Teaching Assistant

Smile Education are proud to be recruiting for a full-time, long-term Teaching Assistant to join a nurturing and supportive Special Needs Primary School based in Wolverhampton. This welcoming school benefits from excellent transport links from Dudley, Bridgnorth, and Wolverhampton, making it easily accessible for candidates across the surrounding areas. About the School The school provides education for 52 pupils across 6 classes and is a Staffordshire-based Generic Special School catering for children aged 2–11 years with a wide range of needs that cannot be met within mainstream education. The school follows a flexible pathways approach, enabling staff to tailor curriculum delivery to each individual child, ensuring meaningful progression for all pupils. With smaller class sizes and higher staff ratios, the school creates an environment where children receive the attention and differentiation they need throughout the day. The curriculum is informal, sensory-based and hands-on, using both the classroom and outdoor environment to deliver engaging sessions. Pupils regularly access the community using the school minibus to develop independence and apply their skills in a range of real-life settings. Communication and social development are key priorities. The school supports pupils using: PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) Makaton Intensive InteractionA strong emphasis is placed on holistic development — nurturing academic progress, social skills, self-esteem, and emotional regulation. The school’s vision is to provide an inclusive education that inspires pupils to succeed by working, learning and achieving together, fostering a positive “can do” attitude in every child. The Role As a Teaching Assistant, you will: Support children with a range of complex needs on an individual and small group basis Adapt learning activities to meet individual needs Promote independence and life skills development Encourage positive behaviour and emotional regulation Act as a positive role model within the school community Work collaboratively as part of a large, supportive professional team Fully immerse yourself in school life and contribute to the nurturing learning environmentCandidate Requirements The ideal candidate will: Hold a minimum Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification Have recent UK-based experience working with children Be confident supporting children with individual and complex needs Be available to commit full-time on a long-term basis Demonstrate a nurturing, patient and positive approach Hold an Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or be willing to apply for one through Smile Education Be able to provide references covering the past 2 years, including at least one that comments on your interaction with children Hold a safeguarding qualification (training can be provided if required)Why Apply? Supportive and welcoming team environment Smaller class sizes and strong staff ratios Opportunity to make a genuine difference in children’s lives Holistic and creative curriculum approach Long-term stability in a rewarding settingIf you are passionate about supporting children with additional needs and want to be part of a school that truly values holistic development and inclusion, we would love to hear from you. Apply today with Smile Education to take the next step in your career. We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications