Overview
Federation of Cherry Oak School and Victoria School
Based at: Cherry Oak School, 60 Frederick Road, B296PB
Grade A (Previously referred to as a Level 2) Teaching Assistant - 32.5 Hours per week - Term Time Only - Permanent
Salary Range: £20569 - £23186 Actual Salary Inc. SEN Allowance of £1507 FTE
Are you ready to be the highlight of someone's day? To be the person who unlocks a child's potential when the rest of the world sees a closed door?
Cherry Oak School supports pupils with cognition and communication difficulties and Autism in a vibrant, high-energy community.
Why Cherry Oak?
Working here isn't just a job - it's an adventure in empathy and innovation. Our pupils are diverse, spirited, and face complex challenges, but they also possess incredible strengths.
As part of our team, you won't just be sitting in a classroom; you'll be:
Translating the Unspoken: Using a sensory and trauma-informed approach, personalised communication strategies, and creative tech to give every child a voice. Celebrating the Firsts: Experiencing the unmatched rush of a child making eye contact, sharing a resource, or mastering a new skill for the very first time. Joining a Community: Working alongside a fierce, supportive team of experts who have your back, share your laughs, and celebrate every victory-no matter how small.
Are You the Missing Piece?
We are seeking to appoint a Grade A (previously known as a Level 2) Teaching Assistant. We hire for heart, humour, and resilience. If you are patient, proactive, and believe that every child deserves a bespoke education that fits them perfectly, we want to meet you.
"At Cherry Oak, we don't just teach. We empower. We don't just care. We advocate. Come and see how much of a difference a single day can make."
Ready to start your most rewarding chapter yet? Your journey at Cherry Oak begins here.
Responsibilities
Successful candidates will need to demonstrate
- A desire to work with pupils on the autistic spectrum.
- A willingness to learn more about Autism and other diagnosed Special Educational Needs.
- The ability to follow and implement key pieces of information relating to pupils, such as Positive Behaviour Management Plans, Sensory Differences Profiles, Individual Pupil Risk Assessments, Pupil Profiles and Transition Guidance.
- Be flexible to the needs of the school with an "I can do attitude."
- The ability to work using own initiative, and work effectively as part of a team.
- How they communicate clearly and effectively with pupils and colleagues.
- The desire to take ownership of tasks.
- The passion and commitment to supporting children and young people with Special Needs.
- Be committed to safeguarding our pupils.
- Good numeracy and literacy skills.
What We Can Offer
We can offer you:
- Opportunities to progress in your professional and career development. This includes supporting development to other roles within school.
- Specialist coaching and training you will need to fulfill the role.
- Access to support services such as mental health and wellbeing.
- Being part of a supportive team of individuals.
- Essential qualities for this work include kindness, initiative, friendliness, resilience, and patience.
Application Details
Closing Date for Applications: Wednesday 20 May 2026
Interview Date: Monday 15 June 2026
Visits to the school are encouraged for applications - please contact Kirsty McWilliam to arrange on
Safeguarding
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to pre-employment checks including enhanced DBS; Childcare Disqualification (where applicable); qualifications (where applicable); medical fitness; identity and right to work.
References
All applicants will be required to provide 2 suitable references.
Short-Listed Candidates
An online search will be carried out as part of due diligence on all shortlisted candidates.
Terms and Conditions
Birmingham City Council is a Living Wage Employer.
Rehabilitation of Offenders
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and has the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2002. This means that certain spent convictions and cautions are protected and do not need to be disclosed to employers; if disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. The post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016). Therefore, the ability to speak fluent English is an essential requirement for this role.
