Send Teaching Assistant (Send Ta), Autism-Specialist Send School, Full-Time

New Directions; Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

New Directions Education is seeking a caring SEND Teaching Assistant to join an All-Age Autism-Specialist School in Shirley. You will support pupils aged 4 to 7 in Early Years and Key Stage 1, aiding communication, independence and social skills.

The role covers classroom and outdoor learning, personal care for pupils with ASC, and collaboration with teachers and therapists to deliver personalised programmes. Enhanced DBS on Update Service or arrangements will be required.

Qualifications

• Experience with SEND or autism preferred.
• Willing to undertake personal care responsibilities.
• Enhanced DBS on Update Service or arrangement.
• Two satisfactory references covering at least two years.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with autism and additional learning needs in classroom and outdoor learning.
• Work with teachers and therapists to deliver individualised learning programmes.
• Promote communication using visual supports and alternative methods.
• Support social, emotional and independence development.
• Assist with behaviour support strategies for challenging behaviours.
• Support personal care with dignity and sensitivity.
• Foster a safe, nurturing and engaging learning environment.
• Contribute to observations, assessments and pupil progress records.
• Build positive relationships with pupils, parents, carers and colleagues.

Skills

SEND experience

Autism experience

Patience

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Teaching Assistant qualification

Job description

Job Title: SEND Teaching Assistant (SEND TA)

School Type: All-Age Autism-Specialist Special School

Age Range of Pupils: 4 to 7 years (Early Years and Key Stage 1)

Location: Shirley (B90)

Hours: Full-time, 32.5 hours, (8:30am-3:30pm, Monday to Friday)

Contract Type: Long-term, Temp

Start Date: November 2026

New Directions is seeking a caring, enthusiastic and resilient SEND Teaching Assistant to join the dedicated team at an autism-specific special school. This is an exciting opportunity to work with pupils in Early Years and Key Stage 1, supporting children with a primary diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and a range of additional needs.

The school’s pupils are unique individuals who require highly personalised support to help them develop communication, independence, social interaction and emotional regulation skills. We are looking for someone who is passionate about making a genuine difference to the lives of children and their families.

The Role

As a SEND Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Support pupils with autism and additional learning needs in both classroom and outdoor learning environments.
• Work closely with teachers and therapists to deliver individualised learning programmes.
• Promote communication through a range of approaches, including visual supports and alternative communication methods.
• Support pupils to develop social, emotional and independence skills.
• Assist with behaviour support strategies for children who may display behaviours that challenge.
• Support pupils with personal care needs with dignity, respect and sensitivity.
• Foster a safe, nurturing and engaging learning environment where every child can thrive.
• Contribute to observations, assessments and pupil progress records.
• Build positive relationships with pupils, parents, carers and colleagues.

About You

We are looking for candidates who:

• Have experience of working with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), particularly autism, or are keen to develop their expertise in this area.
• Are patient, empathetic and able to build positive relationships with children who have complex needs.
• Can remain calm and resilient in challenging situations.
• Have a positive, proactive and flexible approach to supporting learning and development.
• Are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Are willing to undertake personal care responsibilities as part of the role.
• Have strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Relevant qualifications such as a Teaching Assistant or Learning Support qualification would be advantageous but are not essential.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or we can put one in place for you)
• Two satisfactory references covering a minimum of two years

Previous experience in a special school, mainstream school, nursery, care setting or supporting individuals with autism is essential. Ongoing professional development opportunities are available through the school.

What New Directions Education Ltd offers:

• A dedicated and expert Account Manager
• Regular and varied supply work
• Competitive rates of pay
• Potential long-term roles
• Full compliance with the Agency Workers Regulation (AWR)
• A network of branches across the UK
• One of the preferred suppliers to all 22 local authorities in Wales under the All Wales Framework Agreement
• We are the major teaching supply agency for Welsh speaking teachers across Wales
• Respected reputation across the education and recruitment industry

We are fully committed to the protection of children and vulnerable adults. All applicants must undertake a full enhanced DBS check.