Specialist SEND TA

Smile Education; Wolverhampton; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Smile Education is recruiting an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant for a welcoming specialist primary school in Wolverhampton. This full-time, long-term role requires supporting children with a range of complex needs and working closely with a dedicated team to deliver tailored learning experiences.

The school emphasises a nurturing, inclusive environment, with smaller class sizes and a focus on academic progress, social development and emotional wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with SEND (Autism, ADHD, SEMH, sensory needs, physical needs).
• Strong behaviour management with positive strategies.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support to primary-aged pupils with diverse SEN.
• Support children with ASD, ADHD, SEMH, sensory and physical needs.
• One-to-one and small-group support to aid learning and development.
• Assist the class teacher with engaging, differentiated activities.
• Demonstrate positive behaviour strategies to encourage engagement and self-regulation.
• Support pupils' communication, social skills and independence.
• Maintain a safe, structured classroom environment.
• Collaborate with teachers and other Teaching Assistants.
• Be flexible and adapt to changing classroom needs.

Skills

SEND experience

Behaviour management

One-to-one support

Team collaboration

Education

Level 2 qualification in Teaching Assistant studies

Job description

Location: Wolverhampton
Start Date: ASAP
Contract: Full-time, long-term (potentially for the full academic year)
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

About the Role

Smile Education is currently recruiting on behalf of a welcoming and supportive specialist SEN primary school in Wolverhampton for an experienced Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant to join their team as soon as possible. The school benefits from excellent transport links from Wolverhampton, Dudley and Bridgnorth, making it an accessible opportunity for candidates across the surrounding areas. The school caters for children aged 2–11 with a wide range of additional needs that cannot always be met within a mainstream setting. Through a flexible pathways approach, the school tailors its curriculum to meet each child's individual needs, abilities and developmental goals. Its nurturing ethos focuses on the whole child, supporting academic progress, social development, emotional wellbeing and self-esteem. The school encourages pupils to develop independence, learn to self-regulate and approach new challenges with a positive, can-do attitude. This is a busy and rewarding opportunity for a passionate, proactive and experienced SEN Teaching Assistant who is confident supporting children with a range of complex and additional needs. The successful candidate must be willing to get stuck in, work collaboratively with the wider school team and help create a positive, engaging and inclusive learning environment. Class sizes are smaller to ensure pupils receive the support they need to thrive, with a dedicated teacher and multiple Teaching Assistants in each classroom.

The Role and Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support to primary-aged pupils with a wide range of special educational needs.
• Support children with Autism (ASD), ADHD, SEMH, sensory needs and physical disabilities.
• Work on a one-to-one basis and with small groups to support individual learning and development.
• Assist the class teacher in delivering engaging and differentiated learning activities.
• Demonstrate strong behaviour management skills, using positive strategies to encourage engagement and self-regulation.
• Support pupils' communication, social skills, emotional development and independence.
• Help maintain a safe, structured and positive classroom environment.
• Work proactively as part of a larger team, collaborating with teachers and fellow Teaching Assistants.
• Adapt to the changing needs of pupils and the classroom, demonstrating flexibility and initiative throughout the school day.

Essential Requirements

• A minimum Level 2 qualification in Teaching Assistant studies, childcare or a relevant equivalent qualification.
• Strong knowledge and experience of supporting children with SEND.
• Previous experience working with children with a range of additional needs, including autism, ADHD, SEMH, sensory and physical needs.
• Confident behaviour management skills and the ability to implement positive behaviour strategies.
• Ability to provide effective one-to-one support and work independently when required.
• A positive, patient and proactive approach.
• Willingness to become fully involved in school life and work effectively as part of a wider team.
• Ability to commit to a full-time, long-term position.
• An enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply for a new enhanced DBS through Smile Education.
• Satisfactory references and completion of all required safeguarding and compliance checks.

Why Apply?

• Join a supportive and welcoming specialist primary school.
• Work in smaller classes with a dedicated teacher and a team of Teaching Assistants.
• Make a meaningful difference to the education, confidence and independence of children with additional needs.
• Develop your specialist SEND experience in a nurturing and inclusive environment.
• Benefit from excellent transport links across Wolverhampton, Dudley and Bridgnorth.
• Secure a rewarding, long-term opportunity with the potential to continue throughout the academic year.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant who is passionate about helping children with additional needs achieve their full potential, Smile Education would love to hear from you. We are looking for someone who brings enthusiasm, resilience, flexibility and a genuine commitment to supporting children with SEND.

ref: SM1TAM

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