SEN Teaching Assistant - Speech and Language

Smile Education Recruitment; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Smile Education Recruitment is recruiting a Full-Time SEN Teaching Assistant to join a welcoming school in Birmingham (B11 area), starting September 2026. The role focuses on providing targeted 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEN to help them access learning and develop confidence and independence.

Experience in SALT-related contexts is advantageous. The school values patience, nurturing support and strong teamwork with the SENCO and wider staff to create an inclusive environment

Qualifications

• Experience working with children, ideally in an education or SEN setting.
• Patience, caring and nurturing approach.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to provide 1:1 and small-group support.

Responsibilities

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEN.
• Supporting pupils to access the curriculum and participate in lessons.
• Helping children develop communication, social and emotional skills.
• Supporting pupils with their individual learning targets and development.
• Encouraging positive behaviour and independence.
• Collaborating with the class teacher, SENCO and support team.
• Building positive relationships and creating a safe, inclusive learning environment.

Skills

1:1 support

Small group support

Communication skills

SEN experience

Job description

SEN Teaching Assistant – Full Time – September Start

Location: B11, Birmingham

Start Date: September 2026

Contract: Full-time

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Smile Education are currently recruiting for a Full-Time SEN Teaching Assistant to join a welcoming and supportive school in B11, Birmingham, starting in September 2026. This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate and experienced Teaching Assistant, SEN Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant who is committed to helping children with additional needs achieve their full potential.

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will provide targeted support to pupils with a range of Special Educational Needs, helping them to access learning and develop their confidence, communication and independence.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEN.
• Supporting pupils to access the curriculum and participate in lessons.
• Helping children develop their communication, social and emotional skills.
• Supporting pupils with their individual learning and development targets.
• Encouraging positive behaviour and independence.
• Working closely with the class teacher, SENCO and wider support team.
• Building positive and trusting relationships with pupils.
• Creating a safe, inclusive and nurturing learning environment.

SALT / Speech and Language Experience – Advantageous

A background in Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) would be highly advantageous for this position. We would particularly welcome applications from candidates who have experience as a:

• Speech and Language Therapist
• Speech and Language Therapy Assistant
• Communication Support Worker
• SEN Teaching Assistant supporting SLCN
• Teaching Assistant who has worked closely with SALT professionals

Experience supporting children with speech, language and communication needs, including communication programmes, language development and vocabulary work, would be particularly beneficial.

About You

• Have experience working with children or young people, ideally within an education or SEN setting.
• Be passionate about supporting children with additional needs.
• Be patient, caring and nurturing.
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Be confident providing 1:1 and small-group support.
• Be reliable, adaptable and proactive.
• Be able to work effectively as part of a wider school team.
• Have a genuine commitment to helping every child succeed.

Relevant transferable experience will also be considered.

Why Smile Education?

At Smile Education, we work with a wide range of schools across Birmingham and the West Midlands, helping education professionals find rewarding roles that match their experience and career goals.

This is a fantastic opportunity to secure a full-time SEN Teaching Assistant position from September 2026 and become part of a supportive school community where your work can make a real difference. If you are a SEN Teaching Assistant, Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or have a SALT/communication-focused background, we would love to hear from you.

Smile Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

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