Teaching Assistant

Vision for Education Ltd; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Vision for Education is seeking experienced Teaching Assistants to support pupils with SEND in Blackburn and surrounding areas. Roles include 1:1 and small group support within alternative provision and specialist settings.

Flexible or long-term positions are available across September 2026 and beyond, with opportunities to work in settings that prioritise pupil development and inclusion. Ideal candidates will be patient, resilient and capable of supporting diverse needs, including autism and

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people, ideally within a SEND or alternative provision setting.
• Understanding of additional needs, including autism, ADHD and SEMH.

Responsibilities

• Providing 1:1 support for pupils with additional needs.
• Supporting small groups of children with SEND.
• Working with pupils who have autism, ADHD, SEMH and other complex needs.
• Supporting children who may display challenging behaviour or struggle to engage in mainstream education.
• Helping pupils develop their social, emotional and communication skills.
• Implementing individual learning plans and behaviour support strategies.
• Supporting emotional regulation and positive behaviour.
• Building trusting relationships with pupils to encourage engagement and confidence.
• Working closely with teachers, SENCOs and other professionals to ensure pupils receive the best possible support.
• Creating a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment.

Job description

Teaching Assistant - SEND / Alternative Provision - Blackburn

Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant looking for flexible or long-term work? Vision for Education is working in partnership with local schools and alternative provision settings across Blackburn, seeking enthusiastic, resilient and dedicated Teaching Assistants to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Whether you have experience supporting pupils with autism, ADHD, SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs), behavioural difficulties or other additional needs, we have opportunities to suit your experience and availability.

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about making a difference and supporting pupils who may find mainstream education challenging.

Teaching Assistant - Alternative Provision, Blackburn

As a Teaching Assistant working within alternative provision settings in Blackburn, you will support children and young people with a range of SEND, helping them to overcome barriers to learning, develop confidence and achieve their full potential.

We have opportunities available from September 2026, with positions across alternative provision settings and specialist school environments in the Blackburn area.

As a Teaching Assistant, your responsibilities may vary depending on the needs of the pupils and setting. These could include:

• Providing 1:1 support for pupils with additional needs.
• Supporting small groups of children with SEND.
• Working with pupils who have autism, ADHD, SEMH and other complex needs.
• Supporting children who may display challenging behaviour or struggle to engage in mainstream education.
• Helping pupils develop their social, emotional and communication skills.
• Implementing individual learning plans and behaviour support strategies.
• Supporting emotional regulation and positive behaviour.
• Building trusting relationships with pupils to encourage engagement and confidence.
• Working closely with teachers, SENCOs and other professionals to ensure pupils receive the best possible support.
• Creating a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment.

You can choose the flexibility of day-to-day Teaching Assistant work or, if you are looking for greater consistency and job security, take on a full-time, long-term Teaching Assistant position.

This role would suit someone who is patient, understanding, resilient and confident supporting children and young people with additional needs. Experience working within SEND, special schools, alternative provision, youth work, residential care or behaviour support would be highly beneficial.

Requirements

To be considered for the Teaching Assistant position, you will:

• Have experience working with children or young people, ideally within a SEND or alternative provision setting.
• Have an understanding of additional needs, including autism, ADHD and SEMH.
• Be patient, resilient and adaptable when supporting pupils with different needs.
• Have excellent behaviour management and de-escalation skills.
• Be confident supporting pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups.
• Be a confident communicator, able to use