Job Description

Are you a compassionate and resilient Teaching Assistant with a natural ability to build rapport and provide strong pastoral support to individual students?

We are seeking a dedicated and empathetic 1:1 Teaching Assistant with a strong pastoral focus to join our supportive team in Blackpool. This is a crucial 1-year fixed-term contract role, providing tailored academic and emotional support to an individual student who requires additional guidance to thrive in their learning and social development.

This is an exceptional opportunity to make a profound and lasting difference in a young person's school experience. We are looking for someone who is patient, understanding, proactive, and committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Individualised Pastoral Support: Provide consistent 1:1 emotional and social support to a named student, helping them to manage their feelings, develop resilience, and build positive relationships.

• Academic Assistance: Offer tailored learning support within the classroom, adapting resources and strategies to help the student access the curriculum and achieve their academic potential.

• Behaviour for Learning: Work collaboratively with the class teacher to implement strategies that support the student's positive behaviour, concentration, and engagement in lessons.

• Confidence Building: Support the student in developing self-esteem, confidence, and independence, encouraging their participation in school activities.

• Social Skills Development: Facilitate the development of the student's social skills, helping them to interact positively with peers and adults.

• Liaison & Communication: Foster excellent communication with the student, class teacher, SENCo, parents/carers, and other professionals involved in the student's care.

• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of the student's progress, pastoral interventions, and any concerns, contributing to reviews and reports.

• Safeguarding & Welfare: Be vigilant in identifying and addressing any concerns related to the student's welfare, upholding the school's robust safeguarding policies and procedures at all times.

• Break & Lunchtime Support: Provide supervision and pastoral guidance during non-lesson times as required, ensuring the student feels safe and included.

• Personal Care (if applicable): Provide support with personal care needs if required and agreed upon with the school and parents.

Who We Are Looking For:

We are seeking a compassionate, patient, resilient, and highly adaptable individual who is dedicated to promoting a child's holistic development.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Pastoral Experience: Proven experience supporting children or young people with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs, or those who require significant pastoral guidance. This could be from a school, youth work, or care setting.

• Communication & Empathy: Excellent communication, listening, and interpersonal skills, with a natural ability to build strong, trusting relationships with children, staff, and parents.

• SEN Understanding: A strong understanding of various Special Educational Needs, particularly those impacting behaviour and emotional well-being.

• Patience & Resilience: A calm, patient, and empathetic approach, with the ability to manage challenging situations constructively and maintain composure.

• Teamwork & Initiative: Ability to work effectively as part of a team (including teachers, SENCo, and parents) and also demonstrate initiative when working 1:1.

• Safeguarding: A robust understanding of child protection and safeguarding principles in a school environment (an Enhanced DBS check will be required upon appointment).

• Qualifications: Relevant Teaching Assistant qualification (e.g., Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools) or equivalent experience.

Desirable (but not essential):

• Training in specific pastoral support strategies (e.g., restorative justice, emotion coaching, ELSA).

• Experience with specific SEN (e.g., Autism, ADHD, attachment disorder).

Why Join Our Team in Blackpool?

• Be a vital part of a supportive, inclusive, and child-centred school community.

• Make a tangible and meaningful difference in the life and education of a student who truly needs your support.

• Enjoy the stability of a 1-year fixed-term contract with potential for extension.

Application Process:

If you are a compassionate and skilled 1:1 Teaching Assistant with a strong pastoral focus looking for a rewarding fixed-term contract in Blackpool, we encourage you to apply today!

Please submit your CV along with a comprehensive Cover Letter (maximum two pages) clearly outlining your experience in providing pastoral support, your approach to working with individual students, and why you are the ideal candidate for this role. Applications should be sent to (url removed)

Closing Date for Applications: 31 July 2025.

All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and the right to work in the UK. Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals.