Teaching and Learning Assistant

The Witherslack Group; Preston; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Induction & training

School holidays

Career progression

Flexible benefits

Wellbeing tools

Medical cover

Great facilities

Refer-a-friend £1k

Pension

Job summary

The Witherslack Group in Preston is hiring a Teaching and Learning Assistant on a full-time fixed-term contract (Nov 2026–Jul 2027). You’ll help children learn, reach their potential and build self-esteem, including pupils with ASD/SEMH needs.

You’ll receive a comprehensive induction, on-the-job training and access to generous benefits, holiday, progression paths, flexible options, wellbeing support, medical cover and a contributory pension in a supportive, well-resourced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children with special educational needs is preferred.
• Ability to support learning and raise self-esteem.
• Reliable and committed to delivering inclusive education.

Responsibilities

• Support classroom learning and student development.
• Assist teachers and therapists to implement lesson plans.
• Promote inclusion and positive behaviours.

Skills

Resilience

Team player

Communication

Job description

Teaching and Learning Assistant

Preston, England Full Time Posted by: Witherslack Group Posted: Thursday, 3 September 2026

Up to £27,528 + Excellent Benefits

Please Note : This is a fixed term role from November 2026 - July 2027

Those Huge Small Victories

Our Teaching Assistants are fulfilled by the idea of making even the smallest positive changes in our young people, so we celebrate the little things. There's lots of ups and downs, and to some of our young people, sitting through a lesson can be a big win. We call these huge small victories and whilst they may seem small on the surface, they add up to make a big difference.

Check out this video on what life as a Teaching Assistant at Witherslack Group is like!

Get out what you put in

You’ll be working with children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. You’ll be there to help them learn, develop their abilities and raise their self-esteem. You will need to be resilient and dedicated, but those huge small victories that you achieve will be something you’re really proud of.

It can be a tough journey, but the positive steps forward will more than make up for it. As a Teaching Assistant at Witherslack Group, you’ll get all the support you need to succeed. Your colleagues will be the best at what they do, the school environments will be well‑resourced and we’ll be with you every step of the way, helping you build a rewarding teaching career.

One of the best environments in SEND

From day one, Bridgeway School has been built on a principle of simply being there for its pupils. This means that every pupil’s need, and every ambition was considered as the school took shape, both in terms of its physical environment and the school’s ethos and vision. The result is a truly tailored learning environment, rated Good by Ofsted, with experienced staff who are committed to providing outstanding education and support to all pupils.

What we do for you

• Training: A full induction and on the job training
• Holiday: You’ll work hard at WG, so you’ll be rewarded with full school holidays
• Progression: If career development is your thing, most of our head teachers and leaders have been promoted from within our group
• Flexible benefits: meaning you can increase/decrease benefits such as life insurance - check out our benefits here
• Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance
• Medical cover: so you can claim back the cost of things like an opticians or dentist appointment and a host of high‑street discounts
• Beautiful working environments: with the very best facilities - check out our schools here
• A recommend a friend scheme that offers a £1,000 bonus every time
• Contributory pension (matched up to 5%)

Bring your whole‑self to work

Our young people come from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds and with different needs – and our workforce reflects that diversity, so that our teams can engage, encourage and inspire our young people to be themselves. You’ll be more than a Teaching Assistant, you’ll be able to connect with our pupils because of:

• Your can do' attitude - a team player who rolls up their sleeves to help others
• Ideally you’ll have experience working in a classroom, but if not, we can provide you will all the relevant training
• Your genuine passion for supporting children to learn and the impact it can have on their lives
• Your enthusiasm and expertise to support the teacher and work closely with our therapists

Interested in joining us?

At Witherslack Group, inclusion is part of who we are. We’re committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and that they truly belong.

As a specialist provider of education and care for children and young people with special educational needs, we understand the importance of embracing individuality and championing difference – especially when it comes to neurodiversity. We celebrate diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and the unique strengths that each person brings to our community.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. We are proud to be recognised as an inclusive employer and are committed to making our recruitment and workplace practices inclusive and accessible. If you need any adjustments to support you through the recruitment process or in the workplace, we’ll be there every step of the way.

By building a diverse and inclusive team, we’re better able to support the children, young people and families we serve and ensure every member of our team can thrive, grow, and be their authentic self.

The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost) and an online search. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.