Teaching Assistant

Blackburn with Darwen Council; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

St. Thomas Centre in Blackburn is seeking a Teaching Assistant to work with pupils aged 5-16 who have additional needs. You will support the class teacher in small groups, and occasionally provide one-to-one support or accompany pupils to alternative providers.

The post is permanent, 35 hours per week during term time, with safeguarding checks required. Applicants are invited for informal discussions with the Business Manager.

Qualifications

• Experience working with pupils with additional needs is desirable.
• Ability to work well in small groups and support classes.

Responsibilities

• Support the class teacher and pupils in small groups.
• Provide occasional one-to-one support.
• Accompany pupils off site to alternative providers.
• Commitment to safeguarding and welfare of young people.

Job description

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

St. Thomas’ Centre
Lambeth Street
Blackburn
BB1 1NA

Job Title: Teaching AssistantGrade/Salary: Grade E, £22,906 to £25,235Contract Type: Permanent
Contract Terms: 35.00 hours, Term time
Closing Date: Friday 16th October 2026
Required From: ASAP

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic, conscientious and self-motivated teaching assistant to work within St Thomas’s Centre. All our pupils have additional needs, and we are looking for staff who can build an excellent friendly rapport with young people and who has compassion for the vulnerable in society. You would support the class teacher and the pupils in small groups. On some occasions, you will support a pupil on a one to one basis or accompany them off site to alternative providers. We are looking for staff who are committed to making a difference to the lives of our pupils.

St Thomas’s Centre is a unique school: situated on two sites in the community, it caters for pupils aged 5-16 years who have been permanently excluded. Many have unmet special educational needs, social, emotional and mental health difficulties or medical difficulties.

St Thomas’s Centre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Appointments will be subject to strong references and enhanced DBS checks.

We are an equal opportunities employer with a staff body who reflect the diversity and heritage of our community.

The successful candidate will:

• be passionate creating opportunities for vulnerable pupils
• be able to work well under pressure
• have a “can do” approach
• have a flexible attitude to working
• be energetic and adaptable

Applicants are warmly invited to visit the Centre in person.

Should you wish to have an informal discussion regarding the post please contact me through Mrs Amanda Leaver, Business manager on 01254 958401.

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory check supplied by the Disclosure and Barring Service. The check will include any cautions, reprimands, or final warnings as well as convictions.