Teaching Assistant

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

Job summary

SMART Education Recruitment is seeking a SEN Teaching Assistant in the Lichfield area to support pupils with SEND across schools and specialist settings. Roles vary from temporary to long-term, with full-time, part-time, and flexible options to suit different patterns of work.

Ideal candidates have at least 6 months experience with SEND and a calm, patient approach. An enhanced DBS is preferred or willingness to obtain one, with references covering the last 24 months.

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.
• Good teamwork and communication skills.
• Enhanced DBS on Update Service or willingness to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Help pupils feel secure, understood, and ready to engage with their education.
• Work with individual pupils and small groups on structured tasks.
• Assist pupils with communication, choices, feelings, and needs.
• Follow EHCP targets and support plans.
• Record observations and share progress with teaching staff.
• Support transitions and promote independence.

Skills

Experience with SEND

Teamwork

Communication skills

Calm under pressure

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