Teaching Assistant

Description:

Support young people with complex learning needs and help them develop confidence and independence for adulthood as a Teaching Assistant in Perry Barr.

This full-time contract role offers an immediate start (subject to compliance checks) in a specialist further education college, working with learners aged 16–25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). You will play a crucial part in preparing young people for adulthood through communication, independence, life skills, and educational development.

What's in it for you?

£95 per day
Full-time SEN Teaching Assistant position
Monday to Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm
Immediate start once compliant
Work within a specialist Post-16 SEND college
Support young people aged 16–25
Small-group and individualised learner support
Opportunity to develop further experience supporting complex learning needs
Work alongside experienced education and specialist support professionals
Make a genuine difference to young people’s independence and future opportunities 

The Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you will support young people with diverse additional needs, helping them access education, develop essential life skills, and become more confident and independent. Many learners require tailored support for their communication, sensory, emotional, and learning needs. This is a hands-on, rewarding role where patience, consistency, and the ability to build positive relationships are essential.

Providing 1:1 and small-group support to learners aged 16–25
Supporting individuals with autism, severe learning difficulties and complex additional needs
Supporting non-verbal learners or those with limited verbal communication
Using appropriate communication strategies to encourage interaction and engagement
Helping learners access personalised education programmes
Encouraging independence and practical life skills
Supporting activities such as cooking, shopping, personal organisation and daily routines
Helping learners develop confidence and social interaction
Supporting emotional regulation and positive behaviour
Recognising sensory needs and adapting your approach accordingly
Following individual support plans and EHCP outcomes
Supporting learners with personal care where required
Encouraging participation in vocational and practical learning activities
Working closely with teachers and other support professionals
Helping maintain a safe, supportive, inclusive learning environment 

Preparing Young People for Adulthood

Support young people as they build skills that will benefit them beyond education. The college emphasises practical, vocational, and life skills to foster independence and confidence. You may support activities that focus on:

Independent living and everyday life skills
Communication and social interaction
Personal development and wellbeing
Functional English and maths
Vocational learning and employability
Community participation
Building confidence and self-esteem
Developing greater independence in daily routinesProgress is individual, and you will help celebrate each achievement — however small — as learners develop towards greater independence.

Skills and Experience

For this position, you must have:

Minimum 6 months’ relevant experience supporting children or young people with SEN
Experience supporting individuals with autism, learning disabilities, or complex additional needs
Confidence supporting young people with communication difficulties
Patient, compassionate and understanding approach
Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Ability to support learners with varying levels of independence
Ability to follow individual care, learning and support plans
Flexible and adaptable approach
Willingness to support personal care where required
Ability to work effectively as part of a team
Genuine commitment to helping young people achieve their potential
Enhanced Child & Adult DBS registered on the Update Service – essential
Satisfactory references covering your most recent 24 months
Availability to start immediately once fully compliant 

Experience within a specialist SEND school, Post-16 college, PMLD provision, autism setting, or complex needs environment would be beneficial. A Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification is advantageous, but relevant specialist experience is the priority.

Location and Package

Location: Perry Barr, Birmingham area
Position: SEN Teaching Assistant – Specialist Post-16 College
Pay: £95 per day
Hours: 8:30am–3:30pm
Working Pattern: Full-time, Monday to Friday
Age Group: 16–25
Start Date: Immediate, subject to compliance
SEN Experience: Essential
DBS: Enhanced Child & Adult DBS on the Update Service – essential 

If you are an experienced Teaching Assistant who is passionate about working with young people with complex needs, and you understand the value of developing independence, communication, and confidence, this role could be the perfect next step for you.

Apply today and take the next step in your career supporting young people towards a brighter future