SEND Teaching Assistant (SEND TA), Autism-Specialist SEND School, Full-Time

New Directions; Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

New Directions Group is seeking a caring, resilient SEND Teaching Assistant to join an autism-specific All-Age school in Shirley. You will support pupils aged 4 to 7 in Early Years and Key Stage 1, providing personalised learning support and assisting with communication, independence and emotional regulation.

Role involves working with teachers and therapists, promoting safe and engaging learning, and contributing to observations and records.

Qualifications

• Experience with SEND or autism.
• Patient and empathetic approach to learning.
• Calm and resilient in challenging situations.
• Flexible and proactive in supporting development.
• Commitment to safeguarding and welfare of children.
• Willingness to undertake personal care duties as part of role.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• DBS Update Service or willingness to obtain one.
• Two satisfactory references (min 2 years).

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with autism and additional learning needs in classroom and outdoor settings.
• Collaborate with teachers and therapists on individualised learning plans.
• Promote communication using visual supports and alternative methods.
• Help pupils develop social, emotional and independence skills.
• Assist with behaviour support strategies for challenging behaviours.
• Support with personal care when needed with dignity and respect.
• Create a safe, nurturing learning environment.
• Contribute to observations and pupil progress records.
• Build positive relationships with pupils, parents and colleagues.

Skills

SEND experience

Patience

Resilience

Communication skills

Teamwork

Safeguarding

Personal care duties

Education

Teaching Assistant qualification

Learning Support 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

Join An Outstanding Team

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.