Job Description

We are recruiting for a dedicated and resilient Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant to join a purpose-built, specialist SEMH secondary school in Blackpool.

The school caters to young people (Years 7-11) who have faced significant barriers to learning in mainstream education. All pupils have active Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs, often co-occurring with diagnoses like Autism (ASD), ADHD, or attachment disorders. With small class sizes, high staff-to-pupil ratios, and an embedded therapeutic approach, this setting focuses heavily on rebuilding self-esteem, teaching emotional regulation, and helping students safely access academic or vocational pathways.

We operate under a strict code of financial transparency. This position bypasses standard flat agency pay structures; you will be paid directly to the NJC scale from Day 1, guaranteeing that your professional skills are fairly and legally compensated from your first shift.

• Provide high-impact, nurture-focused 1:1 and small-group support to secondary students navigating severe emotional, social, and behavioural challenges.

• Implement trauma-informed practices and positive behaviour management strategies to de-escalate crisis situations and manage sensory overload.

• Work collaboratively with class teachers, therapist teams, and the SENCO to adapt learning resources and achieve specific EHCP milestones.

• Act as a stable, predictable, and positive role model, establishing firm, professional boundaries that make vulnerable youth feel safe.

• Track, log, and report daily behavioural and emotional data to assist with statutory multi-agency progress reviews.

• Support students through transition times during the school day, reducing anxieties associated with routine disruption or environment changes.

• Experience: A proven track record of working with children or young people presenting with challenging behaviour and complex SEMH needs. Backgrounds in specialist SEN schools, Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), youth mentoring, residential care, or youth justice are highly desirable.

• De-escalation Skills: Prior training in physical intervention or de-escalation framework models (e.g., Team Teach, MAPA, CPI, or behave smart) is a massive advantage.

• Mindset: Exceptional emotional resilience, a non-judgemental approach, and "thick skin." You must possess the ability to separate the child from their behaviour.

• Qualifications: Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification is preferred, though equivalent professional experience in youth services is heavily considered.

• Compliance: An enhanced DBS check registered to the online Update Service (or a willingness to process a new one) and a total commitment to strict safeguarding regulations.

• True Pay Parity: Direct alignment with the NJC Pay Scale from Day 1, honouring your market value with complete transparency.

• Long-Term Stability: A secure, full-time contract lasting the entire 2026/2027 academic year.

• Predictable Balance: Fixed, term-time-only school hours allowing you to keep your school holidays entirely free.

• Local Professional Support: Consistent guidance from a dedicated consultant specialising exclusively in the Blackpool, Poulton, and Fleetwood education markets.

If you have the stamina, compassion, and professional drive to turn a young person's educational experience around right here in Blackpool, apply today.

Please click 'Apply Now' to upload your updated CV, or contact our Blackpool SEN Recruitment Suite directly for a confidential discussion regarding this role.