At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with autism, unlocking their potential through innovative teaching methods.
- Company: Cherry Oak School, a vibrant community dedicated to empowering students with special needs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and enjoy opportunities for career growth and specialist training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a dynamic and rewarding setting.
- 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.
Federation of Cherry Oak School and Victoria School
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)
Other working patterns may be considered
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.
- How they can work flexibly to meet the needs of the school.
- 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 fulfill 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 — Autism Champion 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 innovation ensures that every day is an adventure in empathy. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of pupils with autism and special educational needs, where your contributions are celebrated and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Level 3 Teaching Assistant — Autism Champion in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Cherry Oak School. Understand their values and the unique challenges they face. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their vibrant community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be working with pupils who have diverse needs, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence and showcase your approach during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for learning! Highlight any experiences or training you've had related to autism or special educational needs. Share how you’ve adapted your approach in the past and express your eagerness to learn more. This will resonate well with the school's commitment to professional development.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Level 3 Teaching Assistant — Autism Champion in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for working with children on the autistic spectrum shine through. We want to see your heart and humour in action, so share personal experiences or insights that highlight your commitment to making a difference.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Teaching Assistant at Cherry Oak School. Highlight your relevant qualifications and experiences, especially those that align with our values of empathy and innovation. We love seeing how you can contribute to our vibrant community!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to communicate your skills and experiences effectively. Remember, we appreciate clarity just as much as creativity, so make it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what makes Cherry Oak School such a special place to work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cherry Oak School
✨Know Your Stuff About Autism
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge about autism and special educational needs. Familiarise yourself with key concepts, strategies, and the specific challenges faced by pupils on the autistic spectrum. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to make a difference.
✨Showcase Your Empathy and Communication Skills
During the interview, be prepared to share examples of how you've used empathy and effective communication in past roles. Think of specific instances where you’ve helped someone overcome a challenge or celebrated their achievements. This aligns perfectly with the school's ethos of empowerment and advocacy.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Cherry Oak School values teamwork, so highlight your ability to work collaboratively. Share experiences where you’ve successfully worked as part of a team, especially in challenging situations. Emphasise your willingness to support colleagues and contribute to a positive working environment.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect to engage in practical scenarios or role-play during the interview. This could involve demonstrating how you would handle a specific situation with a pupil. Prepare by thinking through various scenarios and how you would apply a trauma-informed approach to support the child effectively.
