Teaching Assistant

We are looking for committed and compassionate Teaching Assistants to join a dedicated SEN school in Handsworth. This is a full-time opportunity to support children and young people with a wide range of special educational needs, including autism, learning difficulties, communication challenges, and social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH).

As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in helping pupils access learning, regulate emotions, and build confidence. You will work closely with teachers and other professionals to deliver a personalised, supportive, and inclusive educational experience.

• Provide in-class support for pupils with a variety of SEN needs
• Work 1:1 or in small groups to assist with learning activities
• Support pupils with emotional regulation, behaviour, and engagement
• Assist with personal care routines where required
• Promote pupil independence, communication, and life skills
• Contribute to a safe, positive and inclusive classroom environment
• Collaborate with teaching staff and therapists to deliver tailored support
• Record observations and report on progress and concerns

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with special educational needs (in a school, care or support setting)
• Patience, empathy and a strong commitment to helping every child succeed
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• A calm, flexible and proactive approach to daily challenges
• Understanding of safeguarding and the needs of vulnerable children
• Experience supporting pupils with autism, SEMH or complex needs
• Relevant training or qualifications (e.g. Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant, Team Teach, Makaton, etc.)

Zest Education are an APSCo audited agency and are dedicated to safeguarding children. All candidates must hold an enhanced DBS (or allow us to process one for you) and be registered to the DBS Update Service, be able to provide references to cover the last two years and successfully pass all other necessary safeguarding checks prior to clearance for work.

Salary is dependent on experience, training, or qualifications. The minimum experience, training, or qualifications required for this position are recent school-based experience (within the last 5 years within a school that teaches the British Curriculum) and/or care-based experience within the last 5 years.

The role advertised is for temporary supply work.