SEND Teaching Assistant (Mainstream)

Vision for Education Ltd; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Vision for Education Ltd. is partnering with a welcoming mainstream secondary school in Blackburn to appoint a dedicated Teaching Assistant for its Alternative Provision. The role starts in October 2026 and runs for the full 2026/27 academic year, with potential for a permanent position.

You will support pupils with SEMH, behavioural needs and other barriers to learning, helping them re-engage with education and build confidence in a structured environment.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young people, ideally in education or youth settings.
• Experience supporting pupils with SEMH or behavioural needs.
• Patient, resilient and consistent in approach.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Able to nurture positive relationships with pupils.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils academically and pastorally to access learning.
• Collaborate with teaching and pastoral teams to maintain consistency.

Skills

Young people experience

SEMH experience

Behaviour support

Communication skills

Adaptability

Job description

Vision for Education are working in partnership with a welcoming and supportive mainstream secondary school in Blackburn to appoint a dedicated Teaching Assistant to work within the school's Alternative Provision.

This Teaching Assistant role in Blackburn is due to start in October 2026 and will continue for the full 2026/27 academic year, with the potential for a permanent position for the right candidate.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting young people who may find the mainstream classroom challenging. Working within the school's Alternative Provision, you will provide targeted support to pupils who require additional guidance with their learning, behaviour, emotional wellbeing and engagement with education.

The Role

The successful Teaching Assistant will work within the school's Alternative Provision setting, supporting secondary-aged pupils who may have a range of additional needs, including SEMH, behavioural difficulties, Autism/ASC and other barriers to learning.

You will play an important role in helping pupils re-engage with education, develop positive relationships and build the confidence and skills they need to succeed.

The role will involve supporting pupils both academically and pastorally, helping them access their learning and providing encouragement when they may find school challenging. You will work closely with teaching staff and the wider pastoral team to provide a consistent and supportive approach.

This role would particularly suit someone with experience in youth work, mentoring, sports coaching, residential care, support work, behaviour support or education, although applications from candidates with a genuine passion for working with young people are encouraged.

The ideal Teaching Assistant will:

• Have experience working with young people, ideally within an educational, youth work, support or similar setting
• Have experience supporting pupils with SEMH, behavioural or additional needs
• Be patient, resilient and consistent in their approach
• Be confident managing challenging behaviour and maintaining appropriate boundaries
• Have strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Be able to build positive relationships with pupils who may have had negative experiences of education
• Be passionate about helping young people overcome barriers and reach their potential
• Be adaptable and able to remain calm in challenging situations

The School

This is a mainstream secondary school in Blackburn with a dedicated Alternative Provision designed to support pupils who may require a different approach to accessing education.

The school is committed to ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to succeed and recognises that some pupils require additional support, structure and consistency to engage positively with school.

The successful Teaching Assistant will become part of a supportive team working to provide pupils with a safe, positive and structured environment where they can develop both academically and personally.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to make a genuine difference to the lives of young people, particularly those who may have struggled within a traditional classroo