Job Title: SEN Teaching Assistant (1:1 and Small Group Support) - Full-Time
Location: Preston, Lancashire
Contract Type: Full-Time, Term-Time Only

Job Description

We are seeking a committed, caring, and experienced SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist special educational needs (SEN) school in Preston, Lancashire, supporting pupils with a range of additional needs across primary and secondary age groups.

The role involves providing tailored 1:1 and small group support to help pupils access learning, develop independence, and achieve their individual potential in a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment.

The successful candidate will have previous experience working with children or young people with special educational needs and be confident supporting pupils with personal care requirements, including toileting, changing, and maintaining personal hygiene where necessary.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is patient, compassionate, and passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children and young people with additional needs.

Key Responsibilities

Provide SEN support:
Deliver 1:1 and small group support to pupils with a range of needs, including autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, SEMH, and communication difficulties, adapting support to suit individual abilities and developmental needs.

Support learning and development:
Assist pupils in accessing the curriculum through differentiated activities, sensory approaches, and tailored interventions in line with their Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

Personal care and hygiene:
Provide personal care support where required, including toileting, changing, washing, dressing, and supporting pupils with continence needs. Ensure all personal care is delivered respectfully, sensitively, and in accordance with the school's policies and individual care plans, maintaining each pupil's dignity, privacy, and independence.

Promote independence and life skills:
Encourage pupils to develop essential daily living skills, communication, self-care routines, and confidence, providing appropriate support while promoting independence wherever possible.

Promote inclusion and engagement:
Create a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment that encourages participation, positive relationships, emotional wellbeing, and confidence.

Support physical and medical needs:
Assist pupils with mobility, positioning, and other physical needs where required. Follow individual care plans and school procedures when supporting pupils with medical or additional healthcare needs.

Social, emotional, and behavioural support:
Support pupils with emotional regulation, communication, and social development, using appropriate positive behaviour support and de-escalation strategies where necessary.

Work collaboratively:
Work closely with class teachers, SENCOs, therapists, healthcare professionals, and other support staff to implement individual learning targets, EHCP outcomes, and personal care plans.

Monitor and record progress:
Observe, record, and report on pupils' progress, behaviour, wellbeing, and development, raising any concerns with the appropriate member of staff.

Requirements

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with special educational needs in a school, care, or specialist support setting is essential.
• Experience providing personal care, including toileting, changing, and hygiene support, is highly desirable.
• A relevant Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Childcare, Health and Social Care, or equivalent is desirable.
• An understanding of a range of additional needs, including autism, learning disabilities, communication difficulties, and complex needs.
• A compassionate, patient, and professional approach, with the ability to build positive relationships with pupils.
• Confidence supporting pupils with personal care needs while maintaining dignity, privacy, safeguarding, and confidentiality.
• Ability to follow individual care plans, health and safety procedures, and school policies.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training, including personal care, safeguarding, and any required medical or physical support training.
• An enhanced DBS check, including the children's barred list where applicable, or willingness to obtain one.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
• Ongoing professional development and specialist SEN training.
• Opportunities to develop experience in education, personal care, and supporting pupils with complex needs.
• A supportive and welcoming specialist school environment in Preston.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the learning, independence, dignity, and wellbeing of children and young people with additional needs across Preston and the surrounding Lancashire area.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR VERITAS EDUCATION

• All applications are subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure, professional reference checks, Overseas Police Clearances (if applicable) in line with our stringent safeguarding policy
• Your CV must cover the last 10 years of employment history where possible and all employment breaks must be explained
• You must have legal right to work in the UK
• You must be willing to attend a registration interview

Veritas Education work with a variety of schools covering a wide geographical area. We deal with teaching placements at Primary, Secondary and college level as well as support staff positions also within these.

Disclaimer

'Nothing within the above advert was in any way designed or intended to discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation. Veritas Education is an Equal opportunities employer and is proud in the knowledge that all placements are made on merit and suitability. We accept applications from all sections of the community.'