Teaching Assistant Level 2 - Fixed Term Contract

Teaching Vacancies; Smith's Wood; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational trust in the UK is seeking a Level 2 Teaching Assistant on a fixed-term basis. The role involves supporting autistic learners and furthering their development. Ideal candidates will have prior teaching experience, specifically in SEND settings, and must hold an NVQ Level 2 qualification. The position promises a supportive work environment and various opportunities for professional growth, along with benefits like a pension scheme and access to mental health resources.

Benefits

Teacher Pension

Paid health cash plan

Comprehensive induction support

Personal & professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Previous teaching experience and skills of working with children in KS2, KS3 or KS4.
• Previous experience working with children in SEND settings.
• Must hold NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification for Teaching Assistants.

Responsibilities

• Enthuse and engage autistic learners.
• Support pupils to develop and reach their potential.

Skills

Teaching experience with children

Experience with children with special needs

Interpersonal skills

Ability to engage with autistic learners

Education

NVQ Level 2 for Teaching Assistants

Job description

Job Title & Location

Level 2 Teaching Assistant – Fixed Term until 31/8/2026

Grade D plus SEN Allowance

The Heights Academy, Auckland Drive, Solihull, B36 0DD

32.5 Hours Per Week, Term Time Only (39 Weeks Per Year), Permanent Basis

Start Date: ASAP

About Forward Education Trust

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 it offers a unique and exciting opportunity to be part of the next stage of growth and development.

We currently cater for Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 pupils, with plans to grow to 116 pupils across Key Stage 2, 3 and 4. All of our pupils have an EHCP with a diagnosis of Autism.

Responsibilities

• Enthuse and engage autistic learners.
• Support pupils to develop and reach their potential.

Qualifications

• Previous teaching experience and skills of working with children in KS2, KS3 or KS4.
• Previous experience working with children in SEND settings.
• Previous experience working with children with Autism.
• Must hold a NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification for Teaching Assistants and be able to evidence this.

What We Offer

• A commitment to support your development through a wide range of professional development opportunities and experiences.
• Opportunity to make a huge contribution to the education and lives of children who respond positively to high quality teaching and support.
• A friendly and inclusive working environment.
• Benefits: Teacher Pension or Support Staff Local Government Pension – Employer Contribution.
• FET HUB – information all in one place, access to a range of benefits.
• Paid 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 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 support for individual staff needs.
• 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.

You Will Offer Us

• Your considerable skill as an outstanding Teaching Assistant who has experience of working with children with special needs.
• Your commitment to engaging and inspiring our pupils, and the ability to make a real difference to their learning and general well-being.
• Your flexibility, commitment and excellent interpersonal skills.

Application Process

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

Closing date: 11th January 2026
Interview Date: 12th January 2026

Eligibility and Checks

All applications must be submitted using the official Forward Education Trust application forms; CVs will not be accepted in place of an application form.

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. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and related amendments, is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and requires fluent spoken English.

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

Safeguarding

Forward Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All staff, volunteers, and trustees share this commitment. The recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to checks such as: child care disqualification, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), medical check, online and social media prohibition, right to work, satisfactory references, suitability to work with children. Applicants must disclose any unspent conviction, caution, reprimand or warning under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exclusions Order 1975).