Unqualified SEND Teaching Assistant
Location: Preston, Lancashire
Pay Rate: Competitive, dependent on experience
Contract Type: Full-Time / Part-Time
Start Date: Immediate starts available
About the Opportunity
A specialist SEND school in Preston is seeking a motivated and compassionate Unqualified SEND Teaching Assistant to join its dedicated support team. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs and helping them achieve their personal and educational goals.
The school caters for pupils with a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, speech and language difficulties, and moderate to complex learning needs.
The Role
As an Unqualified SEND Teaching Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting pupils throughout the school day. Working closely with teaching staff, you will help create a positive learning environment where students feel safe, supported, and encouraged to succeed.
This position would suit candidates with previous SEND experience, but applications are also welcomed from individuals with transferable skills gained through voluntary work, care roles, mentoring, coaching, residential support, or personal experience supporting individuals with additional needs.
Responsibilities
- Support pupils within the classroom to access learning activities.
- Provide one-to-one and small group support as directed by teaching staff.
- Encourage positive behaviour and emotional regulation.
- Assist pupils in developing communication, social, and independence skills.
- Support the implementation of individual education and behaviour plans.
- Help maintain a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and support staff.
- Assist with personal care and mobility needs where required.
What We're Looking For
Essential
- A genuine desire to work with children and young people with SEND.
- Positive, patient, and caring attitude.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to build trusting relationships with pupils and staff.
- Flexible and proactive approach to supporting learning.
Desirable
- Previous experience working with children, young people, or vulnerable adults.
- Knowledge or experience of Autism, ADHD, SEMH, or learning difficulties.
- Experience gained through education, care, support work, youth work, sports coaching, or volunteering.
- Relevant qualifications in education, childcare, health and social care, psychology, or related fields.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR SPENCER CLARKE GROUP
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
