Teaching Assistant

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

Benefits offered by this job

Early Friday finish

Job summary

SMART Education Recruitment is seeking an experienced Teaching Assistant to support pupils aged 11–16 with SEMH needs in Cradley Heath. This full-time contract role offers daily pay of £95 and a Monday–Friday pattern with an early finish on Fridays (1:15pm). Start is ASAP once compliance checks are completed.

You will work with teaching and pastoral teams to deliver academic and emotional support in a specialist alternative provision setting, helping students re-engage with learning.

Qualifications

• At least 6 months’ relevant experience with children/young people.
• Strong background supporting SEMH needs and challenging behaviour.
• Experience in PRU, alternative provision, SEMH school, SEND, or similar.
• Confidence working with 11–16 age group.
• Effective behaviour management and de-escalation strategies.
• Patient, resilient and consistent approach.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support.
• Assist pupils with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour.
• Help pupils access and engage with lessons.
• Support emotional regulation and resilience.
• Identify triggers and respond appropriately.
• Apply positive behaviour management and de-escalation techniques.
• Maintain professional boundaries and structure in learning environments.
• Encourage confidence, independence and engagement with education.
• Support teachers with learning activities and interventions.
• Maintain a structured and supportive learning environment.

Skills

SEMH experience

Behaviour management

11–16 age group

DBS check ready

References 24 months

Compliance readiness

Education

Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant qualification

Job description

Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant seeking a rewarding opportunity to support young people with SEMH needs and challenging behaviours?

Join a specialist alternative provision in Cradley Heath, where you’ll play a crucial role in helping pupils aged 11–16 re-engage with education. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of students who have faced barriers in mainstream settings, this full-time, contract position offers excellent professional development and meaningful daily work.

What's in it for you?

• £95 per day
• Full-time Teaching Assistant role
• Monday to Friday working pattern
• Early finish at 1:15pm every Friday
• Start as soon as your compliance checks are completed
• Work in a specialist alternative provision setting
• Support pupils in smaller groups and 1:1 sessions
• Build expertise in SEMH and alternative education
• Collaborate with experienced teaching and pastoral professionals
• Experience the satisfaction of helping young people overcome barriers to learning

The Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you will collaborate with teaching and pastoral teams to deliver academic and emotional support. The young people you support may demonstrate SEMH needs, emotional dysregulation, and behaviours that challenge. You’ll help establish positive professional relationships, maintain clear boundaries, and use effective behaviour management techniques.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support
• Assist pupils with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour
• Help young people access and engage with lessons
• Support emotional regulation and resilience
• Identify triggers and respond appropriately
• Apply positive behaviour management and de-escalation strategies
• Maintain consistent, professional boundaries
• Encourage confidence, independence, and engagement with education
• Support teachers with learning activities and interventions
• Help maintain a structured and supportive learning environment

Skills and Experience

Specialist experience is essential for this position.

You must have:

• At least 6 months’ relevant experience working with children or young people
• Strong background supporting pupils with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour
• Experience in a PRU, alternative provision, SEMH school, SEND, or similar
• Confidence working with the 11–16 age group
• Effective behaviour management and de-escalation strategies
• Patient, resilient, and consistent approach
• Strong relationship-building and teamwork skills
• A genuine desire to help young people succeed
• Enhanced Child DBS registered on the Update Service or willingness for one to be processed
• Satisfactory references covering your recent 24 months
• Ability to work through compliance checks promptly
• Availability to start immediately once compliant

A Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification is advantageous but not essential where substantial relevant experience is evidenced.

Location and Package

• Location: Cradley Heath
• Position: Teaching Assistant – SEMH / Alternative Provision
• Pay: £95 per day
• Age Group: 11–16
• Working Pattern: Full-time, Monday to Friday
• Friday Finish: 1:15pm
• Start: ASAP once compliant

If you have the specialist skills and experience required, and you are available to start promptly, this is your opportunity to make a genuine difference in an alternative provision setting. Your resilience, relationship-building skills, and dedication will help young people overcome barriers and build brighter futures.