SEND Support Assistant

Star Academies; Preston; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Star Academies is seeking a dedicated teaching assistant to provide tailored support to pupils at The Olive School, Preston. You will work to enable an outstanding learning environment, supporting pupils individually, in small groups, and with whole classes within a faith-based primary school.

Ideal candidates will have NVQ Level 2 Teaching Assistant or equivalent and experience of working with children, including those with SEND, and will demonstrate strong organisational and relational skills

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 Teaching Assistant or equivalent required.
• Experience of working with children in a school setting.
• Experience of working with children with SEND.
• Ability to maintain positive relationships with pupils and other adults.
• Ability to work with pupils on a one-to-one, small groups and whole class.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support to pupils to enable an outstanding learning environment.
• Support learning and teaching and develop relationships across the school and Star community.

Skills

Experience with children in school

Experience with SEND

One-to-one support

Group support

Strong organisational skills

Education

NVQ Level 2 Teaching Assistant or equivalent

Job description

Do you have the drive, passion and commitment to deliver outstanding support to help young people in a disadvantaged community? If so, joining the Star support team might just be the best career move you ever make. This is your opportunity to join a dedicated team of support staff who are committed to providing the best possible education for our pupils.

About The Olive School, Preston

The Olive School, Preston is a Muslim faith-based, primary school for 4 to 11 year olds, which welcomes pupils from all faiths and none. We opened in 2016 and, like all Star schools, we have a leadership specialism. We were graded as ‘Outstanding’ in all areas by Ofsted during our first inspection in June 2019. At our last inspection in December 2024, the school was commended for upholding the same high standards of academic excellence, teaching, character development and behaviour that resulted in the school’s previous ‘Outstanding’ rating.

We have an exemplary reputation for excellence in every aspect of school life. We provide a knowledge-based academic curriculum alongside a rich and diverse leadership programme that grows character and inspires charitable and social action. Our pursuit of educational excellence is based upon our fundamental belief that every pupil has the capacity to become a successful and inspirational leader.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for a dedicated individual to provide tailored support to our pupils. You will be committed to making a positive difference to young people’s lives and in supporting and developing their learning. Your intervention will help enable an outstanding learning environment for our young people, providing the support they need to succeed.

The successful candidate will be a committed team player with excellent organisational and technical skills. You will have the ability to effectively support learning and teaching, and to develop relationships across our school and the Star community.

You will have:

• A NVQ Level 2 Teaching Assistant or equivalent.
• Experience of working with children in a school setting.
• Experience of working with children with SEND.
• The ability to maintain positive relationships with pupils and other adults.
• The ability to work with pupils on a one to one, small groups and whole class.

About Star Academies

Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person’s future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed.

Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level.

We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.

Key Dates

Closing Date: Friday, 18 September 2026 at midnight.

Interview Date: To be confirmed.

Proposed Start Date: Monday, 5 October 2026.

Proposed Fixed Term Contract End Date: Tuesday, 31 August 2027.

Our Commitment

Star Academies is committed to safeguarding, safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of pupils. Our comprehensive recruitment and selection processes aim to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Successful candidates are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks.

We are equally committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity. We aim for our workforce to be representative of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to providing equality and fairness in our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on any grounds. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.