SEN Teaching Assistant (SEMH & Autism - Trauma-Informed...

Location: Handsworth, Birmingham
Role Type: Full-Time | Term-Time Only
Salary: £22,000 – £25,500 FTE
Start Date: ASAP

About the School

This role is based at a specialist SEMH and autism-focused primary school in Handsworth, Birmingham , supporting pupils who present with social, emotional, and mental health needs , often alongside autism, ADHD, attachment difficulties, and trauma-related behaviours .

The school caters for children aged 5–11 who have struggled to access mainstream education due to emotional dysregulation, anxiety, behavioural challenges, or complex family circumstances. Many pupils have EHCPs , while others are supported through SEN Support with a clear pathway towards specialist provision if required.

The school operates with small class sizes, high staff-to-pupil ratios , and a strong emphasis on relationship-based practice . Staff are trained in trauma-informed approaches , restorative behaviour strategies, and emotional coaching. The aim is to help pupils feel safe, understood, and regulated enough to re-engage with learning.

The environment is calm, predictable, and structured, with sensory spaces, breakout rooms, and emotional regulation zones embedded throughout the school. Collaboration with families, therapists, and external agencies is central to the school’s approach.

The Role

As a SEN Teaching Assistant , you will support pupils with SEMH and autism-related needs both one-to-one and in small groups . You will work closely with class teachers, pastoral staff, and the SENCo to implement behaviour support plans and EHCP outcomes.

Your role will involve supporting pupils during lessons, transitions, and unstructured times, as well as during moments of emotional dysregulation. You will help pupils develop coping strategies, emotional literacy, and positive relationships with adults and peers.

This role is ideal for someone who is calm under pressure, emotionally intelligent, and committed to helping children with complex needs rebuild confidence in education.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one SEN support for pupils with SEMH and autism

• Support emotional regulation using trauma-informed strategies

• Implement behaviour support plans consistently

• Assist pupils to re-engage with learning following dysregulation

• Support structured learning activities and differentiated tasks

• Help pupils develop communication and social skills

• Support transitions between activities and environments

• Record behaviour, progress, and observations accurately

• Build trusting relationships with pupils

• Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral staff, and SENCo

• Promote a calm, safe, and inclusive learning environment

• Maintain safeguarding and child protection standards

Person Specification

The successful candidate will:

• Have experience supporting SEMH and/or autistic pupils

• Be calm, resilient, and emotionally attuned

• Understand trauma-informed and restorative practices

• Be confident managing challenging behaviour

• Have strong communication and teamwork skills

• Be committed to inclusion and safeguarding

• Hold a SEN or TA qualification (desirable)

Training and Professional Development

The school offers:

• SEMH and trauma-informed practice training

• Autism and behaviour management workshops

• Ongoing mentoring and supervision

• Clear progression into senior SEN or pastoral roles

Safeguarding Commitment

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Enhanced DBS clearance is required.