Teaching Assistant

Tradewind Recruitment; Penwortham; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment is seeking a Year 1 Teaching Assistant to join a small KS1 class and support two SEND pupils during a maternity cover from September. You will provide tailored 1:1 and small group assistance, with a focus on ASD and SaLT needs, and help pupils transition from EYFS to Year 1 in a Forest School environment.

The role involves outdoor learning, working closely with the class teacher and SENDCo, and requires a Level 2 TA qualification, DBS Update Service, and a warm, proactive,

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent.
• Experience moving EYFS to KS1 or Reception/Year 1 experience.
• Experience supporting children with ASD and SaLT.
• A warm, patient and nurturing approach; proactive and inclusive.
• Knowledge of early phonics delivery.
• Enhanced DBS (Update Service) required or willing to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support for SEND pupils to access Year 1.
• Implement focus strategies for ASD pupil to stay engaged.
• Deliver speech and language interventions and communication support.
• Assist with transition from EYFS to Year 1 for 21 pupils.
• Support outdoor Forest School sessions and nature-based learning.
• Collaborate with class teacher and SENDCo to monitor progress.

Skills

SEND support

One-to-one support

Phonics delivery

Forest School

Education

Level 2 TA qualification

Job description

Job Title: Year 1 Teaching Assistant (SEND Support & Maternity Cover)

• Start Date: ASAP
• Location: Warton (PR4 area)
• Contract Type: Full-Time / Term-Time Only (Maternity Cover)
• Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30 - 15:30
• Pay Rate: 14.24 - 15.24 per hour

About Our School

Situated in a beautiful village setting, our school is a happy, caring, and inclusive environment where children truly enjoy learning and playing together. As a dedicated Forest School, we take pride in utilising our unique outdoor environment to inspire creativity, resilience, and a love for learning.
We recognise that every child is unique, and our staff team works tirelessly to ensure that each individual reaches their full potential in all aspects of school life. Learning is highly personalised to meet the diverse needs of our pupils. We are passionately dedicated to ensuring that all children leave our school equipped with the vital basic skills required for further learning-placing a strong emphasis on developing excellent reading, writing, and mathematical skills.

The Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic, adaptable, and nurturing Teaching Assistant to join our Key Stage 1 team starting this September. This is a crucial role covering a maternity leave, working within a small, wonderful class of 21 pupils who are transitioning up from EYFS into Year 1.

While you will support the wider class, a primary focus of this role is providing dedicated care for two children with SEND:

1. One child with an ASD diagnosis who requires consistent 1:1 support to maintain focus and engagement in the classroom (no behavioural challenges).
2. One child with global developmental delay (undiagnosed) and Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SaLT).

Key Responsibilities

• Provide tailored 1:1 and small group support to ensure the two children with SEND can successfully access the Year 1 curriculum.
• Implement focus strategies to help the pupil with ASD stay engaged and on-task during lessons.
• Deliver speech and language interventions and communication support for the pupil with developmental delays.
• Assist the class teacher in managing the smooth transition of 21 pupils moving from play-based EYFS into structured Year 1 learning.
• Engage with and support children during outdoor play and Forest School sessions, embracing nature-based learning.
• Collaborate with the class teacher and the school SENDCo to monitor, track, and report on pupil progress.

Candidate Requirements

• Qualifications: Minimum Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent Early Years / Childcare / SEND qualification).
• Experience: Proven experience working with children transitioning from EYFS to Key Stage 1, or solid experience in a Reception/Year 1 environment.
• SEND Expertise: Demonstrable experience supporting children with ASD (specifically with focus/attention strategies) and Speech & Language (SaLT) needs.
• Attributes: A warm, patient, and highly nurturing approach. You must be proactive, able to use your initiative, and passionate about inclusive education.
• Skills: Knowledge of early phonics delivery and a passion for outdoor, student-led Forest School learning.
• Vetting: Possession of an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service (or a willingness to undergo a new check) is mandatory.