At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students in mainstream and alternative settings, helping them overcome learning barriers.
- Company: Join a supportive educational environment focused on student well-being.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, set hours, and all school holidays off.
- Other info: Flexible roles available across Blackpool with great career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with children is valued; teaching assistant qualifications are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 18672 - 21444 £ per year.
Location: Blackpool, Lancashire (All FY Postcodes)
Salary: £93.60 - £107.00 per day (dependent on experience and role level)
Employment Type: Full-time, Term-Time Only
Contract Type: Long-Term Contract / Temp to Perm
Start Date: September 2026
Choose Your Environment
- Pathway 1: Mainstream Secondary Classrooms
- Work across various departments supporting students in Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 (GCSE).
- Help bridge learning gaps in core subjects like English, Maths, or Science.
- Assist the classroom teacher with behaviour management and resource preparation.
- Pathway 2: Alternative Provision & SEMH Support
- Work in smaller, specialised settings supporting young people who are outside of mainstream education.
- Act as a dedicated Mentor or 1:1 TA for students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
- Focus heavily on building trust, implementing trauma-informed care, and de-escalating challenging behaviours.
Key Responsibilities
- Student Engagement: Support individuals or small groups to overcome barriers to learning and stay focused during lessons.
- Inclusion Support: Help implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs) alongside the school SENDCo.
- Pastoral Care: Provide a safe, encouraging space for students who need additional emotional or behavioural guidance.
- Safeguarding: Maintain absolute vigilance regarding child protection and school safeguarding policies.
Requirements
- Experience: Previous experience working with children or young people (e.g., in schools, care settings, sports clubs, or volunteer youth work) is highly valued.
- Qualifications: A Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification is preferred but not essential if you possess strong, relevant life or care experience.
- Key Attributes: Excellent communication skills, resilience, patience, and a non-judgemental approach.
- Compliance: Must hold an Enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service (or be fully prepared to process a new one with us before September).
Benefits
- Great Work-Life Balance: Set daytime hours (Monday to Friday, approx. 8:30AM - 3:30PM). Term-time only, meaning you get every school holiday off.
- Highly Competitive Daily Rates: Earn between £93.60 and £107.00 per day via a transparent pay structure that rewards experience.
- September Certainty: Skip the summer holiday job-hunting panic by locking in your autumn term placement early.
- Local Commute: Postings available right across Blackpool, Bispham, South Shore, and the Fylde Coast to keep your daily travel minimal.
Teaching Assistant - Secondary & Alternative Provision employer: Tradewind Recruitment
As a Teaching Assistant in Blackpool, you will join a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of both students and staff. With a focus on professional growth, you will have access to ongoing training opportunities and a transparent pay structure that rewards your experience. Enjoy a great work-life balance with term-time hours, allowing you to fully embrace school holidays while making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant - Secondary & Alternative Provision
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education or related fields. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Teaching Assistant role that’s not even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty with some volunteering! Whether it’s at a local school or community centre, gaining experience will not only boost your CV but also show potential employers your commitment to supporting young people.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions. Think about how you’d handle classroom scenarios or support students with SEMH needs. We can help you with mock interviews if you need a bit of extra practice!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals ready to make a difference in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant - Secondary & Alternative Provision
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Teaching Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience you have with children or young people, especially in educational settings. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for supporting students shine through in your application. Share any personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to helping young people overcome challenges. We love seeing genuine passion!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you'd be a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application easily. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tradewind Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the specifics of the role, especially the key responsibilities like supporting students in Key Stage 3 and 4. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with helping bridge learning gaps in core subjects.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past work with children or young people that highlight your communication skills and resilience. Whether it’s from schools, care settings, or volunteer work, make sure you can illustrate how you've positively impacted students.
✨Emphasise Your Approach
Discuss your non-judgemental approach and how you build trust with students, especially those with SEMH needs. Share strategies you've used for behaviour management and creating a safe, encouraging environment.
✨Be Ready for Compliance Questions
Since safeguarding is crucial, be prepared to talk about your understanding of child protection policies. If you have an Enhanced DBS check, mention it; if not, show your willingness to process one with us before September.
