Teaching Assistant

Specialist Teaching Assistant – Full-Time 1:1 Support for Child with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

Location: Watford
Start Date: September 2025
Contract: Full-Time, Temp-to-Perm
Pay: £85-£110 per day (depending on experience)

Support Beyond the Standard – Make a Real Difference

Are you calm, empathetic, and able to think on your feet? Do you thrive in a role where flexibility, relationship-building, and patience are essential?

Supply Desk is working in partnership with a nurturing school in Watford, seeking a committed and emotionally aware Teaching Assistant to provide 1:1 support for a child with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) — a complex profile within the autism spectrum characterised by high anxiety and a need for control.

This full-time, temp-to-perm role offers the opportunity to build a lasting, positive relationship with a pupil who needs a highly individualised approach to thrive in the classroom.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting a child with PDA on a 1:1 basis throughout the school day
• Using low-demand, choice-led strategies to reduce anxiety and promote engagement
• Creating a calm, non-confrontational learning environment
• Working closely with the class teacher, SENCO, and external professionals to deliver a child-centred plan
• Promoting emotional regulation, autonomy, and positive social interaction
• Recording and reflecting on progress, triggers, and successful support strategies

What We’re Looking For

• Experience supporting children with autism, anxiety, or behavioural needs – PDA-specific experience is highly desirable
• A compassionate, patient and creative mindset
• Confidence in managing emotionally distressed or avoidant behaviour using de-escalation strategies
• A commitment to consistency, flexibility, and safeguarding
• Strong communication and teamworking skills
• A desire to progress into a permanent role within a supportive school environment

Why Work with Supply Desk?

• Opportunity to transition into a permanent position
• Dedicated consultant support and regular school feedback
• Access to specialist CPD, including PDA and autism training
• A chance to truly change a child’s school experience for the better
• Referral bonuses for recommending others

Apply Now – Start September 2025

Send your CV to (url removed)
Call us on (phone number removed) for more information

Take the next step in your SEN support career — and become a trusted, positive presence in the life of a child who truly needs you.

Supply Desk is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.