Long-term 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.

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 Interaction

A 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.

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 environment

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)

• 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 setting

If 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.

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