Teaching Assistant in Fitness (SEND) needed in Birmingham

Aspire People; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspire People is seeking a Fitness Teaching Assistant to support post-16 students with SEND in a south Birmingham setting. You will assist with structured fitness sessions, gym-based activities and wellbeing programmes, tailoring activities to individual needs and ensuring safe engagement in exercise.

Working closely with teachers, you’ll help deliver personalised learning plans, promote emotional regulation, and foster independence, confidence and teamwork among learners.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young people or adults with SEND, SEMH, or ASD.
• Passion for fitness, sport, or physical wellbeing.
• Calm, patient and encouraging approach with behavioural needs.
• Strong communication and relationship-building with students and staff.
• Flexible, proactive attitude to support vulnerable learners.

Responsibilities

• Support students aged 16+ in gym-based activities, sports, and wellbeing programmes.
• Adapt activities to meet individual needs and ensure safe access to exercise.
• Work with staff to deliver personalised learning and development plans.
• Promote positive behaviour, emotional regulation and social interaction through activity.
• Encourage independence, confidence and teamwork among learners.

Skills

Experience with SEND

Passion for fitness

Communication skills

Patience and empathy

Behaviour support awareness

Job description

Teaching Assistant in Fitness (SEND) needed in south Birmingham ASAP

Location: Harborne, Birmingham

Hours: Full-time

Contract: Maternity Cover

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Are you passionate about fitness, wellbeing, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people with additional needs? We are seeking an enthusiastic and supportive Fitness Teaching Assistant to work with post-16 students with SEND, including Autism, SEMH needs, and associated learning difficulties.

This is a rewarding opportunity to support young people as they develop confidence, independence, and physical wellbeing through tailored fitness and activity-based learning in a specialist setting. You will play a key role in helping students engage in practical sessions that promote both physical health and emotional regulation.

About the Role:

• Support students aged 16+ in structured fitness sessions, including gym-based activities, sports, and wellbeing programmes.
• Adapt activities to meet individual needs, ensuring all students can access and engage in physical exercise safely.
• Work closely with teaching staff to deliver personalised learning and development plans.
• Promote positive behaviour, emotional regulation, and social interaction through physical activity.
• Encourage independence, confidence, and teamwork among learners.

Requirements:

• Experience working with young people or adults with SEND, particularly SEMH and/or ASD.
• A passion for fitness, sport, or physical wellbeing.
• A calm, patient, and encouraging approach, especially when supporting students with behavioural needs.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with students and staff.
• A proactive and flexible attitude, with a genuine commitment to supporting vulnerable learners.

Desirable:

• Relevant fitness qualifications (e.g. Level 2 Gym Instructor, Coaching Awards) or experience in sports/fitness settings.
• Experience within an SEN or post-16 educational provision.
• Knowledge of behaviour support strategies, trauma-informed practice, or de-escalation techniques (e.g. Team Teach).

If you are looking for a role where you can combine your passion for fitness with supporting young people to achieve their full potential, we would love to hear from you.

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