SEND Teaching Assistant (ELWS) in Wigan

Post Title: Teaching Assistant

Recruiting Manager: Lianne Bate (Headteacher)

Location: Expanse Learning Wigan School, Tyrer Avenue, Wigan, WN3 5XE.

Salary: £24,784.50 FTE

Work Pattern: 08:30–16:30 (part-time hours available)

Responsible to: Assistant Headteacher

Responsible for: Supporting students with special educational and general learning needs

Closing Date: 6^th December 2026

Interview Date: 10^th December 2026

Who We Are

Due the ongoing growth and success of our school community, we are delighted to be expanding our team. We are seeking enthusiastic, dedicated, and talented individuals who share our commitment to providing the very best education and support for our students. Our school supports children aged 11-16 with a variety of special educational needs including, Autism, ADHD, and/or as a result of a combination of factors related to Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. All our students have an Education, Health and Care Plan. We are a calm, nurturing and inclusive environment where class sizes are small. This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving school and make a positive difference to the lives of children and families.

If you would like a tour of our school, please contact the school office 01942 877715 (option 1).

Role Purpose

To support students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and general learning needs, working under the direction of the teacher. The Teaching Assistant will help students access learning, develop confidence and independence, and build the skills they need for adulthood.

The postholder will provide educational, pastoral and personal care support according to individual needs, contributing to a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment.

About Us

Established in 2010, Expanse Learning is a specialist SEN provider in the Wigan borough. Our approach enables students to reach their full potential and make a positive difference to their lives and communities. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to the organisation’s continuing development.

The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, energetic and ambitious, with a successful track record of supporting learners. They will have high expectations of students, communicate clearly and build positive relationships with colleagues, families, the community and other stakeholders. They will be approachable and committed to helping every student achieve their potential, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Job Description Statement

This job description outlines the duties, responsibilities, skills and knowledge required for the role. It will be reviewed periodically as part of professional and organisational development and may be amended following consultation with the postholder to reflect changes in the role or the needs of students and the organisation.

Safeguarding Statement

All staff, regardless of role, level of seniority and location, have a responsibility to ensure the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We must collectively create an environment where students feel safe to learn, develop, and grow. Students should feel comfortable in their surroundings and know that they can approach any responsible adult with any problems or concerns.

All staff must be able to identify any students who are at risk of harm and know the characteristics of abuse or neglect. If you suspect or confirm harm, then it’s essential you know what actions to take.

Annual safeguarding training is offered to all staff at Expanse Learning, and it is the staff member’s responsibility to be aware of the most up to date guidance documented in the Keeping Children Safe in Education document (Department of Education). All post holders are subject to satisfactory disclosure and clearance prior to employment. This role involves engaging in regulated activity relevant to children and vulnerable adults and it is an offence to apply for this vacancy if the applicant has been barred from engaging in regulated activity. All candidates are subject to online checks, including social media.

It is unlawful for Expanse Learning to employ anyone who is barred from working with children. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to apply for a position at Expanse Learning. All applicants will be made aware that providing false information is an offence and could result in the application being rejected, or summary dismissal if the applicant has been selected, and referral to the police and/or the DBS.

Equality Statement

We are committed to achieving equal opportunities in the way we deliver services to the community and in our employment arrangements. We expect all employees to understand and promote this policy in their work.

Employees will be recruited based on their qualifications and experience to do the work to be performed, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality, religion or belief, political opinion, age, pregnancy & maternity, disability or trade union membership status.

Health and Safety

All employees have a responsibility for their own health and safety and that of others when carrying out their duties, and must support the school’s health and safety policies.

Key Responsibilities

Learning and Classroom Support

• Support students under the supervision and direction of the teacher.
• Assist with preparing learning resources and contribute to curriculum planning, differentiation and individual target setting.
• Help students understand instructions through repetition, rephrasing and demonstration, adapting support to their individual needs and learning preferences.
• Encourage students to communicate with one another and with staff, and promote confidence, self-esteem and independence.
• Support students to develop the knowledge and skills needed for transition into adulthood.
• Support the teacher in working towards students’ individual objectives, providing educational and pastoral support and signposting to appropriate services where needed.
• Support students to use assistive technology and personal aids that enable them to access learning.
• Support the delivery of individual education, social, behavioural and personal care programmes.

Pastoral Support and Personal Care

• Provide personal care and practical support where required, including during mealtimes, breaks and external activities, in accordance with individual care plans and organisational procedures.
• Recognise signs of distress and provide reassurance using agreed intervention strategies.

Safeguarding and Inclusion

• Comply with all safeguarding policies and procedures to protect the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, including requirements relating to radicalisation and extremism.
• Promote equality and diversity, recognising and challenging stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination to maintain an inclusive learning environment and workplace.

Administration and Professional Practice

• Assist the teacher with administrative duties and maintain accurate records on the organisation’s management information systems, including attendance, progress and medical records.
• Work consistently towards agreed key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Promote high standards of health and safety in all aspects of the role.
• Comply with organisational policies, including safeguarding, data protection and health and safety, and complete required training.
• Develop effective relationships with relevant stakeholders, including parents and carers.
• Support promotional activities and events, including open evenings, parents’ evenings and enrolment sessions.
• Take responsibility for continuing professional development and participate in mandatory CPD, staff learning days, training events and activities to develop skills relevant to the role.

Our Benefits

Expanse Learning aims to provide a rewarding career and support employees to reach their full potential professionally and personally.

Professional Development

• Regular training and access to internal and external programmes tailored to individual learning needs.
• Career progression opportunities, including support for moves between departments.

Financial

• A competitive salary for teaching and non-teaching staff.
• Access to a salary sacrifice pension plan.
• Enhanced sick pay that increases with length of service.

Wellbeing

• 47 days’ holiday for full-time equivalent staff.
• An annual wellbeing day.
• Free, confidential advice and guidance through a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to private medical insurance.

Facilities

• Free car parking at every site.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS If you require any aids or adaptations to either our workplace or policies and practices that may assist or enable you to successfully carry out this role, please inform us.

This job description is subject to annual review in accordance with the changing nature of students and institutional need.

The Person Specification

How to Apply

To apply, please visit https://www.expanselearning.co.uk/job-opportunities/ or request an application pack from Katie McDermott (Group HR Manager) at [email protected]

Applications must be supported by a fully completed application form.