Teaching Assistant Level 2 in Walsall

The Mercian Trust is a specialist provision for children and young people aged 3 - 15 years with complex educational needs. The school is commissioned for 267 places (September 2025). We pride ourselves in providing a safe, stimulating and nurturing learning environment where we help our pupils to learn in bespoke and innovative ways to ensure optimum progression.

Our highly qualified staff coupled with our forward-thinking approach to resources and technology, allow learners to communicate and participate in the world around them. We promote a wide range of high-quality learning experiences, catering for all learning styles so that no learner is ever left behind. At Oakwood everyone is valued and treated with respect and is encouraged to be the best they can possibly be.

Our Vision
At Oakwood School we are nurtured to grow and flourish. We promote a culture of positivity, ambition and resilience through pupil centred learning to engage, motivate and empower learners in all areas of their lives. Learners are at the heart of our school. Together with their families, we foster strong supportive teams around them to build on strengths and overcome barriers, embracing creativity, innovation and technology. We maximise potential, grow independence and celebrate all achievements.

Our Mission
As a hub of the community, it is our responsibility to create opportunities for every learner to be the best that they can possibly be! Through our personalised curriculum learners will develop emotionally, physically and holistically. Learners will feel valued, respected and safe in our happy and inclusive environment.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Support for Pupils: Supervise and provide particular support for pupils, including those with special needs, ensuring their safety and access to learning activities. Assist with the development and implementation of Individual Education/Behaviour Plans and Personal Care programmes. Establish constructive relationships with pupils and interact with them according to individual needs. Promote the inclusion and acceptance of all pupils. Encourage pupils to interact with others and engage in activities led by the teacher. Set challenging and demanding expectations and promote self‑esteem and independence. Provide feedback to pupils in relation to progress and achievement under guidance of the teacher. Attend to the pupils’ personal needs and implement related personal programmes, including social, health, physical, hygiene, first aid and welfare matters as required.
• Support for the Teacher: Create and maintain a purposeful, orderly and supportive environment, in accordance with lesson plans and assist with the display of pupils work. Use strategies, in liaison with the teacher, to support pupils to achieve learning goals. Assist with the planning of learning activities. Monitor pupils’ responses to learning activities and accurately record achievement/progress as directed. Provide detailed and regular feedback to teachers on pupils’ achievement, progress and problems. Promote good pupil behaviour, dealing promptly with conflict and incidents in line with established policy and encouraging pupils to take responsibility for their own behaviour. Establish constructive relationships with parents/carers. Administer routine tests, invigilate exams and undertake routine marking of pupils’ work. Provide clerical and administrative support (e.g. photocopying, typing, filing, money, administering coursework).
• Support for the Curriculum: Undertake structured and agreed learning activities/teaching programmes, adjusting activities according to pupil responses. Undertake programmes linked to local and national learning strategies e.g. literacy, numeracy, KS3, early years recording achievement and progress and feeding back to the teacher. Support the use of ICT in learning activities and develop pupils’ competence and independence in its use. Prepare, maintain and use equipment/resources required to meet the lesson plans/relevant learning activity and assist pupils in their use.
• Support for the School: Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person. Be aware of and support diversity and ensure all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop. Contribute to the overall ethos, work and aims of the school. Appreciate and support the role of other professionals. Attend and participate in relevant meetings as required, within normal contractual hours. Participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required. Assist with the supervision of pupils out of lesson times, including before and after school and at lunchtime. Accompany teaching staff and pupils on visits, trips and out-of-school activities as required and take responsibility for a group under supervision of the teacher.

Qualifications and Skills

• Effective use of ICT to support learning.
• Use of other equipment technology – video, photocopier.
• Understanding of relevant policies, codes of practice and legislation.
• General understanding of national/foundation stage curriculum and other basic learning programmes and strategies.
• Basic understanding of child development and learning.
• Ability to self‑evaluate learning needs and actively seek learning opportunities.
• Ability to relate well to children and adults.
• Work constructively as part of a team, understanding classroom roles and responsibilities and your own position within these.
• An awareness of, and commitment to, equality of opportunity.

Benefits

• Financial, Health and Lifestyle benefits.
• Discounts on everyday purchases (Eden Red).
• A comprehensive free-of-charge health plan (UK Health Care).
• A cycle-to-work scheme via Halfords.
• Access to the Blue Light Card.
• Education sector leading CPD opportunities.

The Mercian Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references. The Mercian Trust is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.