Pupil Support Assistant- SEN

Smile Education; Tamworth; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Smile Education is seeking experienced Pupil Support Assistants to work across Tamworth and surrounding areas, supporting pupils with SEND in primary schools.

You will work closely with teachers to provide 1:1 and small-group support, help pupils access lessons, and promote safe, inclusive learning environments.

The role requires UK-based SEND experience, a proactive approach, strong behaviour management skills, and a commitment to safeguarding and immediate start.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with additional needs in SEND.
• UK-based experience in educational or childcare settings.
• Full-time commitment and proactive, hands-on approach.
• Ability to support pupils 1:1 or in small groups.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare.

Responsibilities

• Providing 1:1 and small‑group support to pupils with SEND.
• Supporting children with Autism, ADHD, SEMH, communication difficulties and other additional needs.
• Helping pupils access lessons and participate fully in school activities.
• Supporting and de-escalating challenging behaviour using appropriate strategies.
• Providing emotional support and helping pupils develop emotional regulation skills.
• Encouraging independence, confidence and positive relationships.
• Taking a hands-on and proactive approach to supporting pupils throughout the school day.
• Supporting children during transitions and less structured periods.
• Adapting activities and approaches to meet individual needs.
• Working independently with pupils while also following instructions and guidance from the class teacher.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs and other school professionals.
• Following individual learning, behaviour and support plans.
• Promoting a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment.
• Maintaining a strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.

Skills

SEND experience

UK-based experience

Job description

Pupil Support Assistant – SEND

Location: Tamworth and surrounding areas

Job Type: Full-time

Sector: Primary Education / Special Educational Needs

Are you passionate about supporting children with additional needs and helping them overcome barriers to learning? We are looking for dedicated, proactive and experienced Pupil Support Assistants to work within primary schools across Tamworth and the surrounding areas.

This is a rewarding opportunity for individuals with previous SEND experience who are confident supporting pupils with a range of additional needs and can make a genuine difference to their educational and personal development.

You will work closely with teachers and school staff to provide tailored support, encourage positive behaviour and help pupils feel safe, included and confident within the classroom.

As a Pupil Support Assistant, you may be supporting pupils on a 1:1 basis or within small groups, helping them access learning, develop independence and manage the challenges of the school day.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small‑group support to pupils with SEND.
• Supporting children with Autism, ADHD, SEMH, communication difficulties and other additional needs.
• Helping pupils access lessons and participate fully in school activities.
• Supporting and de-escalating challenging behaviour using appropriate strategies.
• Providing emotional support and helping pupils develop emotional regulation skills.
• Encouraging independence, confidence and positive relationships.
• Taking a hands-on and proactive approach to supporting pupils throughout the school day.
• Supporting children during transitions and less structured periods.
• Adapting activities and approaches to meet individual needs.
• Working independently with pupils while also following instructions and guidance from the class teacher.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs and other school professionals.
• Following individual learning, behaviour and support plans.
• Promoting a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment.
• Maintaining a strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.

Essential requirements:

We are looking for candidates who have the experience, confidence and commitment to make a real difference.

To be considered for this role, you must:

• Have previous SEND experience working with children or young people with additional needs.
• Have a minimum of 2 years' worth of references available to support your employment history.
• Have previous UK-based experience working within an educational, childcare or support setting.
• Be able to commit to the role on a full-time basis.
• Be hands-on, proactive and confident taking initiative.
• Have experience supporting and de-escalating challenging behaviour.
• Be confident working independently with pupils on a 1:1 basis.
• Be able to follow instructions and work effectively alongside the class teacher.
• Be patient, resilient, reliable and adaptable.
• Have excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Be committed to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
• Be available to start ASAP.

What makes a great Pupil Support Assistant?

Working in SEND education requires patience, resilience and a genuine passion for helping children succeed.

You may be supporting a pupil who struggles to regulate their emotions, helping a child engage with a lesson for the first time or encouraging a student to develop greater independence.

Every day can bring different challenges, but the difference you make can have a lasting impact on a child's confidence, wellbeing and development.

We are looking for individuals who are not afraid to get hands-on, can remain calm under pressure and are confident adapting their approach to meet the needs of individual pupils.

The opportunity

We have opportunities available within supportive primary school environments across Tamworth and the surrounding areas.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced SEND Teaching Assistant or Pupil Support Assistant who is looking for a full-time position where they can put their skills and experience to good use.

If you have the relevant UK SEND experience, are confident managing challenging behaviour and are available to start immediately, we would love to hear from you.

We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications.