Sen Teaching Assistant

Zest Education; Lichfield; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Zest Education is assisting a welcoming SEN school in Lichfield to recruit a SEND Teaching Assistant for a full-time role starting September 2026. You will support pupils with a range of needs, including autism and learning difficulties, helping them access the curriculum and develop essential life skills.

Ideal candidates will have experience with SEN, a calm and nurturing approach, and the ability to work closely with teachers, SENCOS, therapists and parents to create a positive learning

Qualifications

• Experience with SEN in educational settings.
• Enhanced DBS clearance or willingness to obtain.
• Training in Team Teach, Makaton, PECS or Autism Awareness desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with SEN.
• Assist the class teacher in delivering personalised learning.
• Help promote independence, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.
• Support with behaviour management and de-escalation strategies.
• Contribute to a positive, safe, and nurturing school environment.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCO, therapists, and parents.

Skills

SEN experience

Calm demeanor

Communication

Team player

Behaviour support

Passion for pupils

Job description

SEND Teaching Assistant – Lichfield (Full-Time Available)

Location: Lichfield

Position: SEND Teaching Assistant

Contract: Full-time

Start Date: September 2026

About the Role

A welcoming and well‑resourced SEN school in Lichfield is seeking a compassionate and committed SEND Teaching Assistant to join their team ASAP. This role is perfect for someone passionate about supporting children with diverse Special Educational Needs, including Autism, ADHD, SEMH, communication difficulties, and learning disabilities.

You will play a key role in helping pupils access the curriculum, develop essential life skills, and create a positive and inclusive learning environment.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience working with children or young people with SEN
• Calm, patient, and nurturing approach
• Ability to build trusting relationships with pupils
• Confident supporting behaviour and emotional regulation
• Team player with strong communication skills
• A genuine passion for helping pupils reach their full potential

Any relevant training (e.g., Team Teach, Makaton, PECS, Autism Awareness) is desirable but not essential.

What the School Can Offer You

• A supportive, friendly, and dedicated staff team
• Full-time role with consistent hours
• Opportunities to progress within SEN education
• A rewarding role where you will make a real difference every day

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small‑group support for pupils with SEN
• Assist the class teacher in delivering personalised learning
• Help promote independence, confidence, and emotional wellbeing
• Support with behaviour management and de‑escalation strategies
• Contribute to a positive, safe, and nurturing school environment
• Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCO, therapists, and parents

Why This Role Is Ideal for You

If you are passionate about supporting children with additional needs and want to start a rewarding full-time role after Easter, this position offers stability, development, and the chance to positively impact young lives every day.

Zest Education are an APSCo audited agency and are dedicated to safeguarding children. All candidates must hold an enhanced DBS (or allow us to process one for you) and be registered to the DBS Update Service, be able to provide references to cover the last two years and successfully pass all other necessary safeguarding checks prior to clearance for work.

Salary is dependent on experience, training, or qualifications. The minimum experience, training, or qualifications required for this position are recent school-based experience (within the last 5 years within a school that teaches the British Curriculum) and/or care‑based experience within the last 5 years