Job Title: SEN Teaching Assistant (1:1 & 2:1 SEMH / Complex Behaviour Support) Location: Preston & South Ribble, Lancashire (PR1 / PR2 / PR5) Contract Type: Full-Time, Temporary-to-Permanent (Immediate & Term Starts Available) Status: Qualified or Unqualified welcome to apply Step Into a High-Impact 1:1 or 2:1 Classroom Support Role Are you passionate about making an immediate difference for a child who struggles in a standard classroom? Do you have the patience, firm boundaries, and emotional resilience to help a dysregulated learner find calm and focus? We are recruiting dedicated SEN Behaviour Support Assistants to provide targeted 1:1 and 2:1 pastoral support for pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) across primary and secondary settings in Preston. Qualified and Unqualified candidates are equally encouraged to apply. Whether you hold a Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant qualification, or bring real-world transferable experience from youth work, care, sports coaching, psychology, or residential support, your ability to build trust and co-regulate complex behaviour is what matters most. The Role: What is 1:1 and 2:1 EHCP Support? 1:1 Support: Acting as the dedicated key support worker for a specific pupil whose EHCP identifies Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, ADHD, ASC (Autism), or Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). 2:1 Provision: Partnering with an experienced colleague to provide a high-nurture, dual-practitioner support framework for a student requiring heightened supervision, physical safety management, and co-regulation throughout the school day. Core Responsibilities De-Escalation & Co-Regulation: Recognise early behavioral triggers, anxiety spikes, and sensory overload; use low-arousal techniques to defuse crisis situations safely. Curriculum Adaptation: Break down lesson tasks set by the class teacher into bite-sized, manageable chunks to build confidence and prevent task-avoidance behaviour. Positive Re-Direction: Facilitate sensory breaks, gross-motor movement intervals, and calm-corner regulation strategies. Restorative Support: Encourage positive social interactions with peers in the playground and classroom, fostering resilience and independence. Pastoral Record Keeping: Monitor and log daily progress, emotional baselines, and behavioral incidents using school management systems (e.g., CPOMS). Who We Are Looking For Option A - Qualified: Level 2 or 3 TA qualification, HLTA, Early Years certification, or a relevant degree (Education, Psychology, Criminology, Childhood Studies). Option B - Unqualified / Practical Experience: No formal TA papers needed if you have hands-on experience supporting young people-ideal backgrounds include: Children's residential care (RSW) or adult social care Youth work, community mentoring, or sports coaching Special needs family caregiving / personal experience Key Attributes: Grounded presence, non-defensive communication, consistency, and genuine empathy. De-Escalation Training: Team-Teach, MAPA/CPI, or PRICE certificates are advantageous (accredited de-escalation training support provided). Safeguarding: An Enhanced Child Workforce DBS on the DBS Update Service (or willingness to complete one). What We Offer Temp-to-Perm Pathway: A smooth 12-week agency transition offering an immediate trial with guaranteed conversion to a permanent school contract for the right candidate. Dedicated Local Support: Local consultant support based in Lancashire, working alongside accredited Preston schools. JSON-LD
SEN Teaching Assistant - 1:1 / 2:1 Behaviour & Inclusion in Preston employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Tradewind Recruitment is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in Preston that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With competitive salaries, immediate commission opportunities, and generous holiday allowances, we ensure our team members thrive both personally and professionally. Our comprehensive Impact Academy training programme equips you with the skills to excel in recruitment, while ongoing support from experienced mentors fosters a collaborative environment where you can achieve your career aspirations.
