1:1 SEND Support Assistant | Secondary School

Tradewind Recruitment; Preston; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment is seeking a dedicated 1:1 SEND Support Assistant in Preston to support a KS3/KS4 student with an EHCP. You will work closely with the SENCO and classroom staff to implement EHCP targets, differentiate tasks, and provide sensory and communication support throughout the day.

The role emphasizes patience, calmness, and flexible resource adaptation to meet the pupil’s pace, promoting independence and inclusive participation within the school environment.

Qualifications

• Experience directly supporting children or young people with additional needs (ASC/ADHD/MLD/SLCN/SEMH).
• Ability to differentiate learning materials and break tasks into manageable steps.
• Experience implementing EHCP targets in collaboration with SENCO and teachers.
• Comfort with using visual timetables, social stories, and assistive communication tools.

Responsibilities

• Targeted 1:1 academic support: accompany pupil to lessons and keep them engaged.
• EHCP target implementation with SENCO and subject teachers.
• Sensory & physical support: implement sensory diets and movement breaks.
• Communication assistance: support speech, language, and communication needs.
• Emotional regulation & de-escalation: recognize triggers and apply calm strategies.
• Progress tracking: document engagement and triggers for weekly reviews.

Skills

SEN experience

Patience

Calm demeanor

Adaptability

Communication skills

Education

Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant qualification

Health & Social Care certificate

Relevant degree (e.g., Psychology, Education)

Job description

Are you an empathetic, patient, and dedicated learning support professional looking to make a direct, tangible difference in a young person's education?

A welcoming and inclusive secondary school in Preston is seeking a committed 1:1 SEND Support Assistant to provide dedicated, individualised support for a Key Stage 3 / Key Stage 4 student with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

In this vital role, you will be the student's consistent champion-breaking down classroom tasks, managing sensory needs, supporting communication, and fostering the pupil's confidence, independence, and social inclusion across the school day.

Core Responsibilities

• Targeted 1:1 Academic Support: Accompany the pupil to timetabled lessons, differentiating learning materials, breaking instructions into manageable steps, and keeping the student engaged.
• EHCP Target Implementation: Work alongside the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and subject teachers to deliver specific targets outlined in the student's EHCP.
• Sensory & Physical Support: Implement agreed sensory diet strategies, facilitate movement breaks, and help create a calm, structured learning environment.
• Communication Assistance: Support speech, language, and communication needs using visual timetables, social stories, or assistive technology where required.
• Emotional Regulation & De-escalation: Recognise early signs of sensory overload, frustration, or anxiety, using gentle de-escalation strategies to keep the student calm and safe.
• Progress Tracking: Maintain brief daily notes on the student's engagement, milestones, and triggers to inform weekly reviews and annual EHCP meetings.

Essential Requirements & Experience

• SEND Experience: Direct experience supporting children or young people with additional needs such as Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), ADHD, Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD), Speech, Language & Communication Needs (SLCN), or SEMH.
• Calm & Encouraging Nature: Strong relationship-building skills, infinite patience, and a positive mindset that encourages student independence rather than over-reliance.
• Adaptability: The ability to modify resources on the fly to match the student's pace and learning style.
• Relevant Qualifications: Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification, Health & Social Care certificate, or a relevant degree (e.g., Psychology, Education, Childhood Studies) is preferred.
• Specialist Training (Desirable): Prior training in Team-Teach, Makaton, PECS, or Autism Awareness is an advantage.

Safer Recruitment & Compliance

• Full right to work in the UK.
• Enhanced Child Workforce DBS registered on the Update Service (or readiness to apply for a new check).
• Complete 10-year work and education history with satisfactory, verifiable professional references.
• Adherence to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) statutory guidelines.

What the School Offers

• Comprehensive guidance and regular check-ins with an experienced, supportive SENCO and SEND team.
• Access to fully funded SEND-specific professional development and training courses.
• Convenient central Preston location with free staff parking and direct links to Preston railway station and local bus routes.
• A balanced term-time-only contract with weekends and all school holidays free.