Teaching Assistant

SMART Education Recruitment; Dudley; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

SMART Education Recruitment is seeking a dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant for a full-time, long-term contract in Dudley. You will support pupils with complex needs, 1:1 and small-group work, helping them access tailored activities and develop life skills.

You will join a supportive team of teachers and SEND professionals, with DBS checks required and October 2026 start. This role offers stability and the chance to make a meaningful difference in students' everyday learning and independence.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEND in a school setting.
• Minimum 6 months in a school or specialist environment.
• Ability to deliver 1:1 and small-group support.
• Comfortable fostering communication and independence.
• DBS checks and references available.

Responsibilities

• Deliver 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with complex SEND.
• Adapt resources and activities to individual needs.
• Encourage engagement and participation in lessons.
• Support development of independence and life skills.
• Work with class teacher and SEND team.
• Follow EHCPs and safety policies.
• Monitor pupil progress and engagement.

Skills

SEND experience

1:1 support

Small-group support

Communication

Patience

Behaviour management

Job description

SEN Teaching Assistant

Location: Dudley

Job Type: Full-Time | Long-Term | Contract

Start Date: October 2026

Are you passionate about making a transformative impact in the lives of children and young people with special educational needs? If you thrive on supporting pupils with complex needs and value the power of specialist education, this SEN Teaching Assistant position in Dudley offers a truly rewarding career move.

What’s in it for you?

• Opportunities to gain invaluable experience supporting a diverse range of complex needs, including SLD, PMLD, Autism, physical disabilities, and more.
• Full-time, long-term contract offering stability and the chance to establish strong relationships within your setting.
• Work collaboratively with experienced teachers and SEND professionals who will support your development.
• Rewarding daily work helping students develop essential life skills, confidence, and independence.
• Play an active role in a setting where no two days – and no two pupils – are ever the same.
• Contribute meaningfully to every milestone and achievement, not just academic progress but also communication and engagement.

The Role

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will support pupils with a range of severe and complex needs. You’ll work 1:1 and in small groups, helping each student access carefully tailored activities. Alongside academic support, you’ll foster communication, engagement, social skills and independence. The role offers the chance to be creative and adaptable in your approach, responding to each pupil’s unique ways of learning.

Responsibilities

• Deliver 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with complex SEND.
• Support access to personalised learning and help adapt resources and activities.
• Encourage engagement and interaction in lessons and school activities.
• Promote the development of independence and everyday life skills.
• Assist with social, emotional, sensory, and communication-based needs as required.
• Work closely with the class teacher and the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Follow individual EHCPs and support plans.
• Help maintain a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment.
• Support the monitoring and recording of pupil progress and engagement.
• Uphold safeguarding procedures and school policies at all times.

Skills and Experience

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with SEND is essential.
• At least 6 months’ experience in a school or specialist education environment.
• Confidence in providing both 1:1 and small-group support.
• Patience, resilience, and a compassionate approach to behaviour and learning.
• Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils and colleagues.
• Understanding of highly personalised teaching approaches.
• Valid enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one.
• Ability to provide references covering your most recent 24 months.

This opportunity will ideally suit SEN Teaching Assistants who value celebrating every achievement – from improved engagement to remarkable steps in independence or learning. If you are motivated by seeing pupils develop essential life and communication skills, and want to play a positive, active role within specialist education, apply to take your career further.

Satisfactory DBS checks and references are required. The ability to start in October 2026 is essential. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding next steps