Teaching Assistant

Fixed Term Contract 32.5 hours per week (The funding for this position is potentially until July 2027 but will be reviewed on an annual cycle)

Shenstone Lodge School is looking to appoint skilled, approachable and enthusiastic Teaching Assistants to join our existing team at Shenstone Lodge School in Shenstone, near Lichfield.

Successful candidates will be calm under pressure, resilient, confident, curriculum-aware and have experience of successfully supporting primary-aged pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, including those who may present behaviours that challenge.

The successful candidate will be trauma-informed, have a strong understanding of the impact of significant adverse childhood experiences as well as attachment theory, and be able to work consistently within bespoke behaviour, support and risk management plans. Experience of working with pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and communication and interaction difficulties is essential, alongside an understanding of how sensory, social and emotional needs can impact a child's engagement, wellbeing and behaviour.

In the first instance, the post holder will be directed to work closely with a specific child who presents with a range of complex SEMH needs, autism, and communication and interaction difficulties. The child is currently educated separately from his peers due to feelings of overwhelm and previous incidents linked to emotional regulation. The successful candidate will play a key role in providing bespoke support, helping the child to develop self-regulation, communication and social interaction skills, with the long-term aim of supporting a carefully planned and gradual reintegration into the classroom environment alongside his peers.

Whilst initially assigned to support this individual pupil, the school may deploy the post holder to work with other pupils, groups and classes as required to meet the wider needs of the school

The school holds the nationally acclaimed Best Practice Teaching Assistant Award which demonstrates our commitment to supporting TAs as a professional and fully integrated part of the school team.

The successful applicants will receive bespoke training (depending on experience) to develop knowledge, skill sets, understanding and effectiveness. This ensures that we offer the best educational and pastoral support for our primary age students.

A visit to the school and/or a discussion with a member of the senior management team is highly recommended. Please contact the school office on 01543 480369 and ask for Ian Mitchell.

Shenstone Lodge School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. As part of the shortlisting process, the school will undertake an online search as part of our due diligence which may help identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and are publicly available online, which the school or college might want to explore with the applicant at interview.

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

Please note this post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, Online checks and satisfactory references prior to interview

You will find our policies (including Safeguarding, Safer Recruitment and Disclosure of a Criminal Conviction) here - Welcome to Shenstone Lodge School

Note 1:

The content of this job description will be reviewed with the post holder on an annual basis in line with the School’s performance and development review policy. Any significant change in level of accountability that could result in a change to the grade must be discussed with the post holder and the relevant trade union before submitting for re- evaluation.