At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with special educational needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Welcoming Pupil Referral Unit focused on student wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, full-time hours, and a supportive team.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth in a rewarding educational setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people needing extra support.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEN, patience, and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 28600 £ per year.
Location: B11
Pay: £90 – £110 per day (based on experience)
Contract: Full-time, Monday–Friday until the end of the academic year
Smile Education is proud to be supporting a welcoming Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in B11 that is seeking a dedicated SEN Learning Support Assistant to join their team. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone passionate about supporting pupils with additional needs in a nurturing, structured environment. The role involves working closely with students who require extra behavioural and emotional support, helping them re-engage with learning and achieve personal progress.
The Role
- Support pupils with a range of special educational needs, including Autism and SEMH.
- Assist the class teacher in delivering engaging, inclusive learning activities.
- Provide 1:1 and small group support tailored to individual needs.
- Help implement personalised learning programmes (EHCPs and IEPs).
- Promote positive behaviour using consistent strategies.
- Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils.
- Support pupils’ emotional regulation and wellbeing.
- Work closely with teaching staff, SENCOs, and external professionals.
- Contribute to a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment.
- Promote safeguarding, inclusion, and student wellbeing at all times.
About the School
- PRU setting supporting pupils who benefit from smaller, more structured environments.
- Strong support team including safeguarding leads and SEN specialists.
- Well-equipped facilities focused on student engagement and wellbeing.
- Good transport links (bus and train routes).
- Pupils who respond positively to consistency, patience, and encouragement.
Requirements
- Experience working with SEN (minimum 3–6 months preferred).
- Experience supporting pupils with Autism or SEMH needs.
- Previous experience in a PRU or alternative provision setting (desirable).
- A calm, patient, and resilient approach.
- Strong behaviour management skills.
- Ability to build positive relationships with young people.
- Reliable and committed to full-time work.
- Able to provide at least two references covering the last two years.
- Enhanced DBS on the update service (or willingness to apply).
This is a strong opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people who require additional support to succeed. Apply now to be considered for this PRU SEN Learning Support role in B11. We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications.
SEN Learning Support Assistant — PRU (Primary, Full-Time) in Birmingham employer: Smile Education
Smile Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of pupils with special educational needs. Located in B11, our Pupil Referral Unit provides strong team support, well-equipped facilities, and opportunities for professional growth, ensuring that every employee can thrive while contributing to the wellbeing and progress of our students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Learning Support Assistant — PRU (Primary, Full-Time) in Birmingham
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Smile Education.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Smile Education!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Smile Education, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Smile Education or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Learning Support Assistant — PRU (Primary, Full-Time) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Smile Education:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Smile Education! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smile Education
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
