Teaching Assistant

SMART Education Recruitment; Alvecote; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

SMART Education Recruitment is seeking an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant to support children aged 2–11 with diverse needs in a specialist SEND primary setting in Tamworth.

You’ll work closely with teachers to deliver tailored support and help pupils communicate, participate and develop independence.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 months SEN experience in schools or settings.
• Experience supporting children with autism, learning difficulties, or complex needs.
• Enhanced DBS registered on Update Service (essential).
• References covering the most recent 2 years of employment/academic history (essential).
• Willingness to assist with personal care when required.
• Ability to follow EHCPs and adapt strategies.
• Desirable: PECS, Makaton, TEACCH, sensory learning approaches.

Responsibilities

• Support children aged 2–11 with SEND, including autism and learning difficulties.
• Deliver 1:1 and small group interventions.
• Adapt learning activities to individual needs, including sensory and play-based approaches.
• Assist with communication development using visuals, symbols or alternative methods.
• Encourage independence, basic life skills and social participation.
• Support positive behaviour and emotional regulation.
• Collaborate with teachers and staff to maintain a safe, nurturing environment.
• Provide care and support with physical needs as required.

Skills

SEN experience

Communication

Teamwork

Personal care support

Education

Level 2/3 TA qualification (desirable)

Job description

Are you an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant who wants to make a real difference in the lives of children with additional needs?

This opportunity allows you to work within a specialist primary school environment in Tamworth, supporting children aged 2-11 who have diverse Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). If you are passionate about helping children develop communication, independence, and confidence, this rewarding role could be the perfect next step in your career.

What's in it for you?

• Work as a Teaching Assistant within a specialist SEND primary setting
• Full-time and flexible day-to-day opportunities to suit your availability
• Immediate starts available (pending compliance)
• Small class sizes and strong support from experienced professionals
• Develop your SEN skills and knowledge
• Support children with a range of complex and additional needs

The Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you will collaborate closely with teachers and specialist staff to deliver individualised support to pupils. The school recognises that every child's journey is unique, and you will be key in providing the patience, encouragement, and consistency children need to reach their potential.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Supporting children aged 2-11 with SEND, including autism, moderate and severe learning difficulties, sensory needs, and complex additional needs
• Delivering 1:1 and small group interventions
• Adapting learning activities to suit individual needs, including sensory and play-based approaches
• Assisting with communication development, using visual aids, symbols, and alternative communication methods when required
• Encouraging independence, basic life skills, and participation in social activities
• Supporting positive behaviour and emotional regulation
• Collaborating with teaching professionals and promoting a safe, nurturing environment
• Providing care and support with physical needs or personal care as required

Skills and Experience

To succeed in this role, you must have:

• A minimum of 6 months' relevant SEN experience in schools or similar settings
• Experience supporting children with autism, learning difficulties, or complex needs
• A clear understanding of how SEND affects learning and communication
• A patient, compassionate, and adaptable approach to supporting children
• Ability to follow individual learning plans (EHCPs) and adapt strategies
• Enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service (essential)
• References covering your most recent 2 years of employment and/or academic history (essential)
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Willingness to assist with personal care when required

Holding a Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant/Support qualification is desirable but not essential. Experience with PECS, Makaton, TEACCH, sensory learning, or other special communication approaches is advantageous.

About the Opportunity

• Location: Tamworth
• Role: SEN Teaching Assistant
• Working Pattern: Both full-time and supply day-to-day
• Start Date: November 2026 (subject to compliance)