SEND Teaching Assistant, Autism Specialist Resource Base, Mainstream Primary School, Full-time, City of Birmingham

Job Description

Job Title: 1:1 Learning Mentor

School Type: Mainstream Primary School

Age Range of Pupils: 9/10 years (School age range 3 to 11 years)

Location: Balsall Heath (B12)

Hours: Full-time, 32.5 hours, (8:30am-3:30pm, Monday to Friday)

Contract Type: Long-term, Temp

Start Date: November 2026

Make a Real Difference Every Day

New Directions is looking for a dedicated, patient and enthusiastic SEND Teaching Assistant to join the Autism Specialist Resource Base within a welcoming and inclusive mainstream primary school. This is a rewarding opportunity to support children with a lead diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), helping them to access learning, develop communication skills and achieve their full potential.

The successful candidate will work closely with pupils on a 1:1 basis and within small group interventions, providing tailored support that meets their individual educational, social and emotional needs.

About the Role

• As a SEND Teaching Assistant, you will:
• Support pupils with autism within the specialist resource base and mainstream classroom environments.
• Deliver targeted interventions and learning activities under the guidance of teachers and SEND professionals.
• Provide individualised support for pupils with additional needs including:
  • Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
  • Non-verbal and visual communication needs
  • Sensory processing differences
  • Social communication difficulties
  • Emotional regulation and challenging behaviour
• Use strategies such as visual timetables, PECS, Makaton, social stories and sensory regulation approaches where appropriate.
• Encourage independence, communication, engagement and positive behaviour.
• Assist with personal care when required.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, families and external professionals to support pupil progress.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe, nurturing and structured learning environment.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Experience working with children with SEND, particularly autism, within a school, childcare or specialist setting.
• A calm, resilient and positive approach when supporting pupils with complex needs and behaviours that may challenge.
• Good understanding of autism and the impact it can have on learning, communication and social interaction.
• Experience supporting children with SLCN and non-verbal communication needs would be advantageous.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• The ability to build positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Previous experience of working within a primary school setting is desirable.
• Relevant qualifications such as a Teaching Assistant or Learning Support qualification would be advantageous but are not essential.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or we can put one in place for you)
• Two satisfactory references covering a minimum of two years

New Directions Education Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.