1:1 SEND Support Assistant Secondary School

Are you an empathetic, patient, and dedicated learning support professional looking to make a direct, tangible difference in a young person's education?

A welcoming and inclusive secondary school in Preston is seeking a committed 1:1 SEND Support Assistant to provide dedicated, individualised support for a Key Stage 3 / Key Stage 4 student with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) .

In this vital role, you will be the student's consistent champion-breaking down classroom tasks, managing sensory needs, supporting communication, and fostering the pupil's confidence, independence, and social inclusion across the school day.

Core Responsibilities

• Targeted 1:1 Academic Support: Accompany the pupil to timetabled lessons, differentiating learning materials, breaking instructions into manageable steps, and keeping the student engaged.
• EHCP Target Implementation: Work alongside the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and subject teachers to deliver specific targets outlined in the student's EHCP.
• Sensory & Physical Support: Implement agreed sensory diet strategies, facilitate movement breaks, and help create a calm, structured learning environment.
• Communication Assistance: Support speech, language, and communication needs using visual timetables, social stories, or assistive technology where required.
• Emotional Regulation & De-escalation: Recognise early signs of sensory overload, frustration, or anxiety, using gentle de-escalation strategies to keep the student calm and safe.
• Progress Tracking: Maintain brief daily notes on the student's engagement, milestones, and triggers to inform weekly reviews and annual EHCP meetings.

Essential Requirements & Experience

• SEND Experience: Direct experience supporting children or young people with additional needs such as Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), ADHD, Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD), Speech, Language & Communication Needs (SLCN), or SEMH.
• Calm & Encouraging Nature: Strong relationship-building skills, infinite patience, and a positive mindset that encourages student independence rather than over-reliance.
• Adaptability: The ability to modify resources on the fly to match the student's pace and learning style.
• Relevant Qualifications: Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification, Health & Social Care certificate, or a relevant degree (e.g., Psychology, Education, Childhood Studies) is preferred.
• Specialist Training (Desirable): Prior training in Team-Teach, Makaton, PECS, or Autism Awareness is an advantage.

Safer Recruitment & Compliance

• Full right to work in the UK.
• Enhanced Child Workforce DBS registered on the Update Service (or readiness to apply for a new check).
• Complete 10-year work and education history with satisfactory, verifiable professional references.
• Adherence to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) statutory guidelines.

What the School Offers

• Comprehensive guidance and regular check-ins with an experienced, supportive SENCO and SEND team.
• Access to fully funded SEND-specific professional development and training courses.
• Convenient central Preston location with free staff parking and direct links to Preston railway station and local bus routes.
• A balanced term-time-only contract with weekends and all school holidays free.

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