At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with autism and communication difficulties, unlocking their potential every day.
- Company: Cherry Oak School, a vibrant community dedicated to extraordinary education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and experience the joy of celebrating every child's achievements.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification and GCSE Maths and English at Level 4 or above.
The predicted salary is between 23542 - 28106 £ per year.
Based at: Cherry Oak School, 60 Frederick Road, B29 6PB
Level 3 Teaching Assistant - 32.5 Hours per week - Term Time Only - Permanent (Working Pattern - Monday - Friday)
Salary Range: £23542 - £28106 Actual Salary Inc SEN Allowance of £1507 FTE
Start date: 1st September 2026
Are you ready to be the highlight of someone’s day? To be the person who unlocks a child’s potential when the rest of the world sees a closed door? Cherry Oak School for pupils with cognition and communication difficulties and Autism is a vibrant, high energy community where “standard” doesn’t exist and “extraordinary” is our baseline. We aren’t just looking for support staff, we are looking for promoters of confidence, champions of communication and specialists in the art of the possible.
Why Cherry Oak?
- Working here isn’t just a job - it’s an adventure in empathy and innovation. Our pupils are diverse, spirited and face complex challenges, but they also possess incredible strengths.
As part of our team, you won’t just be sitting in a classroom: you’ll be:
- Translating the Unspoken: Using a sensory and trauma informed approach, personalised communication strategies, and creative tech to give every child a voice.
- Celebrating the “Firsts”: Experiencing the unmatched rush of a child making eye contact, sharing a resource, or mastering a new skill for the very first time.
- Joining a Community: Working alongside a fierce, supportive team of experts who have your back, share your laughs, and celebrate every victory - no matter how small.
Are You the Missing Piece?
We are seeking to appoint a grade B (previously known as a level 3) Teaching Assistant. We don’t just hire for qualifications; we hire for heart, humour and resilience. If you are patient, proactive and believe that every child deserves a bespoke education that fits them perfectly, we want to meet you.
“At Cherry Oak, we don’t just teach. We empower. We don’t just care. We advocate. Come and see how much of a difference a single day can make.”
Ready to start your most rewarding chapter yet? Your Journey at Cherry Oak begins here.
Successful candidates will need to demonstrate:
- A desire to work with pupils on the autistic spectrum.
- A willingness to learn more about Autism and other diagnosed Special Educational Needs.
- The ability to contribute, follow and implement key pieces of information relating to pupils, such as Relational Support Plans, Sensory Differences Profiles, Individual Pupil Risk Assessments, Pupil Passports.
- With training, be willing to support pupils with a trauma informed approach.
- Their ability to work using own initiative, and work effectively as part of a team.
- How they communicate clearly and effectively with pupils and colleagues.
- The desire to take ownership of tasks.
- Be willing to undergo training to become a paediatric first aid.
- You must be confident in supporting the learning of small groups of students working.
- With training, can deliver Read, Write, Inc. phonics and writing to a small group.
- A recognised Level 3 Teaching Assistant Qualification AND GCSE Maths and English at Level 4 or above or recognised equivalent qualifications.
- A commitment to supporting children and young people with Special Needs.
- Be committed to safeguarding our pupils.
We can offer you:
- Opportunities to progress in your professional and career development. This includes supporting development to other roles within school.
- Specialist coaching and training you will need to fulfil the role.
- Access to support services such as mental health and wellbeing.
- Being part of a supportive team of individuals.
Closing Date for Applications: Tuesday 2nd June 2026 at 9.00 am
Interview Date: Thursday 18th June 2026
Visits to the school are encouraged for applications - Please Contact Kirsty McWilliam 0121 464 2037
Safeguarding: The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to all necessary pre-employment checks including enhanced DBS; Childcare Disqualification (where applicable); qualifications (where applicable); medical fitness; identity and right to work.
References: All applicants will be required to provide 2 suitable references.
Short-Listed Candidates: An online search will also be carried out as part of due diligence on all shortlisted candidates.
Terms and Conditions: Birmingham City Council is a Living Wage Employer.
Rehabilitation of Offenders: This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2002. Which means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent conviction and cautions are ‘protected’; so they do not need to be disclosed to employers; and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide.
The post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016). Therefore, the ability to speak fluent English is an essential requirement for this role.
Level 3 Teaching Assistant in Birmingham employer: Cherry Oak School
At Cherry Oak School, we pride ourselves on being more than just an educational institution; we are a vibrant community dedicated to unlocking the potential of every child. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through specialist training and coaching, while our commitment to empathy and innovation ensures that every day is rewarding and impactful. Join us in celebrating the extraordinary achievements of our pupils and be part of a team that truly values heart, humour, and resilience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Level 3 Teaching Assistant in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a good look at Cherry Oak School's values and mission. Understanding their approach to education will help you connect your experiences to what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Role-play common interview questions with a friend or family member. This will help you articulate your passion for working with children and your understanding of special educational needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your personality! During the interview, let your heart and humour shine through. They want someone who can connect with the kids, so don’t be afraid to share personal stories that highlight your resilience and empathy.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate why you’d be a fantastic fit for their team!
We think you need these skills to ace Level 3 Teaching Assistant in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Heart:When you're writing your application, let your passion for working with children shine through. We want to see your genuine desire to make a difference in their lives, so share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to supporting pupils with special needs.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific qualities and skills mentioned in the job description. We’re looking for champions of communication and resilience, so highlight any relevant experience or training that aligns with our values at Cherry Oak.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see how you meet the requirements and what you can bring to our vibrant community.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our school and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cherry Oak School
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the specific needs of pupils with autism and other special educational needs. Familiarise yourself with key terms like 'Relational Support Plans' and 'Sensory Differences Profiles'. This will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Show Your Heart
Cherry Oak School is all about heart, humour, and resilience. Be prepared to share personal stories or experiences that highlight your passion for working with children. Whether it’s a moment when you helped a child overcome a challenge or a funny incident that brought joy, these anecdotes can really resonate with the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the school's approach to teaching and supporting pupils. Ask about their training programmes or how they celebrate small victories. This shows that you’re not only interested in the role but also in being part of their community.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
The job requires adaptability, so be ready to discuss how you can work flexibly to meet the needs of the school. Share examples of times when you’ve had to adjust your approach or strategy to support a child effectively. This will highlight your proactive nature and commitment to providing bespoke education.
