to expectations.
Support social communication and appropriate interaction with peers and staff.
Identify potential barriers to learning and proactively put strategies in place.
Encourage organisation, time management and independent study skills.
Work collaboratively with teachers, the SENDCo, pastoral staff and parents/carers.
Maintain a calm, consistent and positive approach.
Monitor progress and communicate effectively with the wider team.
About You
We are looking for someone who is intelligent, nurturing, emotionally perceptive and resilient, with the confidence to support a high-achieving young person within a demanding secondary school environment.
The ideal candidate will have:
Previous experience supporting young people with ASD/autism and/or additional needs.
Experience working with secondary-aged students.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
A calm, patient and consistent approach.
The ability to establish trust while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
A genuine commitment to promoting independence rather than creating dependency.
Strong organisational skills and the ability to work proactively.
The confidence to liaise professionally with teaching and pastoral teams.
A degree-level qualification is highly desirable, particularly in Psychology, Education, Special Educational Needs, Child Development, Youth Work or a related discipline.
Candidates with relevant experience and strong transferable skills will also be considered.
Why Apply?
This is a particularly rewarding opportunity to work with a bright and capable young person within a prestigious school setting, where you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to their educational experience, wellbeing and long-term development.
The successful candidate will become an important member of the student's support network and will be encouraged to develop a detailed understanding of their strengths, needs and aspirations.
If you are passionate about SEND, have high expectations of young people and believe every student should be supported to reach their full potential, we would love to hear from you.
Start date: ASAP.
Please apply with an up-to-date CV outlining your relevant experience and qualifications.
