At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a Key Stage 1 pupil with autism and emotional needs in their learning journey.
- Company: Welcoming primary school in Thornton Cleveleys, dedicated to nurturing every child.
- Benefits: Opportunity for a permanent position, supportive team, and rewarding experience.
- Other info: Join a Good-rated school focused on individual support and positive learning environments.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's life while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND or youth work; patience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 28000 £ per year.
Vision for Education is seeking a caring, patient and dedicated SEND Teaching Assistant to join a welcoming primary school in Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire from September 2026. This rewarding opportunity is expected to continue for the remainder of the 2026/27 academic year initially, with the potential for a permanent position in 2027 for the right candidate.
The Role
This position is ideal for someone who is passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children with additional needs. As a SEND Teaching Assistant, you will provide dedicated 1:1 support for a Key Stage 1 pupil with autism, alongside emotional and behavioural needs, helping them to access learning, develop positive relationships and achieve their full potential.
Working closely with the class teacher and the wider SEND team, the successful SEND Teaching Assistant will:
- Provide consistent 1:1 support throughout the school day.
- Build a positive, trusting relationship with the pupil.
- Use effective strategies to support emotional regulation and positive behaviour.
- Adapt learning activities to meet individual needs.
- Encourage independence, confidence and engagement in lessons.
- Work collaboratively with teaching staff, parents and external professionals where appropriate.
This role would suit someone with previous experience supporting children with autism, SEND or behavioural needs, although transferable experience from care or youth work will also be considered.
The School
This friendly and inclusive primary school prides itself on creating a nurturing environment where every child is valued and supported to succeed. Staff work collaboratively to ensure pupils receive the individual support they need both academically and personally. The school was judged Good in its most recent Ofsted inspection in July 2024. Inspectors praised the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, recognising the school's commitment to providing a positive learning environment where pupils feel safe, supported and encouraged to achieve their best.
This opportunity offers the chance to become part of a supportive staff team that places children's wellbeing and progress at the heart of everything it does.
Requirements
To be considered for the role, you will:
- Have experience working with children or young people with SEND, particularly autism and behavioural needs.
- Be patient, resilient and adaptable.
- Have excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Be committed to supporting children to reach their full potential.
- Hold, or be willing to obtain, an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service.
SEND Teaching Assistant in Thornton employer: Vision for Education Ltd
Vision for Education is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth of its educators while fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture. Located in Colchester, this role offers competitive pay, dedicated consultancy support, and access to ongoing training opportunities, making it an ideal environment for passionate Geography teachers eager to inspire students and develop their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Teaching Assistant in Thornton
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Vision for Education Ltd.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Vision for Education Ltd!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Vision for Education Ltd, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Vision for Education Ltd or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Teaching Assistant in Thornton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Vision for Education Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Vision for Education Ltd! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vision for Education Ltd
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
