Pupil Support Assistant - SEND Secondary School

Smile Education; Tamworth; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Smile Education seeks a dedicated Pupil Support Assistant to work in specialist secondary SEND schools across Tamworth and surrounding areas. The role involves 1:1 or small-group support for pupils with a range of additional needs, helping them access the curriculum and participate in lessons.

Ideal candidates will have SEND experience with secondary-aged pupils, strong behaviour management skills and a proactive, hands-on approach.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting secondary-aged pupils in a SEND setting.
• Minimum 2 years of references available to support employment history.
• Experience working in UK educational/childcare/support settings is required.
• Ability to commit to a full-time role.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to secondary pupils with SEND.
• Support pupils with Autism, ADHD, SEMH, and other needs.
• Help pupils access the curriculum and participate in lessons and activities.
• De-escalate challenging behaviour using appropriate strategies.
• Promote safeguarding and a safe, inclusive learning environment.

Skills

SEND experience

1:1 support

Small groups support

Behaviour management

Job description

Pupil Support Assistant – SEND Secondary School

Location: Tamworth and surrounding areas

Job Type: Full-time

Sector: Secondary Education / Special Educational Needs

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

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

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

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

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small‑group support to secondary‑aged pupils with SEND.
• Supporting young people with Autism, ADHD, SEMH, communication difficulties and other additional needs.
• Helping pupils access the secondary curriculum and participate fully in lessons and school activities.
• Supporting and de‑escalating challenging behaviour using appropriate behaviour management strategies.
• Providing emotional support and helping pupils develop emotional regulation skills.
• Encouraging independence, confidence, self‑esteem and positive relationships.
• Taking a hands‑on and proactive approach to supporting pupils throughout the school day.
• Supporting pupils during lesson transitions, breaktimes, lunchtimes and other less structured periods.
• Adapting learning activities and approaches to meet individual needs and abilities.
• 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.
• Supporting pupils to develop communication, social interaction and essential life skills.
• 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 young people's lives.

To be considered for this role, you must:

• Have previous SEND experience working with children or young people with additional needs.
• Have experience supporting secondary-aged pupils or young people.
• 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 young people's welfare.
• Be available to start ASAP.

What makes a great Pupil Support Assistant?

Working within a secondary SEND school requires patience, resilience and a genuine passion for helping young people achieve their potential.

You could be supporting a pupil who struggles to regulate their emotions, helping a young person engage with a lesson, encouraging positive social interactions or supporting them to develop the independence and life skills they need for the future.

Every young person has different needs, strengths and challenges. We are looking for individuals who understand the importance of consistency, boundaries and building trusting relationships.

You must be confident working with teenagers, able to remain calm under pressure and comfortable taking a proactive, hands‑on approach when supporting challenging behaviour.

The opportunity

We have opportunities available within specialist secondary SEND school environments across Tamworth and the surrounding areas.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced SEND Teaching Assistant, Learning Support 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 supporting secondary‑aged pupils, can manage 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.