At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with SEN in a secondary school, helping them thrive academically and socially.
- Company: A supportive secondary school in Preston dedicated to inclusive education.
- Benefits: Fair pay from Day 1, term-time hours, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Guaranteed full academic year contract with ongoing support from education consultants.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEN, strong communication skills, and a relevant teaching assistant qualification.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Start Date: September 2026
Contract Type: Full Academic Year (Sept 2026 - July 2027), Term-Time Only
Salary: Paid to NJC (National Joint Council) Scale from Day 1
About the Role
We are seeking a dedicated, adaptable, and resilient Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant to join a supportive secondary school in Preston for the full 2026/2027 academic year. In the secondary environment, students face unique challenges navigating multiple subjects, classrooms, and social dynamics. You will provide targeted 1:1 and small-group support to a student with an active Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), helping them access the curriculum, develop emotional resilience, and build vital independent life skills. Working under the guidance of the school's SENCO, you will be a crucial bridge between the student and their subject teachers.
We believe in ethical recruitment and financial transparency; therefore, this position pays directly to the NJC scale from Day 1, ensuring your experience and qualifications are fairly compensated from your very first day in school.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide tailored 1:1 and small-group support across various academic subjects, helping the student comprehend tasks and stay engaged.
- Assist the student with transition times, organisation, and navigating the secondary school environment between periods.
- Modify and differentiate learning materials in real-time to match the student's specific cognitive, communication, or sensory needs.
- Implement positive behaviour strategies and support emotional regulation, helping the student manage anxiety or sensory overload.
- Track, record, and report on the student's progress against their specific EHCP outcomes, providing feedback for annual reviews.
- Promote independence and social inclusion, ensuring the student develops peer relationships while feeling secure.
What We Are Looking For
- Experience: Proven experience supporting young people (aged 11-16) with Special Educational Needs (SEN), such as Autism (ASD), ADHD, SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health), or Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD).
- Curriculum Knowledge: Good literacy and numeracy skills to confidently support a secondary-level curriculum.
- Attributes: Strong communication skills, exceptional patience, and an understanding of adolescent development. You should be able to balance offering support with fostering independence.
- Qualifications: Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent experience) is highly desirable. Training in de-escalation strategies or specific SEN interventions is a distinct advantage.
- Compliance: An enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or a willingness to process a new one) and an absolute commitment to rigorous safeguarding standards.
What We Offer
- Fair Pay: Direct alignment with the NJC Scale from Day 1, ensuring financial transparency and fair compensation.
- Stability: A guaranteed full academic year contract running from September 2026 through to July 2027.
- Work-Life Balance: Term-time only hours, matching standard secondary school holidays.
- Sector Support: Access to ongoing professional development and support from a consultant dedicated to Lancashire's secondary education sector.
How to Apply
If you are a passionate SEN professional ready to make a tangible difference in a young person's secondary education, we want to hear from you. Please click 'Apply Now' to submit your updated CV, or contact our Secondary Education Recruitment Team directly to discuss this opportunity. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of youth. All candidates will be subject to strict compliance procedures, including enhanced DBS and reference checks.
SEN Teaching Assistant (Secondary EHCP Support) in Preston employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Join a supportive secondary school in Preston as a SEN Teaching Assistant, where you will be part of a dedicated team committed to making a meaningful impact on students' lives. Enjoy fair pay aligned with the NJC scale from Day 1, a full academic year contract, and term-time only hours that promote a healthy work-life balance. With access to ongoing professional development and a focus on ethical recruitment, this role offers a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth in a nurturing environment.
