SEN Teaching Assistant

Job Title: SEN Teaching Assistant (1:1 and Small Group Support) - Full-Time Location: Blackburn, Lancashire Contract Type: Full-Time, Term-Time Only Job DescriptionWe are seeking a committed, caring, and experienced SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEN school in Blackburn, supporting pupils with a range of additional needs across early years, primary, and secondary age groups. This role involves providing tailored 1:1 and small group support to help pupils access learning, develop independence, and achieve their individual potential. The successful candidate will have previous experience working with children or young people with special educational needs and a genuine passion for inclusive education. Key Responsibilities • Provide SEN support: Deliver 1:1 and small group support to pupils with a variety of needs, including autism, ADHD, SEMH, and communication difficulties, adapting support to suit different age groups and abilities. • Support learning and development: Assist pupils in accessing the curriculum through differentiated activities, sensory strategies, and tailored interventions in line with their Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). • Promote inclusion and engagement: Foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment that encourages positive behaviour, engagement, and confidence. • Work collaboratively: Liaise closely with class teachers, SENCOs, therapists, and other professionals to implement and review EHCP targets and personalised support strategies. • Social, emotional, and behavioural support: Support pupils' emotional regulation, communication skills, and social development, using appropriate behaviour and de-escalation strategies where required. • Monitor and record progress: Observe, record, and report on pupils' progress, behaviour, and development, contributing to reviews and meetings as required. • Personal care and physical support: Assist with personal care, mobility, or medical needs when necessary, ensuring pupils' dignity, safety, and wellbeing at all times. Requirements • Previous experience supporting children or young people with SEN in a school or specialist setting (essential). • A relevant qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning (Level 2 or 3) or equivalent is desirable. • Strong understanding of a range of special educational needs, including autism, ADHD, SEMH, and speech and language needs. • A calm, patient, and empathetic approach, with the ability to build positive relationships with pupils of varying ages. • Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and communicate clearly with staff, pupils, and families. • Willingness to support pupils with personal care and behavioural needs. • Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one). Benefits • Competitive salary, dependent on experience. • Ongoing professional development and SEN-specific training opportunities. • A supportive and welcoming specialist school environment. • The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives and learning outcomes of children and young people with SEN. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR VERITAS EDUCATION • All applications are subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure, professional reference checks, Overseas Police Clearances (if applicable) in line with our stringent safeguarding policy • Your CV must cover the last 10 years of employment history where possible and all employment breaks must be explained • You must have legal right to work in the UK • You must be willing to attend a registration interview Veritas Education work with a variety of schools covering a wide geographical area. We deal with teaching placements at Primary, Secondary and college level as well as support staff positions also within these. Disclaimer 'Nothing within the above advert was in any way designed or intended to discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation. Veritas Education is an Equal opportunities employer and is proud in the knowledge that all placements are made on merit and suitability. We accept applications from all sections of the community.'