Teaching Assistant

SMART Education Recruitment; Bloxwich; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

SMART Education Recruitment in Walsall is seeking an experienced SEND Teaching Assistant to support pupils aged 7-18 with a range of additional learning needs. You can choose between regular full-time placements or flexible day-to-day cover, delivering consistent and tailored support in a specialist SEND setting.

You will work closely with teachers, therapists and support staff to help pupils access learning, develop communication and independence.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 months' experience supporting children or young people with SEND.
• Experience in a special school, SEND provision, or similar educational setting.
• Confidence supporting pupils with learning difficulties, autism, and communication needs.
• Patient, caring and resilient approach; adaptable to different pupils.

Responsibilities

• Supporting pupils with SEND and moderate learning difficulties.
• Providing 1:1 and small-group support.
• Assisting pupils with autism, communication difficulties, and behavioural needs.
• Promoting positive behaviour and engagement.
• Helping pupils access differentiated learning activities.
• Supporting communication and interaction.
• Encouraging independence and life skills.
• Assisting personal care and physical needs as required.
• Maintaining an inclusive, safe learning environment.

Skills

SEND experience

1:1 support

Small group support

Communication skills

Patience

Job description

Looking for a rewarding role where you can make a real difference every day?

If you are an experienced SEND Teaching Assistant, this opportunity in Walsall offers both consistency and flexibility. Whether you want regular full-time work or adaptable day-to-day assignments, you'll be able to choose the pattern that best suits your lifestyle and career aspirations.

What's in it for you?

• £95 per day
• Choose between full-time placements or flexible day-to-day cover
• Support pupils aged 7-18 with a range of additional learning needs
• Work in a well-established specialist SEND school
• Small class sizes with strong support from teaching assistants
• Develop your experience across different age groups and educational needs
• Work alongside experienced teachers and specialist professionals
• Opportunity to contribute to pupils' academic, emotional, and social development

The Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you'll collaborate with teachers and support staff to help pupils access learning, develop communication skills, and gain confidence and independence. No two days are the same, as every pupil has individual needs requiring calm, consistent, and tailored support.

• Supporting pupils with SEND and moderate learning difficulties
• Providing 1:1 and small-group support
• Assisting pupils with autism, communication difficulties, and behavioural needs
• Promoting positive behaviour and engagement
• Helping pupils access differentiated learning activities
• Supporting communication and interaction
• Encouraging independence and life skills
• Assisting personal care and physical needs as required
• Helping maintain an inclusive, safe learning environment

You'll work closely with teachers, therapists, and other professionals, following individual support and behaviour plans to ensure pupils reach their full potential.

Skills and Experience

Previous SEND experience is essential for this role. You need:

• A minimum of 6 months' experience supporting children or young people with SEND
• Experience within a special school, SEND provision, or similar educational environment
• Confidence in supporting pupils with learning difficulties, autism, and communication needs
• A patient, caring and resilient approach
• Ability to adapt to different pupils and support needs
• Enhanced Child & Adult DBS registered on the Update Service
• Satisfactory references covering your most recent 24 months

Experience with positive behaviour support, Makaton, or personal care is beneficial but not required. The school uses Team Teach behaviour management principles and has specialist communication expertise.

Full-Time or Day-to-Day Options

If you want the familiarity of working with the same pupils and staff every day, choose a full-time post. If flexibility is important to you, opt for day-day cover. Both options require you to be confident, adaptable and committed to helping young people develop their independence.

Location and Package

• Location: Walsall
• Pay: £95 per day
• Age Range: 7-18
• Opportunities: Full-time and day-time contracts

If you're ready to bring your SEND experience and passion for helping young people to a specialist educational environment, this Teaching Assistant role could be your next great step.