At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with social, emotional, and learning challenges in a nurturing environment.
- Company: The Wenlock School, dedicated to transforming lives through creativity and care.
- Benefits: Life assurance, pension scheme, mental health support, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to empowering pupils and fostering a brighter future.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your career in education.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, experience in SEND, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 27000 £ per year.
The Wenlock School is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to join our close-knit team in Dudley. You will provide individualised support to pupils with social, emotional, and learning challenges, including speech and language difficulties, attention issues, challenging behaviour, and work avoidance.
You will collaborate closely with teachers, families, and external professionals such as Social Workers, Speech and Language Therapists, Educational Psychologists, and Early Intervention Teams. Your support will be key in promoting both academic progress and personal development for our pupils.
Key Responsibilities
- Safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils
- Provide tailored learning and behavioural support
- Assist teachers with classroom organisation and lesson delivery
- Liaise with external agencies and families to ensure holistic care
- Support the planning and delivery of interventions
- Promote inclusion and help every pupil reach their full potential
- Carry out administrative or organisational tasks as required
- Participate in school-wide initiatives and professional development
What We’re Looking For
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics at grade C / grade 4 or above
- Experience in a SEND environment
- Patient, resilient, and adaptable to pupil needs
- Knowledge of supporting pupils with communication, behaviour, and learning difficulties
- Calm, consistent, and compassionate when managing challenging behaviour
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to work within a multi-disciplinary team
- Organised with attention to detail in record-keeping, planning, and follow-up
- Willingness to engage in continuous professional development
- Empathetic, trustworthy, and able to build positive relationships with pupils, families, and colleagues
About us
Opened in 2018, The Wenlock School is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 7–18 with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs, autism, and associated learning differences. We are building an Outstanding provision – a school that transforms lives through creativity, care, and commitment. Our team is passionate about making a genuine difference, supporting every pupil to reach their full potential within a therapeutic and inclusive environment.
At Wenlock, you’ll be part of a dedicated community that values innovation, collaboration, and compassion. Together, we empower pupils to succeed and build the foundations for a brighter future.
We are part of Acorn Education and can offer plenty of challenges along with a wide range of opportunities to develop your career. Acorn Education is the UK’s leading provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
- “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
- Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including: Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
- Hundreds of UK and international discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Teaching Assistant in Dudley employer: Options Autism
The Wenlock School, part of Acorn Education, is an exceptional employer located in Dudley, dedicated to transforming the lives of pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional development and career growth. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing and a range of benefits, including mental health support and flexible working options, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact every day.