Job Description:

Location: Oldbury, West Midlands
Contract: Full-time, long-term
Start Date: ASAP
Hours: Monday to Friday, school hours
Agency: Smile Education
Smile Education are currently recruiting for an experienced and compassionate SEN Teaching Assistant to provide dedicated 1:1 support to a child with complex additional needs within a welcoming primary school in Oldbury.
This is an excellent opportunity for a caring and proactive Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or SEN specialist who is passionate about supporting children with additional needs and helping them access learning, communication and social opportunities.
The successful candidate will work closely with the class teacher and wider school team to provide consistent, individualised support throughout the school day.
The Role The child requires a high level of 1:1 adult support to access the curriculum, communicate his needs and navigate the school environment.
The successful SEN Teaching Assistant will support with:

• Communication and Language: The child is currently non-verbal and requires support below age-related developmental expectations. Experience using visual supports, PECS, signing systems or other forms of AAC would be highly advantageous.
• Understanding Non-Verbal Communication: The ability to observe and interpret non-verbal communication, behaviours and cues to understand the child's needs, emotions and preferences.
• Interaction and Engagement: Proactively encouraging interaction and engagement with adults and peers, supporting inclusion within classroom activities and helping develop social communication skills.
• Learning and Cognitive Development: Providing appropriately differentiated activities and practical support to enable the child to access learning at their developmental level.
• Routine and Structure: Establishing consistent, predictable routines and providing clear structure throughout the school day.
• Independence: Encouraging the development of independence and helping the child apply skills across different environments and activities.
• Personal Care: Supporting with personal care, including toileting, as required.
• Health and Wellbeing: Remaining vigilant regarding the child's wellbeing and energy levels and adapting expectations when required.
• Medical Awareness: The child has a history of febrile seizures and is currently undergoing investigation for epilepsy. The successful candidate will be expected to follow the school's established medical and safeguarding procedures.

The Ideal Candidate We are looking for someone who is:

• Experienced working with children with SEN and additional needs.
• Ideally experienced supporting children with autism, communication difficulties or complex learning needs.
• Confident providing 1:1 support within a primary school setting.
• Knowledgeable about PECS, visual communication, Makaton/signing, AAC or other communication strategies.
• Patient, calm, nurturing and highly observant.
• Able to build a strong, trusting relationship with a child who communicates predominantly through non-verbal cues.
• Proactive in facilitating social interaction and engagement.
• Comfortable supporting with personal care and toileting.
• Consistent and confident in maintaining routines and boundaries.
• Able to work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, parents/carers and other professionals.
• Passionate about helping children with additional needs make meaningful progress.

Previous experience as a Teaching Assistant, SEN Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, 1:1 Support Assistant, Behaviour Support Assistant, Early Years Practitioner or similar role would be highly beneficial.
Why Smile Education? At Smile Education, we are committed to connecting talented education professionals with schools where they can make a genuine difference.
As a Smile Education candidate, you can benefit from:

• Competitive rates of pay.
• Long-term and permanent education opportunities.
• Support from a dedicated education consultant.
• Access to a wide range of primary, secondary and SEN vacancies.
• Professional advice and guidance throughout your placement.
• Opportunities to develop your experience within education and SEN.

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