At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with communication needs and help them thrive in their educational journey.
- Company: Join the caring community at Preston Primary School, part of Lingfield Education Trust.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Encouraged school visits to experience our amazing provision firsthand.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and grow your career.
- Qualifications: Passion for SEND, patience, and ability to build positive relationships with children.
The predicted salary is between 24652 - 25889 £ per year.
Pay Scale: Grade H, Scale Point 14-17 (£24,652 - £25,889 actual salary)
Contract: Temporary Contract, in the first instance 35 hours per week, Term Time Only
Required from March 2026
We are looking for a dedicated, passionate professional who cares about making a difference to children’s lives from the very beginning of their educational journey. This is a rare opportunity to join the Preston family as we expand and grow our SEND provision, with the opening of our brand-new provision, Squirrels. As a community we pride ourselves on giving the very best education to every child within our care.
This key role will see you work within Squirrels with children who have communication needs; therefore the ability to develop communication is key. You will need to have patience and love in high quantities and be prepared to work as part of our dedicated SEND team and undertake further training as necessary to ensure that we offer a first-class educational experience. In return we will support you as you develop your career within a supportive and nurturing work environment.
Key Requirements
- Care about SEND and inclusion or want to specialise in this area
- Have a desire to make a difference to some of the most vulnerable children in society
- Love working with children; being able to forge positive relationships quickly and become a trusted adult during their first steps into school
- Be kind and embody our school motto: “Mighty Oaks from Tiny Acorns Grow”
- Work well as part of a team, whilst also being able to use your own initiative to get things done
If you think this sounds like you and is a role you could succeed in, please look carefully at the following documentation and complete the application form. Visits to school are actively encouraged; it is only once you see this amazing provision in operation that you can understand the ethos and values that underpin it. We will do our best to accommodate visits during operational hours. Please contact the school office with a couple of dates and times on 01642 784735.
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. The post is subject to a successful DBS clearance (certificate of disclosure form from the Disclosure and Barring Service). Pre-employment checks including an online and social media search (KCSIE) will be undertaken before an appointment is confirmed.
Please return completed applications directly to trichardson@preston.lingfieldtrust.org.uk
Closing date: 2nd February 2026 9am
Shortlisting: 2nd February
Interviews: Thursday 5th and Friday 6th February
Level 3 Additional Provision Teaching Assistant - Preston Primary School (Lingfield Education Trust) employer: Stockton Academy Vacancies
Contact Detail:
Stockton Academy Vacancies Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Level 3 Additional Provision Teaching Assistant - Preston Primary School (Lingfield Education Trust)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a stroll around Preston Primary School or check out their website. Understanding their ethos and values will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for SEND! During your interview, share specific examples of how you've supported children with communication needs in the past. This will demonstrate your commitment to making a difference and highlight your experience in this vital area.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss teamwork! Since you'll be working closely with the SEND team, prepare to talk about how you collaborate with others. Share stories that showcase your ability to work well in a team while also using your initiative when needed.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows you’re keen and professional, and it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Level 3 Additional Provision Teaching Assistant - Preston Primary School (Lingfield Education Trust)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for SEND: Make sure to highlight your dedication to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in your application. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children, so share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you.
Personalise Your Application: Tailor your application to reflect our school’s ethos and values. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you embody our motto: 'Mighty Oaks from Tiny Acorns Grow'. This will help us see how you fit into our community.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the key requirements of the role. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our Preston family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stockton Academy Vacancies
✨Know Your Stuff About SEND
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Understand the specific needs of children with communication difficulties, as this will show your passion for making a difference in their lives.
✨Showcase Your Patience and Kindness
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated patience and kindness in previous roles. This is crucial for building trust with vulnerable children, so highlight any relevant experiences that showcase these qualities.
✨Team Player Vibes
Emphasise your ability to work well within a team. Share instances where you've collaborated effectively with colleagues or contributed to a supportive environment. This role requires teamwork, so showing you can fit into their dedicated SEND team is key.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school's ethos and the Squirrels provision. This not only shows your genuine interest but also helps you understand if the school aligns with your values and career goals.