Teaching Assistant

SMART Education Recruitment; Fradley; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

SMART Education Recruitment is seeking a SEN Teaching Assistant to support children with additional needs across Lichfield and surrounding areas. The role offers flexible, full-time or part-time assignments, with opportunities to work in schools and specialist settings.

You will help pupils feel secure, assist with communication and learning tasks, and support EHCP targets while adapting to diverse needs and environments. Experience with SEND is valued.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 months' experience with children or young people with SEND.
• Experience in a school, specialist provision, or similar education environment.
• Understanding of Autism and additional learning needs.
• Experience with complex needs, SLD, or PMLD beneficial for some roles.
• Ability to remain calm, patient, and consistent.
• Confidence adapting communication to individual pupils.
• Willingness to get involved in all aspects of school life.
• Good teamwork and communication skills.
• A Teaching Assistant or SEND qualification is advantageous, but suitable experience is valued.
• References covering your most recent 24 months.
• Enhanced Child DBS on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside individual pupils throughout their school day.
• Support small groups with structured learning tasks.
• Help pupils communicate choices, feelings, and needs.
• Break learning into manageable steps.
• Use visual timetables, sensory resources, or alternative communication methods.
• Support children with Autism and various learning needs.
• Assist pupils with transitions or changes to routine.
• Encourage self-help skills and greater independence.
• Promote positive behaviour and regulation strategies.
• Record observations and share progress with teaching staff.
• Follow individual EHCP targets and support plans.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Patience

Calmness

Adaptability

Education

Teaching Assistant or SEND qualification

Job description

Are you passionate about supporting children with additional needs and celebrating their progress, no matter how big or small? Join rewarding schools and specialist education settings across Lichfield as a SEN Teaching Assistant.

Each child learns differently, so your ability to adapt, build trusting relationships, and recognise meaningful milestones - whether academic, social, or practical - is highly valued. If you enjoy helping pupils communicate, gain independence, and manage transitions, this could be the next step in your career.

This opportunity is perfect for experienced SEN Teaching Assistants seeking regular work, as well as those who prefer more flexibility in their working patterns.

What's in it for you?

• A choice of full-time, part-time, and flexible assignments
• Long-term positions and shorter-term cover
• Opportunities to support SEND and specialist settings
• Experience across different ages and levels of need
• Broaden your knowledge of diverse SEND approaches
• Make a genuine impact on pupils' day-to-day wellbeing and progress

The Role

Your focus will be to help pupils feel secure, understood, and ready to engage with their education. Depending on the needs, you may:

• Work alongside individual pupils throughout their school day
• Support small groups with structured learning tasks
• Help pupils communicate choices, feelings, and needs
• Break learning into manageable steps
• Use visual timetables, sensory resources, or alternative communication methods
• Support children with Autism and various learning needs
• Work with those with SLD, PMLD, or complex needs
• Assist pupils with transitions or changes to routine
• Encourage self-help skills and greater independence
• Promote positive behaviour and regulation strategies
• Record observations and share progress with teaching staff
• Follow individual EHCP targets and support plans

Skills and Experience

• Minimum 6 months' experience with children or young people with SEND
• Experience in a school, specialist provision, or similar education environment
• Understanding of Autism and additional learning needs
• Experience with complex needs, SLD, or PMLD beneficial for some roles
• Ability to remain calm, patient, and consistent
• Confidence adapting communication to individual pupils
• Willingness to get involved in all aspects of school life
• Good teamwork and communication skills
• A Teaching Assistant or SEND qualification is advantageous, but suitable experience is valued
• References covering your most recent 24 months
• Enhanced Child DBS on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one

Location and Package

• Lichfield and surrounding areas
• Opportunities starting from October 2026
• Temporary, contract, and long-term assignments available
• Full-time, part-time, and flexible work options

If you understand that the smallest achievements can often be the most significant milestones for a child, this role offers a chance to make a real difference in their educational journey.