Teaching Assistant - Burntwood

Aspire People; Stafford; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspire People is seeking a confident and compassionate Teaching Assistant for a KS1 setting in the Stafford area. The role combines morning 1:1 SEMH and behavioural support with afternoon class-based assistance to the teacher and pupils.

The ideal candidate will have experience with primary-aged children, a calm approach to challenging situations, and an Enhanced DBS. You must have the right to work in the UK and be ready to work within a supportive school community.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting primary-aged children, especially with behavioural or emotional needs.
• Ability to stay composed, patient and professional when situations become challenging.
• Understanding of positive behaviour management and consistency.
• Ability to work independently with a pupil while following agreed support strategies.
• Flexible approach to switch between 1:1 and classroom-based responsibilities.
• Strong communication and genuine interest in helping children learn.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Provide consistent one-to-one support for a pupil experiencing SEMH and behavioural difficulties.
• Help the pupil recognise and manage their emotions, using agreed strategies to encourage self-regulation.
• Identify potential triggers and respond appropriately to challenging situations, following the school's guidance.
• Encourage engagement with lessons, classroom routines and appropriate social interactions.
• Build trust with the pupil while maintaining clear boundaries and realistic expectations.
• Support transitions throughout the morning, helping the pupil feel settled and ready to learn.
• Communicate effectively with the class teacher and other staff to maintain a consistent approach.
• Move into a class-based role during the afternoon, assisting with planned lessons and everyday classroom activities.
• Provide additional guidance to pupils who need help understanding tasks or staying focused.
• Contribute to a positive classroom atmosphere where pupils feel encouraged to participate and develop their independence.

Skills

SEMH awareness

Behaviour management

Calm under pressure

Independent working

Strong communication

Education

Enhanced DBS

Right to work in the UK

Job description

Key Stage 1 Teaching Assistant

Role: Teaching Assistant
Key Stage: KS1
Setting: Mainstream primary school
Focus: Individual SEMH and behavioural support in the mornings, followed by class-based support in the afternoons.

The role

We are working with a local Primary School that are recruiting for a confident and compassionate Teaching Assistant who can make a positive difference to a pupil requiring additional support with their social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) and behaviour.

The mornings will focus on supporting an individual pupil, helping them navigate the school day, manage their emotions and engage with learning. This will require someone who can remain calm when faced with challenging situations, recognise potential triggers and use appropriate strategies to encourage positive behaviour.

In the afternoons, the role will move into a more general classroom-based position, supporting the class teacher and assisting other pupils with their learning. This variety makes the role particularly suited to someone who enjoys building strong relationships with children but is equally happy contributing to the wider classroom.

What the role involves

• Provide consistent one-to-one support for a pupil experiencing SEMH and behavioural difficulties.
• Help the pupil recognise and manage their emotions, using agreed strategies to encourage self-regulation.
• Identify potential triggers and respond appropriately to challenging situations, following the school's guidance.
• Encourage engagement with lessons, classroom routines and appropriate social interactions.
• Build trust with the pupil while maintaining clear boundaries and realistic expectations.
• Support transitions throughout the morning, helping the pupil feel settled and ready to learn.
• Communicate effectively with the class teacher and other relevant staff to maintain a consistent approach.
• Move into a class-based role during the afternoon, assisting with planned lessons and everyday classroom activities.
• Provide additional guidance to pupils who need help understanding tasks or staying focused.
• Contribute to a positive classroom atmosphere where pupils feel encouraged to participate and develop their independence.

What we are looking for

• Experience supporting primary-aged children, particularly those with behavioural or emotional needs.
• Someone who can stay composed, patient and professional when situations become challenging.
• An understanding of positive behaviour management and the importance of consistency.
• The confidence to work independently with a pupil while following agreed support strategies.
• A flexible approach and the ability to switch between individual and classroom-based responsibilities.
• Strong communication skills and a genuine interest in helping children overcome barriers to learning.
• An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one through the agency.
• The right to work in the UK.

Why consider this role?

This position offers the opportunity to develop valuable experience in SEMH and behaviour support while remaining involved in mainstream primary education. It would suit a Teaching Assistant who enjoys seeing the progress that can come from consistent, individualised support and wants to contribute to the wider school community throughout the day.

Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. Aspire People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects every candidate to share this commitment. Placements are subject, to appropriate Child Protection screening, including checks with former employers and the Disclosure and Barring Checks.