Teaching Assistant – Preston, Lancashire

Make a real difference every day as a Teaching Assistant in Preston, Lancashire. Vision for Education is working in partnership with a welcoming secondary school to recruit a dedicated Teaching Assistant who is passionate about supporting young people with additional needs in an inclusive learning environment.

Teaching Assistant | Mainstream Secondary School SEND Department | Preston, Lancashire | September 2026 Start

Vision for Education is recruiting a Teaching Assistant to join the large SEND department of a well-established mainstream secondary school in Preston, Lancashire. This full-time, long-term Teaching Assistant position will begin in September 2026 and continue for the full academic year.

As a Teaching Assistant in Preston, Lancashire, you will provide dedicated support to students aged 11–16 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), helping them to access learning, develop confidence and achieve their individual potential within the classroom.

The successful Teaching Assistant will work closely with the SEND team, class teachers and other professionals to deliver tailored support, promote positive outcomes and encourage independence throughout the school day.

The role

As a Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Support students aged 11–16 with autism within mainstream lessons and small group interventions.
• Build positive, trusting relationships that help pupils feel safe, understood and engaged.
• Adapt communication styles to meet individual needs, using clear, consistent language and visual or structured approaches where appropriate.
• Help students manage transitions, routines and changes throughout the school day.
• Promote emotional regulation using positive behaviour support strategies and de-escalation techniques.
• Encourage independence, social interaction and participation in learning.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and the SEND department to implement individual support plans and monitor pupil progress.
• Create an inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and supported.

This Teaching Assistant role in Preston, Lancashire would suit someone who is patient, empathetic, resilient and committed to helping autistic young people thrive both academically and socially.

Requirements

To be considered for the Teaching Assistant position, you will:

• Have experience working with secondary age children.
• Hold a minimum Level 2 childcare qualification or equivalent.
• Have excellent behaviour management skills.
• Be a confident communicator, able to use your own initiative when required.

What we offer

As part of our team, you benefit from:

• Excellent daily rates paid using the PAYE system. (Daily rate is subject to your scale rate, experience in role and qualifications which will be discussed at the point of registration.)
• Guaranteed pay scheme (subject to availability).
• Social and networking events.
• Pension contributions.
• CPD to help with your professional development.
• Access to a dedicated consultant.

About us

We are a market-leading education supply agency committed to the development of young people. With branches across the country, we are an employer of choice for high quality educators.

We’re part of The Edwin Group, an education alliance here to do good, and are proud to be named in The Sunday Times Top 100 Best Places to Work in the UK 2024.

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.

How to apply

If you are a Teacher that can enthuse, motivate and engage learners and would like the challenge of working in a rewarding environment, then we want to hear from you.

Apply today via this website, or for more information about this role and other opportunities call the Preston office on 01772 669322.

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