Student Support Assistant

Smile Education are proud to be supporting a small, welcoming specialist SEND primary school in Wolverhampton in their search for a dedicated and resilient Teaching Assistant to join their team on a full-time basis.

This role is to start as soon as possible and will run until the end of the summer term, with the potential to continue into the new academic year for the right candidate.

You will be supporting a Year 5 student who is not classroom-based, helping them to engage with and complete work set by the teacher. The child requires consistent support, encouragement, and positive reinforcement throughout the day. You will work closely alongside another Teaching Assistant to ensure the child’s individual needs are met. Strong communication skills are essential—not only when working with staff but also in building a trusting and supportive relationship with the pupil.

• A calm, patient, and nurturing approach
• Strong behaviour management skills
• The ability to de‑escalate challenging situations effectively
• Full attention and vigilance, with a sole focus on the child throughout the school day
• A commitment to maintaining a positive and structured learning environment

• Has recent experience in a similar role within the last 2 years
• Holds a relevant qualification (essential)
• Has proven experience supporting behaviour and de‑escalation strategies
• Works well as part of a team and communicates effectively
• Experience with in a children’s residential setting or alternative provision is highly desirable

Please note:

Candidates without a relevant qualification or recent, similar experience will not be shortlisted.

• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one through Smile Education
• Right to work in the UK
• References covering the past 2 years, at least one commenting on your interaction with children.
• Able to attend a registration to complete safeguarding and compliance checks
• Able to meet with the school ASAP

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference in a child’s educational journey within a supportive and positive school environment. For the right candidate, there is the potential for this role to extend into the next academic year.

If you are passionate about supporting children with additional needs and have the skills and experience required, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today with Smile Education!

We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications.