SEND Teaching Assistant

About the role

SEND Teaching Assistant – Fleetwood, Lancashire

Vision for Education is working in partnership with a specialist school in Fleetwood, near Blackpool in the Wyre area of Lancashire, to recruit a dedicated, patient and compassionate SEND Teaching Assistant for a Key Stage 1 speech, language and communication inclusion hub. This full-time temporary opportunity is available from the start of November 2026, initially covering an absence until at least Christmas 2026, with the potential for the placement to extend into 2027.

The Role

This SEND Teaching Assistant role in Fleetwood, Lancashire, will involve supporting a small Key Stage 1 inclusion hub working with eight pupils across Years 1 to 3, each with a range of speech, language and communication needs.

You will work closely with the class teacher and other support staff to provide tailored learning opportunities that reflect pupils' individual developmental stages, communication abilities and learning needs.

Some pupils are pre-verbal and working towards the Engagement Model, developing early interaction skills and learning to communicate through signs, symbols and other alternative communication methods. Other pupils are verbal and accessing elements of the Year 1 and Year 2 National Curriculum.

This role would suit a nurturing, flexible and proactive individual who can adapt their approach to support pupils with a wide range of needs, from early communication and engagement through to curriculum-based learning.

Previous experience in a school or specialist SEND setting would be beneficial, but we are particularly interested in individuals who are passionate about supporting children with additional needs and helping them develop their communication, independence and confidence.

The role will include:

• Supporting the class teacher in delivering engaging, differentiated learning activities tailored to pupils' individual abilities and developmental stages.
• Providing one-to-one and small-group support for pupils with speech, language and communication needs, including those who are pre-verbal.
• Using visual supports, signs, symbols and alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) strategies to encourage communication and interaction.
• Supporting the development of early engagement, attention, interaction and communication skills through personalised learning opportunities.
• Encouraging and supporting pupils working towards the Engagement Model, recognising and celebrating small-step progress.
• Helping verbal pupils access learning activities linked to Year 1 and Year 2 National Curriculum objectives.
• Creating a safe, structured and inclusive learning environment where pupils feel secure, supported and ready to learn.
• Adapting resources and support strategies to meet a diverse range of learning and communication needs.
• Supporting pupils' emotional regulation, wellbeing and participation throughout the school day.
• Working collaboratively with the class teacher, other teaching assistants and relevant professionals to support pupils' individual development.
• Encouraging pupils to develop independence, confidence and positive relationships with others.
• Observing pupils' progress and sharing relevant feedback with the class teacher to help inform future learning activities.

This SEND Teaching Assistant opportunity in Fleetwood, Lancashire, would suit a patient, adaptable and enthusiastic individual with a genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs. Experience in specialist SEND settings, speech and language provision, early years, primary education, care or support work would be highly desirable.

The position is due to start in the week commencing 2nd November 2026, with the initial requirement covering an absence until potentially Christmas 2026.

The School

Vision for Education is recruiting on behalf of a specialist school in Fleetwood, near Blackpool and within the Wyre area of Lancashire. The school provides education for pupils with additional needs and is committed to helping children develop their communication, independence, confidence and access to learning.

The Key Stage 1 hub is a small, specialist inclusion base supporting eight pupils in Years 1 to 3 with a wide range of speech, language and communication needs. Pupils work at different developmental and academic levels, so learning activities and support approaches must be carefully adapted to ensure they are accessible, meaningful and appropriate for each individual.

Some pupils are at the earliest stages of communication, working towards engagement and interaction through signs, symbols and other visual communication strategies. Others are verbal and developing their understanding of the Year 1 and Year 2 National Curriculum.

As a SEND Teaching Assistant in Fleetwood, Lancashire, you will play an important role in helping pupils engage with learning, develop their communication skills and achieve meaningful progress. Working alongside the class teacher and a dedicated team of support staff, you will help create a positive, nurturing environment where every pupil is encouraged to participate, develop their independence and reach their potential.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of children who benefit from additional support and a personalised approach to education.

Requirements

To be considered for this SEND Teaching Assistant role in Fleetwood, Lancashire, you will:

• Have a genuine passion for supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• Ideally have experience working with children in primary, EYFS, Key Stage 1 or specialist SEND settings.
• Have a good understanding of, or a willingness to learn about, speech, language and communication needs.
• Be confident supporting pupils with different developmental, communication and learning abilities.
• Have experience, or a willingness to develop skills, in using visual communication supports, signs, symbols or AAC strategies.
• Be willing to support pupils working towards the Engagement Model and celebrate their individual progress.
• Demonstrate patience, creativity, flexibility and a nurturing approach.
• Have strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Be able to work effectively as part of a team and follow the guidance of the class teacher.
• Be proactive, attentive and able to respond calmly to pupils' changing needs.
• Be committed to inclusion and helping every pupil make progress.
• Hold, or be willing to obtain, an Enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service.

Applications are welcomed from experienced Teaching Assistants, individuals looking to develop their career in SEND education and candidates with transferable skills from care, support work, residential settings, youth work or other people-focused roles.

If you are caring, enthusiastic and keen to make a difference, this could be an excellent opportunity to develop your experience within a specialist educational setting.

What we offer

As part of our team, you will benefit from:

• Excellent daily rates paid using the PAYE system. Your rate will depend on your experience, qualifications and the requirements of the role, which will be discussed at the point of registration.
• A guaranteed pay scheme, subject to availability and qualifying criteria.
• Social and networking events.
• Pension contributions, subject to a qualifying period.
• Continuing professional development (CPD) to support your professional development.
• Access to a dedicated consultant who will provide ongoing guidance and support throughout your placement.

About us

Vision for Education is a market-leading education supply agency committed to supporting the learning and development of young people. With branches across the country, we are an employer of choice for high-quality teaching and support staff.

We're part of The Edwin Group, an education alliance dedicated to doing good, and are proud to have been named in The Sunday Times Top 100 Best Places to Work in the UK 2026.

We do not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation, and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.