Teaching Assistant Level 2

Teaching Vacancies; Smith's Wood; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in the UK is looking for a Level 2 Teaching Assistant to support autistic learners at The Heights Academy. The role involves working with children in KS2 and KS3 to help them reach their potential. The successful candidate must have experience in SEND settings and hold an NVQ Level 2 qualification. Benefits include professional development opportunities and a supportive working environment.

Benefits

Local Government Pension

Paid Health Cash Plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Must be qualified to NVQ Level 2 for Teaching Assistants or equivalent.
• Experience working with children in KS2, KS3 or KS4.
• Experience in SEND settings and supporting children with Autism.

Responsibilities

• Support and engage autistic learners.
• Contribute to the development and growth of the pupils.
• Work collaboratively with education staff.

Skills

Previous teaching experience

Skills in working with children

Experience with Autism

Education

NVQ Level 2 for Teaching Assistants or equivalent

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

Level 2 Teaching Assistant Grade D plus SEN Allowance, The Heights Academy, Auckland Drive, Solihull, B36 0DD, 32.5 Hours Per Week, Permanent, Term Time Only (39 Weeks Per Year), Start Date - ASAP

Forward Education Trust is an established MAT of six special schools based in the West Midlands, covering areas in Sandwell, Birmingham and Solihull. The Heights Academy opened in September 2023 in a brand‑new build, and this is a unique and exciting opportunity to be part of the next stage of the journey of growth and development. Initially we are open to pupils in Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3, but over time, will grow to cater for 116 pupils across Key Stage 2, 3 and 4. All of our pupils have an EHCP with a diagnosis of Autism.

We are looking for highly effective, creative and inspirational Teaching Assistants who will be able to enthuse and engage our autistic learners and support them to develop and reach their potential. The successful candidate will have:

• Previous teaching experience and skills of working with children in KS2, KS3 or KS4.
• Previous experience of working with children in SEND settings.
• Previous experience of working with children with Autism.

All applications must be qualified to NVQ Level 2 for Teaching Assistants or equivalent and be able to evidence this.

We can offer you:

• A commitment to support you in developing new skills through a wide range of professional development opportunities and experiences.
• The opportunity to make a huge contribution to the education and lives of children who respond very positively to high quality teaching and support.
• A friendly and inclusive working environment.

What the school offers its staff

As an employee of Forward Education Trust you will have access to a range of benefits to help our staff on a personal and professional level, which includes:

• Support Staff Local Government Pension – Employer Contribution
• FET HUB – information all in one place, access to a range of benefits
• Paid for Health Cash Plan – employee and dependent children benefit – option to add partner
• Employee Questionnaire – Consultation with staff on a range of issues and ideas
• Salary sacrifice scheme – Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to the NHS approved Thrive App – to support mental health & well‑being
• Comprehensive induction and probation support and an ongoing performance management & appraisal system
• Easy purchase scheme (salary deduction) – Smart Tech in association with Currys
• Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme – free, totally confidential advice, with face‑to‑face consultations
• Personal & professional learning & development – including FLICK online learning and other resources
• Access to discounts and offers from Reward Gateway and My Perks
• Occupational Health Service – accessible to support the needs of individual staff
• Staff recognition – e‑cards to celebrate success among colleagues
• Mental Health First Aiders
• Policies being developed to support positive health & well‑being: Family Friendly Working, Special Leave of Absence, Flexible Working, Menopause
• A commitment to develop new ideas to show we really value what you do for our children

Further details about the role

For more information, and to request an application pack, please contact [e-mail]

Closing date: 5th January 2026. Interview Date: 12th January 2026.

The Trust may review applications upon receipt and may call applicants for interview prior to the advert closing date. Therefore, you are encouraged to make an early application for this role, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date.

Please note that only fully completed Forward Education Trust Application forms will be accepted; we will not read accompanying Curriculum Vitae (CV) or accept them in place of an application form.

If you do not hear from the school within 14 days of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been shortlisted. The successful applicants will require an enhanced DBS check and will be subject to relevant pre‑employment checks.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and therefore the ability to speak fluent spoken English is an essential requirement for this role.

An online search will also be carried out for all shortlisted candidates.

Commitment to safeguarding

Forward Education Trust is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate must promote this ethos. The successful candidate will be subject to all necessary pre‑employment checks, including enhanced DBS; Prohibition check; Childcare Disqualification; qualifications, medical fitness; identity and right to work and two references.

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children. You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.