Prior's Court was set up by Founding Patron Dame Stephanie Shirley, whose vision of a centre of excellence for children with autism became reality with the opening of Prior's Court School in 1999. We have since grown to support around 90 young people with complex autism aged between 5-25 years.

Since opening, our support team has grown from around 20 to 500 and we have built a reputation as a cutting edge educational, vocational, and residential facility for young people with autism.

Everything we achieve at Prior's Court is down to the commitment, dedication and specialised practice demonstrated by our incredible team of Autism Practitioners.

Whatever the time, whatever the place, an Autism Practitioner has an opportunity to transform the life of a young person with complex autism. It will be challenging but very rewarding.

We are looking for individuals with an interest in, or experience of, working in a care environment, who are passionate about providing a positive learning environment for young people and strive to build a career in care.

For those who are not experienced in care we offer a free, comprehensive training programme which includes hands on experience working alongside experienced and senior team members. We have colleagues who completely changed their career to come and work with us and now thoroughly enjoy how rewarding it can be supporting our young people.

If you already have lots of experience as a care worker, support worker, special needs practitioner or carer, you will still have access to ongoing training and a salary to match your relevant experience.

We offer a sliding salary based on your experience and qualifications – with a clearly defined pathway to move up salary bandings:

Level One Salary: £20k - £22k

New to care/education, ability to develop skills and experience and work towards level 3 diploma

Level Two Salary: £22k - £26k

Established practitioner, able to work with a range of young people, core training is achieved and maintained. Level 3 Diploma and 1-2 years' experience required

Level Three Salary: £25k - £30k

Experience of leading and guiding practice of others, ability to develop approaches for young people’s progress, lead activities and learning. Level 3 Diploma and 2 years+ experience required

Salaries are based on 37 hours per week/52 weeks per year. Salaries will be adjusted pro rata for alternative work patterns.

We operate a rota based on a rolling pattern of early and late shifts throughout 52 weeks of the year, including weekends and public holidays. Our early shift starts at 7am and finishes at 4pm and our late shift starts at 2pm and finishes at 10pm.

We offer a direct-to-site transport service for our Autism Practitioners, with pick-up and drop-off points in Reading, And over, Basingstoke, Newbury, Calcot, Theale, Thatcham & Swindon.

You will be offered a thorough training and induction programme to ensure you have the support, skills and tools you need to deliver quality care for each young person. We will even support you to complete your HABC Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England) (RQF) if you are not yet qualified - a statutory requirement for a career in childcare.

You will also be able to access our wide range of staff benefits.

Many of our staff members become experts in supporting those with autism and are able to progress to more senior roles:

All positions at the school are subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, references and receipt of the appropriate Right to Work documents. Prior’s Court Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment