At a Glance
- Tasks: Support SEND pupils with Autism in a specialist classroom and across the school.
- Company: Deepdale Community Primary School, a welcoming and inclusive environment.
- Benefits: Permanent position, term-time hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of SEND pupils while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Level 3 teaching assistant qualification or equivalent experience with SEND pupils.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
The Governors of Deepdale Community Primary School are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and dedicated SEND Teaching Assistant (Level 3) to support the individual learning needs of SEND pupils in a specialist classroom and also across the school. The successful candidate will work with pupils with Autism/ASD in the specialist class under the guidance of the class teacher and other professional agencies in a collaborative way. This is a permanent position.
Location: Deepdale Community Primary School, St Stephen’s Road, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 6TD (676 on roll). Tel: 01772 795586. School website: www.deepdalecommunityprimary.co.uk.
Grade: 6 (SCP 11‑19) 32.5 hours per week, Term time.
Responsibilities:
- Demonstrate experience of working with children with Autism/ASD.
- Collaborate with the class teacher and teaching assistants to establish an appropriate learning environment for pupils who require a curriculum that focuses upon early development skills.
- Learn to use gesture, symbols and pictures, real objects and basic Makaton signs to support language understanding.
- Learn how to be ‘the most interesting thing in the room’ and use high‑impact light‑up and noisy toys to gain the attention of pupils with Autism.
- Learn about sensory regulation and support an environment suitable for pupils with sensory regulation needs.
- Implement targeted learning plans and agreed learning activities/teaching programmes, adjusting activities according to the pupils’ responses/needs.
- Maintain a patient, positive and caring attitude.
- Work as part of a team.
- Commit to developing professional skills.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Level 3 teaching assistant qualification or equivalent experience.
- Demonstrated experience working with pupils with Autism/ASD and familiarity with Makaton and sensory regulation strategies is desirable.
Application Process:
Interested candidates are warmly encouraged to visit the school. Please submit an application describing in detail your skills, qualities, experiences and achievements and how they relate to this post. Please include any other information you feel would be helpful. Return the application to head@deepdale.lancs.sch.uk. CVs are not accepted; you must complete the application form attached on the Lancashire Schools Vacancy Website.
Key Dates:
- Closing date: Monday 8th June 2026 at 9am
- Interview: TBC
- Start date: 1st September 2026
Equal Opportunities Statement: Deepdale Community Primary School is an Equal Opportunities Employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community. We are a Disability Confident employer and will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria in the person specification.
The post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a ‘disclosure’. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with confidentially in accordance with the DBS code of practice.
Safeguarding: We are strongly committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety of children. We undertake a rigorous vetting procedure and will carry out an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
SEND TEACHING ASSISTANT LEVEL 3 in Preston employer: Lancashire County Council
Contact Detail:
Lancashire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND TEACHING ASSISTANT LEVEL 3 in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Visit Deepdale Community Primary School and chat with staff. This shows your enthusiasm and gives you a feel for the environment you'll be working in.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your experience! When you're in the interview, share specific examples of how you've supported SEND pupils, especially those with Autism/ASD. We want to hear about your hands-on skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to demonstrate your techniques! If they ask about Makaton or sensory regulation strategies, have a few practical examples up your sleeve. It’s all about showing you can make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Make sure you fill out the application form thoroughly and highlight how your skills align with the role. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
We think you need these skills to ace SEND TEACHING ASSISTANT LEVEL 3 in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with SEND pupils shine through. Share specific experiences that highlight your dedication and how you can make a difference in their learning journey.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the skills and qualities mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience with Autism/ASD and any relevant strategies like Makaton or sensory regulation that you've used.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and achievements, making it easy for us to see how you fit the role of SEND Teaching Assistant.
Follow the Application Process: Remember, we want to see your completed application form, not a CV! Make sure to submit your application through the Lancashire Schools Vacancy Website and include all the information requested to give us a full picture of your suitability.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge about Autism/ASD and the specific needs of SEND pupils. Familiarise yourself with Makaton and sensory regulation strategies, as these will likely come up in the interview. Being able to discuss how you've used these techniques in the past will show you're a great fit for the role.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role involves working closely with teachers and other professionals, so be ready to talk about your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated to create a positive learning environment. Highlighting your ability to work as part of a team will demonstrate that you can contribute effectively at Deepdale Community Primary School.
✨Engage with Enthusiasm
During the interview, let your passion for supporting SEND pupils shine through. Share stories that showcase your patience, positivity, and caring attitude. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can be 'the most interesting thing in the room', so don’t be afraid to express your excitement about using engaging tools and techniques!
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful ones that show your interest in the school and its approach to SEND education. For example, you could ask about the training opportunities available for staff or how the school supports sensory regulation for pupils. This shows you're serious about your professional development and the role.