SEN Teaching Assistant - Speech and Language

Smile Education; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Smile Education are recruiting for a Full-Time SEN Teaching Assistant to join a welcoming school in Birmingham from September 2026. This role suits someone with experience as a Teaching Assistant or SEN Support who is dedicated to helping children with additional needs access learning and grow in confidence.

The position involves providing 1:1 and small-group support, assisting with language, communication and social development, and collaborating with teachers and SALT professionals where

Qualifications

• Experience supporting pupils with SEN in educational settings.
• Ability to support access to the curriculum for pupils with additional needs.
• Experience with speech, language and communication needs is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEN.
• Support pupils to access the curriculum and participate in lessons.
• Help children develop communication, social and emotional skills.
• Support pupils with their learning targets and development.
• Encourage positive behaviour and independence.
• Work closely with the class teacher, SENCO and support team.
• Build positive relationships with pupils.
• Create a safe, inclusive and nurturing 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:

• Providing1:1 and small-group supportto pupils with SEN.
• Supporting pupils to access the curriculum and participate in lessons.
• Helping children develop theircommunication, 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 – AdvantageousA 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 supportingSLCN
• 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.