Location
St Cecilia's Roman Catholic High School, Longridge, Chapel Hill, Longridge, Preston, Lancashire, PR3 2XA (582 on roll)
Tel: 01772 783074
School website: www.st-cecilias.co.uk
Summary
SEND/ELSA Teaching Assistant 3 - 30 hours per week
30 hours per week
Monday to Friday 8:45am to 3:15pm. Term Time
Purpose of the Role
To assist in the running of the school's Eden Room provision, providing pastoral, emotional and behavioural support to pupils, particularly those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The postholder will work closely with teaching staff, parents, external agencies and the wider pastoral team to ensure pupils are able to access learning, develop positive relationships and achieve their full potential.
The successful candidate will be joining a thriving and oversubscribed school across all year groups, with a strong reputation for excellence, care, and community.
During our most recent Ofsted Inspection (January 2025), the school was judged Outstanding for Personal Development.
In our Catholic Schools Inspection (November 2024), St Cecilias was graded Outstanding in all areas.
We understand the realities of workload and are proactive in supporting staff wellbeing. Our comprehensive wellbeing package includes:
- Free, confidential counselling
- Financial and wellbeing coaching
- Menopause and nurse support
- 24/7 GP access
- Stress coaching and physiotherapy
- Monthly staff breakfasts
The role involves:
Pastoral Support
- Support on the day-to-day operation of the Eden Room, ensuring it provides a safe, nurturing and supportive environment for pupils.
- Work closely with the Pastoral team, HOY and Unit Manager to support pupils with SEND across the school.
- Support pupils experiencing social, emotional, mental health (SEMH) or behavioural difficulties.
- Build positive and trusting relationships with pupils to promote engagement, attendance and wellbeing.
- Develop and implement individual support plans and pastoral interventions.
- Support pupils in managing emotions, regulating behaviour and developing resilience.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of pastoral support strategies and interventions.
SEND Support
- Work closely with the SENDCO to support pupils with SEND across the school.
- Contribute to the identification of barriers to learning and help develop appropriate support strategies.
St Cecilias is more than a workplace. It is a community built on care, professionalism, faith and mutual respect a place where staff feel valued, supported and proud to belong.
Please take time to look at our school website www.st-cecilias.co.uk
If you would like to visit school, in fact we encourage you to visit our outstanding school, please contact Barbara Clarke, School Business Manager on 07375 324661 or via email to: [email protected] who will arrange a visit with the SENDCO Miss Hughes
Please note that in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, an online search will be carried out as part of our due diligence on shortlisted candidates.
Please note CVs are not accepted, to apply for this vacancy you need to complete the application form attached.
This position is part time, term time only, please note the salary quoted is full time equivalent. If successful, the salary received will be paid on a pro rata basis.
The closing date is 10/07/2026 at 12 noon
Essential Qualifications
- NVQ level 3 or above qualification (or equivalent)
- Level 2 or equivalent qualification in English/Literacy and Mathematics/Numeracy
Essential Experience
- Experience of working with children and young people in an educational setting.
- Experience of supporting pupils with SEND and SEMH needs.
- Experience of delivering targeted interventions.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to build positive relationships with pupils, families and professionals.
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Desirable Experience
- Relevant qualification in education, pastoral support, youth work, counselling or SEND.
- Experience of managing an inclusion, nurture or intervention provision.
- Knowledge of SEND Code of Practice and safeguarding procedures.
- Experience of working with external agencies and multi-agency teams.
ELSA trained or willing to be trained
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For an informal discussion please contact:
Contact Barbara Clarke, School Business Manager on 07375 324661 or via email to:
[email protected] who will arrange a visit with the SENDCO Miss Hughes
Proposed Interview Date:
14/07/2026
Equal Opportunities statement
An Equal Opportunities Employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a 'disclosure'. Information provided by you or the Disclosure and Barring Service will be dealt with in a confidential manner in accordance with the DBS's Code of Practice. You may view the Code of Practice on the DBS website at www.gov.uk/dbs or alternatively a copy is available on request. Lancashire County Council has a Handling of DBS Certificate Information Policy and a Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-offenders this is available from the recruiting manager to applicants who are asked to complete a DBS application.
