SEN Teaching Assistant (Bushbury School - Wolverhampton)

Are you passionate about supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN)? Do you thrive in a dynamic and rewarding environment? If so, Horizon Care and Education is looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic SEN Teaching Assistant to join our team. Bushbury School is an independent specialist day school providing high-quality education for boys and girls. Based in Wolverhampton, the school meets the diverse needs of pupils aged 7‑19 with Autism and Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SLCN).

We are seeking a calm, motivated and adaptable Teaching Assistant who understands that progress looks different for every pupil. You will play a vital role in creating a safe, nurturing and structured environment where pupils feel secure, regulated and ready to learn. Many of our pupils require support that reflects early years pedagogy, even at upper primary and secondary ages. Candidates should therefore be confident in supporting:

• Play‑based and sensory‑led learning activities
• Stage‑not‑age approach that prioritises developmental readiness
• Pre‑verbal and minimally verbal pupils, using AAC, intensive interaction and total communication strategies
• Pupils with significant sensory processing needs, through thoughtful environmental adjustments
• Personal and intimate care, where required, delivered with dignity, respect and in line with policy

Responsibilities

• Support pupils’ learning, communication and emotional regulation in and beyond the classroom
• Work closely with teachers to implement personalised learning pathways aligned to EHCP outcomes
• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to help pupils engage meaningfully with learning
• Use consistent routines, therapeutic strategies and positive behaviour support approaches
• Help create calm, sensory‑aware environments that promote wellbeing and engagement
• Build trusting, professional relationships with pupils, colleagues and families
• Work collaboratively as part of a skilled multidisciplinary team

What we’re looking for

• Has experience supporting children or young people with SEN, autism or behavioural needs
• Has a good understanding of behaviour support strategies and emotional regulation
• Is patient, reflective and committed to inclusive practice
• Works well as part of a team and is open to learning and professional growth

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths (Grade C / 4 or above), or equivalent functional skills
• A recognised Teaching Assistant qualification, or willingness to work towards one

Benefits

We have recently launched OneHorizon which is a new platform designed for you, bringing together the benefits, tools and resources to help you feel supported, valued and great at work! The platform is designed to give you instant access to amazing employee benefits, company announcements, downloadable resources and documents as well as feedback surveys and our people directory. You will benefit from discount programmes, holiday trading scheme, eco‑friendly car scheme, SmartTech scheme, wellbeing centre and cycle to work plus much more! At Bushbury School, you’ll be part of a community that values compassion, consistency and collaboration, where every role contributes directly to improving pupils’ lives.