Teaching Assistant

Stourbridge, UK SMART Education Recruitment Are you looking for a Teaching Assistant role where you can truly make a difference, supporting children and young people with additional needs in a unique, practical environment? A full-time Teaching Assistant opportunity is available in the Stourbridge area, starting in November 2026. This specialist SEND setting offers more than a traditional classroom—learning here extends into gardening, animal care, crafts, woodwork, pottery, and cooking. If you value practical, experiential learning and want to support students’ development through meaningful activities, this could be the ideal role for you. What's in it for you? Full-time Teaching Assistant November 2026 start date Monday to Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm Opportunity to work in a specialist SEND setting that blends classroom and outdoor practical learning Support pupils in developing social, emotional, and educational skills through hands-on activities Be part of a multidisciplinary, child-centred team Develop your SEND skills and broaden your experience in creative, therapeutic education Experience real job satisfaction from helping students make progress and build confidence  The Role As a Teaching Assistant, you will provide individualised support to children and young people with a range of learning difficulties and complex needs, including those who may display challenging behaviour. Your day will involve: Offering 1:1 support where required, tailored to each pupil’s needs Assisting with personal, social, and emotional development Calmly recognising signs of distress and providing reassurance Encouraging students to participate in activities inside and outside the classroom Promoting independence, confidence, and self-esteem Acting as a positive role model within the learning environment Supporting practical, creative, and outdoor learning throughout the school grounds Collaborating with teachers and the wider team to create a safe, nurturing setting  A Different Kind of Curriculum This school delivers education through a practical skills curriculum based on land, crafts, and the natural environment. Pupils learn by doing, giving them space and support to develop through real-world experiences. If you have an interest in nature, outdoor activities, crafts, or caring for animals, you'll thrive in this role where every day brings variety. Teaching Assistants here play an integral part in helping pupils settle, regulate emotions, and build essential life skills—both within classroom sessions and as part of wider experiential learning. What Are We Looking For? To succeed in this Teaching Assistant position, you will need: Previous experience supporting children or young people within an educational setting A genuine passion for helping children and young people with additional needs A patient, caring, and compassionate approach Good literacy and numeracy skills, ideally GCSE English and Maths or equivalent Understanding of how children learn and develop Confidence working with pupils with complex needs Strong communication and observation skills Emotional resilience and an ability to stay calm under pressure Creativity in problem-solving and supporting learning Willingness to support both indoor and outdoor activities Reliability, flexibility, and a collaborative attitude Desire to continue developing SEND practice Enhanced Child/Adult DBS on the Update Service—essential Satisfactory references covering the last 24 months Availability for full-time hours, Monday to Friday (8:30am–3:30pm), starting November 2026  Location and Package Location: Stourbridge Role: Teaching Assistant  Start Date: November 2026 Salary: £95.45 - £97.27 per day Working Pattern: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm  If you are a resilient and compassionate Teaching Assistant who sees the value in practical, creative learning and believes education can be transformative both in and outside the classroom, this is your chance to join a life-changing setting. Apply now to discover more about this exciting Teaching Assistant opportunity