Primary Teaching Assistant

Year 4 Teaching Assistant (Pastoral & SEMH Support) – January 2026 Start

Location: Preston
Contract: Fixed Term (initially)
Hours: 30 hours per week, 8:45am – 3:30pm (occasional extended hours for meetings)
Pay: £13.75 – £14.50 per hour

Are you looking to use your experience and passion for supporting children’s wellbeing within a mainstream Primary School setting?

A reputable Primary School in Preston is seeking to appoint a Year 4 Teaching Assistant with strong pastoral experience, ideally holding a degree in Psychology, to support pupils who require additional SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) support. While the role will be primarily based in Year 4, you may also support pupils across Key Stage 2 when required. KS2 experience would be highly advantageous.

Senior Leaders are committed to promoting positive mental health and ensuring every child receives the right level of support. This position has been created to further strengthen the school’s pastoral and inclusion provision.

The school is particularly keen to secure a candidate with knowledge of child development, mental health needs, or experience supporting children or vulnerable individuals. A Psychology graduate is especially encouraged to apply, as this background will bring valuable insight to the pastoral team.

This is a rewarding and varied role where no two days are the same. Duties will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group SEMH support to pupils, primarily in Year 4

• Supporting learning and wellbeing within the Year 4 classroom

• Liaising closely with class teachers and the SENCO regarding individual needs

• Delivering wellbeing interventions in both classroom and intervention spaces

• Working with outside agencies where appropriate

• Contributing new ideas and strategies to enhance the school’s pastoral provision

The successful candidate will report directly to the SENCO and join a school where the Headteacher maintains an “open-door policy,” encouraging staff to share ideas and contribute to whole-school improvement.

Strong relationship-building skills with both children and families are essential. Applicants must be open-minded, committed to inclusion, and able to demonstrate a clear understanding of individual needs. Resilience, flexibility, and confidence when working with colleagues at all levels are key.

Requirements:

• Degree-level qualification (Psychology preferred)

• Experience supporting children or vulnerable individuals, ideally with SEMH needs

• KS2 experience (advantageous)

• A commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and pupil wellbeing

This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference to children’s lives while gaining valuable classroom and pastoral experience in a supportive KS2 environment.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
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