Job Description

Position: Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant / Speech & Language Specialist

Start Date: September 2026 (Full Academic Year)

Contract: Full-Time, Temporary (Term-Time) Strong potential for permanent extension

Pay: 14.24 - 15.00 per hour (PAYE - No umbrella fees)

Hours: 08:30 - 15:30 (Monday - Friday)

Location: Fleetwood area

Are you a Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) Graduate looking for invaluable, hands-on clinical experience before launching your career? Or an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant with a proven track record of supporting non-verbal or pre-verbal children?

Tradewind Recruitment is proud to partner with an OFSTED 'Outstanding' Primary School in the Fleetwood area. This welcoming school is seeking a dedicated 1:1 SEN Teaching Assistant to support a Key Stage 1 (KS1) pupil with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) starting in September 2026.

The pupil is currently working at a lower developmental level and faces significant communication barriers. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical classroom setting, working closely with external healthcare professionals and the school SENCO.

• Communication Intervention: Implement tailored speech and language strategies (including PECS, Visuals, Makaton, or simplified signing) to bridge communication gaps for a pre-verbal learner.

• Curriculum Adaptation: Differentiate and tailor KS1 activities across all subjects, ensuring the curriculum is accessible, engaging, and stress-free for the pupil.

• EHCP Tracking: Monitor, record, and celebrate daily progress against specific EHCP milestones and Speech & Language therapist targets.

• Holistic Development: Focus on building core independence and life-long learning skills, ensuring the pupil feels safe, understood, and motivated.

This role is ideally suited to aspiring Speech and Language Therapists or dedicated SEN educators who understand that communication goes far beyond spoken words.

• Background: A degree in Speech and Language Therapy, Linguistics, Psychology, OR a Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant qualification with significant SEN experience.

• Specialist Experience: Prior experience working with non-verbal or pre-verbal children, severe speech delays, or complex communication needs (selective mutism, ASD, global developmental delay).

• Communication Tools: Familiarity with alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) methods such as PECS, Now & Next boards, or sign language is highly desirable.

• Commitment: Ability to commit to a full-time, Monday-Friday schedule for the full academic year starting September 2026 to ensure vital continuity for the pupil.

• Outstanding Environment: Gain experience within an OFSTED 'Outstanding' school known for its inclusive ethos and exceptional support systems.

• Fair, Transparent Pay: 14.24 - 15.00 per hour via PAYE. What you earn is what you take home-no hidden Umbrella company fees.

• Boost Your CV: Access to over 2,500 free, accredited CPD courses via the National College (ideal for future clinical or educational psychology applications).