At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with personalised care and help them thrive in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join a warm, friendly school with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, health support, and a local government pension scheme.
- Other info: Part-time role with opportunities for growth in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and contribute to their success.
- Qualifications: GCSE English and Maths at grade C or above; experience in safeguarding and behaviour support preferred.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
We are searching for the best education professionals.
Employer Location: Preston, Lancashire
Contract Type: Fixed term contract
Hours: Part Time
Salary: NJC Grade 4 SCP 4-6 (£25,185 - £25,989 fte)
Posted: 14th October 2025
Start Date: 5th January 2026
Expires: 14th November 2025 12:00 PM
Special Support Assistant x4
15 hours per week, Part Time
Fixed Term
Term Time + 1 week (45.05 weeks per year)
We are seeking to appoint a Special Support Assistant to work with our wonderful children. All of the children at St Matthew's are special, with some needing additional, personalised support to help them to flourish. If you’re the sort of person who can provide that level of support, and you’re committed to ensuring the very best for our children and you share our vision of happy, successful and confident learners then we’d love to hear from you.
St Matthew's has been serving the local community for 150 years. Our pastoral care for our families is described as “exceptional”. We are very pleased and humbled that our care for our children and families is recognised and we expect all who seek to work with us to share this dedication.
The successful candidate will:
- Have GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent) at grade C or above.
- Care passionately for all our children, no matter what their barriers are, or the challenges they bring into school.
- Build professional relationships with children, staff, parents and outside agencies.
- Have some knowledge and experience of safeguarding, behaviour support and pastoral support.
- Lead groups and work with and support children for whom English is not their first language.
- Liaise with teachers to support pupils and raise achievement.
We can offer:
- A warm, friendly school, where children are at the heart of everything we do.
- Delightful and polite children who are keen to learn.
- Hardworking, caring and committed staff who all work to make a real difference for our children.
- Supportive parents.
- Opportunities to develop professionally.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Access to health and wellbeing support for you and your family.
- Employment within a Trust committed to equality of opportunity and nationally and locally negotiated pay arrangements.
- Terms and conditions protected through a formal trade union recognition agreement with all the major education and support staff unions, and supported through regular JCNC meetings.
- Access to employee benefits & rewards through Perkbox.
- Cycle to work scheme.
Please ensure that you refer to the job description and person specification as only those candidates that meet the criteria will be considered for shortlisting.
Please note CVs are not accepted. To apply for this vacancy you need to complete the online Eteach application form. If successful, pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS clearance will be undertaken.
If you wish to discuss this role further, please contact Mr Mark Mackley (Headteacher).
Closing date: Friday 14th November 2025 at 12pm
Proposed interview date: Friday 21st November 2025
Please note that in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024, an online search will be carried out as part of our safer recruitment pre-employment checks on shortlisted candidates.
We are a member of Cidari Multi Academy Trust, established in November 2013, a growing educational trust and part of the Blackburn Diocese. Cidari Education is committed to providing high quality education for all children in our academies based on clearly established Christian values and principles.
Preston St Matthew's Church of England Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
Special Support Assistant in Preston employer: St George’s School, A Church of England Academy
St Matthew's Church of England Primary School, part of the Cidari Multi Academy Trust, is an exceptional employer dedicated to nurturing both students and staff. With a warm and friendly work environment, opportunities for professional development, and a strong commitment to equality and wellbeing, we ensure that our employees feel valued and supported in their roles. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of our children while enjoying benefits like a local government pension scheme and access to health and wellbeing support.
Contact Details:
St George’s School, A Church of England Academy Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Special Support Assistant in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research St Matthew's and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff if you can. They can provide insider info about the school culture and what they look for in a Special Support Assistant, giving you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your ability to support children with diverse needs. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their vision of happy, successful learners.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at St Matthew's.
We think you need these skills to ace Special Support Assistant in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description and person specification. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Special Support Assistant so you can tailor your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
Show Your Passion for Education:We want to see your enthusiasm for working with children! In your application, share specific examples of how you've supported children in the past, especially those who may need extra help. Let your passion shine through!
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the online application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your writing is easy to read. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the heart of your experience and qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, we only accept applications through our online Eteach application form. So, make sure you submit your application there to be considered. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at St George’s School, A Church of England Academy
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to research St Matthew's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to providing exceptional pastoral care will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for in a Special Support Assistant.
✨Show Your Passion for Education
During the interview, express your genuine passion for working with children, especially those who need additional support. Share specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your dedication to helping all children flourish, regardless of their challenges.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle various situations involving children with different needs. Think of scenarios where you've successfully supported students or managed challenging behaviour, and be ready to discuss these in detail.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask thoughtful questions about the role and the school environment. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you. Consider asking about professional development opportunities or how the school supports its staff.
