SEND Teaching Assistant

Zest Education are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Special Educational Needs (SEND) Teaching Assistant to join a welcoming primary school in the Handsworth area. This rewarding role involves supporting pupils with additional needs, helping them to access learning and reach their full potential in a safe and nurturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEND
• Support children with autism (ASC), ADHD, and non-verbal communication needs
• Assist the class teacher in adapting lessons to meet individual needs
• Use a range of communication strategies (e.g., visual aids, PECS, Makaton where appropriate)
• Help manage behaviour positively and support emotional regulation
• Promote inclusion and encourage independence in learning and social interaction
• Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCo, and external professionals

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience working with children with autism, ADHD, and non-verbal pupils
• Strong understanding of SEND strategies and inclusive practices
• Calm, patient, and adaptable approach
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• A genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs

Desirable (but not essential)

• Relevant qualifications (e.g., Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant or equivalent)
• Experience using communication tools such as PECS or Makaton
• Previous experience in a primary school setting

What We Offer

• A supportive and inclusive school environment
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Dedicated SEN support team
• A rewarding role where you can truly make a difference

If you are interested in this position or want to find out more, email Sarah at [email removed] or ‘apply for job’ at the top of the page to submit your details.

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.

We receive new jobs and positions on a daily basis so keep up to date with us on our social media pages too:

Website: https://www.zesteducation.co.uk/

Twitter: @Zest_Education

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zest-education/

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