Level 3 Teaching Assistant

Cherry Oak School; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 17,000; Part time

Job summary

Cherry Oak School in Birmingham is seeking a level 3 Teaching Assistant to join our vibrant team supporting pupils with cognition and communication difficulties and autism.

The role is 19 hours per week during term time, permanent with a flexible working pattern. The salary range is £14,195–£16,951 with SEN allowance; start date ASAP. The post requires safeguarding commitment and willingness to undertake training.

Qualifications

• Requires Level 3 Teaching Assistant Qualification and GCSE Maths/English (4+).
• Commitment to safeguarding and willingness to undertake training.
• Experience supporting children with autism/SEN is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils on the autistic spectrum.
• Deliver Read Write Inc. phonics to small groups.
• Support learning in small groups and implement plans.
• Follow Relational Support Plans, Sensory Differences Profiles and Pupil Passports.
• Be willing to undergo paediatric first aid training.
• Work flexibly to meet school needs.
• Communicate clearly with pupils and colleagues.
• Take ownership of tasks and contribute as part of the team.

Skills

Autism support

Stakeholder communication

Trauma-informed approach

Flexible working

Initiative & teamwork

Clear/effective communication

Own initiative

Phonics delivery (Read Write Inc)

Education

Level 3 Teaching Assistant Qualification

GCSE Maths (4+)

GCSE English (4+)

Job description

Federation of Cherry Oak School and Victoria School

Based at: Cherry Oak School, 60 Frederick Road, B29 6PB

Level 3 Teaching Assistant

19 Hours per week - Term Time Only - Permanent

(Working Pattern - Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday)

Other working patterns may be considered

Salary Range: £14195 - 16951 Actual Salary Inc SEN Allowance of £1507 FTE

Start date: ASAP

Are you ready to be the highlight of someone’s day? To be the person who unlocks a child’s potential when the rest of the world sees a closed door?

Cherry Oak School

for pupils with cognition and communication difficulties and Autism is a vibrant, high energy community where “standard” doesn’t exist and "extraordinary" is our baseline. We aren’t just looking for support staff, we are looking for promoters of confidence, champions of communication and specialists in the art of the possible.

Why Cherry Oak?

Working here isn’t just a job - it’s an adventure in empathy and innovation. Our pupils are diverse, spirited and face complex challenges, but they also possess incredible strengths.

Are You the Missing Piece?

We are seeking to appoint a grade B (previously known as a level 3) Teaching Assistant

We don’t just hire for qualifications; we hire for heart, humour and resilience. If you are patient, proactive and believe that every child deserves a bespoke education that fits them perfectly, we want to meet you.

“At Cherry Oak, we don’t just teach. We empower. We don’t just care. We advocate. Come and see how much of a difference a single day can make.”

Successful candidates will need to demonstrate:

• A desire to work with pupils on the autistic spectrum.
• A willingness to learn more about Autism and other diagnosed Special Educational Needs.
• The ability to contribute, follow and implement key pieces of information relating to pupils, such as Relational Support Plans, Sensory Differences Profiles, Individual Pupil Risk Assessments, Pupil Passports.
• With training, be willing to support pupils with a trauma informed approach.
• How they can work flexibly to meet the needs of the school
• Their ability to work using own initiative, and work effectively as part of a team.
• How they communicate clearly and effectively with pupils and colleagues.
• The desire to take ownership of tasks.
• Be willing to undergo training to become a paediatric first aid
• You must be confident in supporting the learning of small groups of students working
• With training, can deliver Read, Write, Inc. phonics and writing to a small group
• A recognised Level 3 Teaching Assistant Qualification AND GCSE Maths and English at Level 4 or above or recognised equivalent qualifications.
• A commitment to supporting children and young people with Special Needs.
• Be committed to safeguarding our pupils

We can offer you:

• Opportunities to progress in your professional and career development. This includes supporting development to other roles within school.
• Specialist coaching and training you will need to fulfil the role.
• Access to support services such as mental health and wellbeing.
• Being part of a supportive team of individuals.

Closing Date for Applications: Friday 2nd October 2026 at 9.00 am

Interview Date: Tuesday 20th October 2026

Safeguarding

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to all necessary pre-employment checks including enhanced DBS; Childcare Disqualification (where applicable); qualifications (where applicable); medical fitness; identity and right to work.

References

All applicants will be required to provide 2 suitable references

Short-Listed Candidates

An online search will also be carried out as part of due diligence on all shortlisted candidates.

Terms and Conditions

Birmingham City Council is a Living Wage Employer

Rehabilitation of Offenders

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975,2013 and 2002.

Which means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent conviction and cautions are ‘protected’; so they do not need to be disclosed to employers; and if they are disclose , employers cannot take them into account.

Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide.

The post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016). Therefore, the ability to speak fluent English is an essential requirement for this role.