SEND Teaching Assistant

Vision for Education Ltd; Walsall; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

Vision for Education Ltd. is recruiting a Specialist SEND Teaching Assistant for Mary Elliot Academy in Walsall. The role involves supporting pupils with complex needs in a specialist setting and working closely with teachers and support staff to enable access to learning.

This full-time, long-term position offers daily rate opportunities and potential for a permanent post for the right candidate. Start date is September 2026, with the chance to contribute to a nurturing, inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Experience working as a Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant.
• Experience supporting children or young people with SEND.
• Patient, calm and compassionate approach.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Willingness to support pupils with a range of individual needs.

Responsibilities

• 1:1 or small-group support for pupils.
• Assist teachers with engaging learning activities.
• Help pupils develop communication, social and independence skills.
• Support pupils with complex learning needs.
• Encourage participation in class and school activities.
• Support positive behaviour and emotional regulation.
• Build trusting relationships with pupils.
• Provide personal care support where required.

Skills

TA experience

SEND support

Team player

Communication

Job description

Specialist SEND Teaching Assistant - Mary Elliot Academy | Walsall

Location: Mary Elliot Academy, Walsall
Daily Rate: £92.56-£105 per day, depending on experience and qualifications
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: Full-time, long-term
Potential: Long-term opportunity with potential for a permanent position for the right candidate

Job Summary

Are you a Teaching Assistant who is passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs?

Do you want to work in a specialist school where your patience, creativity and commitment can make a meaningful difference every day?

We are working with Mary Elliot Academy in Walsall to recruit a dedicated and compassionate Specialist SEND Teaching Assistant to join their team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Support Worker or Care Worker looking to develop their career within specialist education.

The School and Role

Mary Elliot Academy is a specialist school supporting young people aged 11-18 with a range of complex special educational needs, including:

• Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD).
• Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC).
• Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD).

The academy supports pupils across different departments, including SLD, PMLD, ASC and Post-16 provision.

As a Teaching Assistant, you will work alongside teachers and specialist support staff to help pupils access learning, develop independence and make progress towards their individual goals.

You will play an important role in supporting pupils' education, communication, wellbeing and personal development.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting pupils on a 1:1 or small-group basis.
• Assisting teachers with engaging and accessible learning activities.
• Helping pupils develop communication, social and independence skills.
• Supporting pupils with a range of complex learning needs.
• Encouraging participation in classroom and wider school activities.
• Supporting positive behaviour and emotional regulation.
• Building trusting and respectful relationships with pupils.
• Providing practical or personal care support where required.
• Encouraging pupils to develop confidence and independence.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, support staff and other professionals.
• Following individual pupil support plans and school procedures.
• Maintaining a safe, inclusive and nurturing learning environment.

Some roles may involve personal care, mobility support, hoisting or other physical support, depending on the needs of the pupils and the department.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for a Teaching Assistant who is caring, patient and committed to helping every pupil reach their potential.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Previous experience working as a Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant.
• Experience supporting children or young people with SEND.
• A patient, calm and compassionate approach.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A willingness to support pupils with a range of individual needs.
• Confidence following guidance and adapting support to each pupil.