At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with SEMH and autism, helping them engage with learning and develop emotional skills.
- Company: Specialist primary school in Handsworth, Birmingham, focused on SEMH and autism education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and training in trauma-informed practices.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives by supporting their emotional and educational needs.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH/autistic pupils and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 25500 £ per year.
This role is based at a specialist SEMH and autism-focused primary school in Handsworth, Birmingham, supporting pupils who present with social, emotional, and mental health needs, often alongside autism, ADHD, attachment difficulties, and trauma-related behaviours. The school caters for children aged 5–11 who have struggled to access mainstream education due to emotional dysregulation, anxiety, behavioural challenges, or complex family circumstances. Many pupils have EHCPs, while others are supported through SEN Support with a clear pathway towards specialist provision if required.
The school operates with small class sizes, high staff-to-pupil ratios, and a strong emphasis on relationship-based practice. Staff are trained in trauma-informed approaches, restorative behaviour strategies, and emotional coaching. The aim is to help pupils feel safe, understood, and regulated enough to re-engage with learning. The environment is calm, predictable, and structured, with sensory spaces, breakout rooms, and emotional regulation zones embedded throughout the school. Collaboration with families, therapists, and external agencies is central to the school’s approach.
As a SEN Teaching Assistant, you will support pupils with SEMH and autism-related needs both one-to-one and in small groups. You will work closely with class teachers, pastoral staff, and the SENCo to implement behaviour support plans and EHCP outcomes. Your role will involve supporting pupils during lessons, transitions, and unstructured times, as well as during moments of emotional dysregulation. You will help pupils develop coping strategies, emotional literacy, and positive relationships with adults and peers. This role is ideal for someone who is calm under pressure, emotionally intelligent, and committed to helping children with complex needs rebuild confidence in education.
- Provide one-to-one SEN support for pupils with SEMH and autism
- Support emotional regulation using trauma-informed strategies
- Implement behaviour support plans consistently
- Assist pupils to re-engage with learning following dysregulation
- Support structured learning activities and differentiated tasks
- Help pupils develop communication and social skills
- Support transitions between activities and environments
- Record behaviour, progress, and observations accurately
- Build trusting relationships with pupils
- Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral staff, and SENCo
- Promote a calm, safe, and inclusive learning environment
- Maintain safeguarding and child protection standards
The successful candidate will:
- Have experience supporting SEMH and/or autistic pupils
- Be calm, resilient, and emotionally attuned
- Understand trauma-informed and restorative practices
- Be confident managing challenging behaviour
- Have strong communication and teamwork skills
- Be committed to inclusion and safeguarding
- Hold a SEN or TA qualification (desirable)
The school offers:
- SEMH and trauma-informed practice training
- Autism and behaviour management workshops
- Ongoing mentoring and supervision
- Clear progression into senior SEN or pastoral roles
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Enhanced DBS clearance is required.
SEN Teaching Assistant (SEMH & Autism – Trauma-Informed Provision) in Birmingham employer: Marchant Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Marchant Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant (SEMH & Autism – Trauma-Informed Provision) in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those working with SEMH and autism. Attend local events or workshops to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get an interview, be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported pupils with SEMH and autism in the past. Use real-life stories to demonstrate your emotional intelligence and resilience.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to schools directly, especially those that focus on SEMH and autism. Let them know you’re interested in joining their team and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that SEN Teaching Assistant role. Plus, it’s a great way to show your commitment to working with children who need extra support.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant (SEMH & Autism – Trauma-Informed Provision) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for supporting children with SEMH and autism.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with SEMH and autism. Mention specific strategies or approaches you've used that align with our trauma-informed practices.
Showcase Your Skills: Use your application to demonstrate your calmness under pressure and emotional intelligence. Share examples of how you've successfully managed challenging behaviour or supported emotional regulation in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the details you need about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marchant Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the specific needs of pupils with SEMH and autism. Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed practices and how they apply in a classroom setting. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in supporting these children.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with children who have complex needs. Share specific examples of how you've supported emotional regulation or implemented behaviour support plans. This will demonstrate your capability and commitment to the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Collaboration is key in this role, so highlight your ability to work well with teachers, pastoral staff, and families. Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked in a team to support a child's learning and emotional needs, as this will resonate with the school's approach.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the school’s methods and support systems. Inquire about training opportunities or how they implement trauma-informed strategies. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your desire to grow within the position.