Teaching Assistant - Shenstone Lodge

Teaching Assistant (SEMH Special School)

Salary: Grade 6 (£27,254 - £30,024 FTE)

Contract: Fixed Term 32.5 hours per week (funding potentially until July 2027, reviewed annually)

Location: Shenstone Lodge School, Shenstone, near Lichfield

Job Summary

Shenstone Lodge School seeks a skilled, approachable, and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to support primary-aged pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, including those who present challenging behaviours. The role involves working closely with a specific child with complex SEMH needs, autism spectrum condition and communication difficulties, and may also include support for other pupils, groups and classes.

Responsibilities

• Provide bespoke support to pupils with SEMH needs, ensuring trauma-informed practice and adherence to behaviour, support and risk management plans.
• Support a pupil with complex SEMH needs, autism and communication difficulties, helping to develop self regulation, communication and social interaction skills.
• Assist in the gradual reintegration of the pupil into the classroom environment alongside peers.
• Deploy to work with other pupils, groups or classes as required to meet the wider needs of the school.
• Participate in bespoke training programmes to develop knowledge, skill sets, understanding and effectiveness.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience of supporting primary-aged pupils with SEMH needs and behaviours that challenge.
• Strong understanding of trauma, significant adverse childhood experiences and attachment theory.
• Experience working with pupils diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Condition and communication/interaction difficulties.
• Ability to work consistently within bespoke behaviour, support and risk management plans.
• Resilient, calm under pressure, confident, curriculum-aware and able to contribute as an integrated part of the school team.

Requirements & Checks

• Subject to an enhanced DBS check, online checks and satisfactory references prior to interview.
• Enhanced disclosure check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Commitment

Shenstone Lodge School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

By engaging in this recruitment process, shortlisted candidates consent to an online search in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education Statutory Guidance 2025.