Specialist SEND Teaching Assistant - Mary Elliot Academy | Walsall
Location: Mary Elliot Academy, Walsall
Daily Rate: £92.56-£105 per day, depending on experience and qualifications
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: Full-time, long-term
Potential: Long-term opportunity with potential for a permanent position for the right candidate
Job Summary
Are you a Teaching Assistant who is passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs?
Do you want to work in a specialist school where your patience, creativity and commitment can make a meaningful difference every day?
We are working with Mary Elliot Academy in Walsall to recruit a dedicated and compassionate Specialist SEND Teaching Assistant to join their team.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Support Worker or Care Worker looking to develop their career within specialist education.
The School and Role
Mary Elliot Academy is a specialist school supporting young people aged 11-18 with a range of complex special educational needs, including:
- Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD).
- Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC).
- Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD).
The academy supports pupils across different departments, including SLD, PMLD, ASC and Post-16 provision.
As a Teaching Assistant, you will work alongside teachers and specialist support staff to help pupils access learning, develop independence and make progress towards their individual goals.
You will play an important role in supporting pupils' education, communication, wellbeing and personal development.
Key Responsibilities
- Supporting pupils on a 1:1 or small-group basis.
- Assisting teachers with engaging and accessible learning activities.
- Helping pupils develop communication, social and independence skills.
- Supporting pupils with a range of complex learning needs.
- Encouraging participation in classroom and wider school activities.
- Supporting positive behaviour and emotional regulation.
- Building trusting and respectful relationships with pupils.
- Providing practical or personal care support where required.
- Encouraging pupils to develop confidence and independence.
- Working collaboratively with teachers, support staff and other professionals.
- Following individual pupil support plans and school procedures.
- Maintaining a safe, inclusive and nurturing learning environment.
Some roles may involve personal care, mobility support, hoisting or other physical support, depending on the needs of the pupils and the department.
Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for a Teaching Assistant who is caring, patient and committed to helping every pupil reach their potential.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Previous experience working as a Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant.
- Experience supporting children or young people with SEND.
- A patient, calm and compassionate approach.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- A willingness to support pupils with a range of individual needs.
- Confidence following guidance and adapting support to each pupil.
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SEND Teaching Assistant in Walsall employer: Vision for Education Ltd
Smart Teachers is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture that values innovation and professional growth. As a Data Officer at a high-performing secondary school, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on student outcomes while benefiting from ongoing training and support in a dynamic educational environment.
