Specialist SEND Teaching Assistant

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

Job summary

Calthorpe Academy in Birmingham is seeking a dedicated Level 2 Teaching Assistant to support children with SEND from September 2026. The role involves 1:1 or small-group support, helping pupils access learning and develop independence through close collaboration with teachers and the wider team.

Experience in education, care or support roles is valued, with a focus on ASC, SLD, PMLD and challenging behaviour. The position is on-site and long-term, with the potential for permanent placement.

Qualifications

• Level 2 TA qualification or equivalent.
• Experience working with children or young people, ideally SEND.
• Patient, caring and approachable.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils 1:1 or in small groups.
• Assist teachers with engaging learning activities.
• Provide support for pupils with SEND and complex needs.
• Help develop communication, social and independence skills.
• Promote a safe, inclusive learning environment.
• Assist with personal care when required.
• Encourage participation in classroom and school activities.
• Build positive relationships with pupils and staff.
• Collaborate with teachers, support staff and professionals.

Skills

Level 2 TA

SEND experience

Patient

Team player

Safeguarding

Education

Level 2 TA qualification

Job description

Specialist SEND Teaching Assistant - Level 2 | Calthorpe Academy

Location: Calthorpe Academy, Birmingham
Daily Rate: £92.56-£105 per day, depending on experience and qualifications
Start Date:October 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 Level 2 Teaching Assistant looking for a rewarding opportunity supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)?

We are working with Calthorpe Academy, a specialist school in Birmingham, to recruit a dedicated and compassionate Teaching Assistant to join their team from September 2026.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Support Worker, or someone with a background in care who is looking to develop their career within specialist education.

The School and Role

Calthorpe Academy is a specialist setting supporting learners aged 2-19 with a range of complex learning needs, including Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) and Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC).

As a Level 2 Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and the wider support team to help pupils access learning, develop independence and make progress both academically and personally.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Supporting pupils on a 1:1 or small-group basis.

• Assisting teachers with the delivery of engaging learning activities.

• Providing support for pupils with a range of SEND and complex needs.

• Helping pupils develop communication, social and independence skills.

• Supporting positive behaviour and helping pupils regulate their emotions.

• Assisting with personal care and other individual support needs where required.

• Encouraging pupils to participate in classroom and wider school activities.

• Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils.

• Working effectively with teachers, support staff and external professionals.

• Maintaining a safe, inclusive and nurturing learning environment.

The role can be physically and emotionally demanding at times, so resilience, patience and a calm approach are essential.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who is:

• Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualified or holds an equivalent relevant qualification.

• Experienced working with children or young people, ideally within education, SEND, care or support work.

• Patient, caring and approachable.

• Confident supporting pupils with additional needs.

• Able to remain calm and consistent when faced with challenging situations.

• A strong team player who can work closely with teachers and other professionals.

• Reliable, proactive and willing to learn.

• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Experience supporting pupils with ASC, SLD, PMLD, complex needs or challenging behaviour would be highly desirable, although candidates with transferable experience from care, youth work, sports coaching or other support roles are also encouraged to apply.

Why Work on Supply?

Working through Vision for Education gives you the opportunity to gain valuable experience within specialist settings while being s