Teaching Assistant

Location: ​Leycroft Academy, Gressel Ln, Birmingham, B33 9UE​

Contract: Permanent, Part time.

Start Date: As soon as possible

Job Overview:

At Forward Education Trust we clearly state our mission - empowering children and young people to live their best lives. This is encompassed in our 3 core values: working together with purpose; nurturing potential; inspiring success.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for Teaching Assistant Level 2to join Leycroft Academy.

Leycroft Academy is a specialist primary school for autistic children from Reception to Year 6.

Our vision is to enable children to understand the world around them and the talents within them, so they can become fulfilled individuals and active, compassionate citizens. We work closely with families and a range of multi- agency partners, including Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy services, to provide a holistic and personalised approach to every child's development.

Leycroft Academy is at an exciting stage of its journey. We are entering a significant phase of curriculum development and look forward to further embedding our faculties of Expressive Arts, Understanding the World, and personal development, creating rich learning Opportunities that enable children to understand the world around them and the talents within.

Through investment from Forward Education Trust, significant improvements have been made to the school environment, including the refurbishment of classrooms to create low-arousal, therapeutic learning spaces that support our relational approach to communication and learning. These developments are helping us to create a nurturing environment where every child can thrive.

The school is led by a dedicated and experienced leadership team that is building on existing strengths and collaborating closely with pupils, families, and the wider community to bring our SHINE values to life. We strive to Strengthen, Harness, Invest, Nurture and Empower every child, ensuring they are supported to develop confidence, independence, and a strong sense of belonging as a member of the #LeycroftCrew.

The successful candidate will have:

• Compassionate and patient nature

• Strong communication and people skills

• Empathy and understanding towards diverse needs.

• Eagerness to learn and grow in an inclusive educational setting.

• Dedication to fostering a positive and nurturing learning environment.  

• A NVQ 2 for Teaching Assistants or equivalent qualifications or experience.

Competitive Benefits:

Forward Education Trust is committed to recruiting and retaining the highest quality staff. To do this, we have an Employee Value Proposition offering a range of benefits to help our staff on a personal and professional level, which includes:

Local Government Pension Scheme

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.

Staff voice - consultation with staff on a range of issues and ideas

Comprehensive induction and probation support and a supportive appraisal system

Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme - free confidential advice, with face-to-face consultations

Learning and development - including online learning and other resources.

Access to discounts and offers from Reward Gateway and My Perks

Mental Health First Aiders

Wellbeing package and family friendly policies

Rewards and awards throughout the year, in line with Trust behaviours and values

Closing Date for Applications: 05.10.2026

Shortlisting: 07.10.2026

Interview Date: 15.10.2026.

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. 

Safeguarding

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.

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.