Location
Our Lady And St Gerard's RC Primary School, Lostock Hall, Lourdes Avenue, Lostock Hall, Preston, Lancashire, PR5 5TB (340 on roll)
Tel: 01772 335025
School website: www.ourlady-st-gerards.lancs.sch.uk
Summary
The Governors of Our Lady & St Gerards Catholic Primary School are seeking to appoint a dedicated and compassionate Teaching Assistant to join our team, with a particular focus on supporting children with additional needs within our nurturing support base.
This is more than a Teaching Assistant role it is an opportunity to make a profound difference to the lives of children who require skilled, consistent and relational support to thrive.
At Our Lady & St Gerards, we are proud to be a welcoming, inclusive and aspirational Catholic school, rooted in our mission:
United in love and the light of Jesus, we inspire one another to learn, grow and shine.
We are deeply committed to ensuring that every child is known, valued and supported to flourish, regardless of their starting point or barriers to learning.
About the Role
You will:
- Play a key role within our support base provision, working with children who have a range of additional needs, including communication and interaction, cognition and learning, and social emotional needs. The main focus of our base is developing communication with pre-verbal children.
- Support pupils to develop independence, confidence and communication, enabling them to access learning successfully
- Work closely with teachers, SENDCo and external professionals to deliver targeted interventions and personalised support plans
- Build strong, trusting relationships that help children feel safe, understood and ready to learn
We Are Looking For Someone Who:
- Has experience of, or a strong interest in, supporting children with SEND in a school setting
- Is patient, nurturing and resilient, with a genuine passion for inclusion
- Understands the importance of consistent routines, positive behaviour support and relational practice
- Can adapt learning and respond flexibly to meet individual needs
- Shares our commitment to high expectations for all pupils, including those with additional needs
- Will actively contribute to our Catholic ethos and values
What We Offer:
- A highly supportive and collaborative staff team
- A school culture where inclusion is central, not additional
- Opportunities for professional development in SEND and inclusive practice
- The chance to be part of a school where your work will genuinely transform childrens experiences and outcomes
Contract Details
- Variable hours contract: minimum 10 hours, up to 37 hours (starting at 30 hours per week)
- Term time only (salary paid pro rata)
Safeguarding
Our Lady & St Gerards is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, an online search will be carried out for shortlisted candidates.
Application Details
- CVs are not accepted please complete the application form provided
- Closing date: 9 July 2026 at 12 noon
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.
Essential Qualifications
- Level 2 or equivalent qualification in English/Literacy and Mathematics/Numeracy
- Maths GCSE or equivalent
English GCSE or equivalent
-
Desirable Qualifications
- NVQ level 2 or above qualification appropriate to the post (or equivalent)
Paediatric first aid
-
Essential Experience
- Experience of working with or caring for children of primary age
- Experience of working with pre-verbal children or children with communication needs
- Knowledge/skills/abilities in inclusive practice
- Ability to operate at a level of understanding and competence equivalent to NVQ Level 2 standard
- Good communication skills
- Knowledge of EYFS
Ability to plan for progression
-
Desirable Experience
- Following individual support plans/curriculum to ensure pupil progress
- Meeting medical/care needs
Collaboration with wider agencies to meet needs of pupils
-
For an informal discussion please contact:
Calls can be made to our school office to discuss the role with the Senco or HT
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.
