Job Description:

Special Support Assistant (1-to-1) | ASD & Nurture | Blackpool Academy | Term-Time

Location: Blackpool

Contract: Temporary (Fixed Term until July 2028)

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM (Term-Time Only)

Pay: £14.25 - £15.00 per hour

Start Date: September 2026

Make a Lasting Impact: The Power of Presence

Are you a patient, nurturing individual who believes that every child, regardless of their starting point, deserves a voice?

At our vibrant Blackpool Academy, we aren't just looking for an employee; we are looking for a consistent anchor for a charming pupil. For a child with complex needs, "staff turnover" isn't just an HR metric; it is a significant event that can set their development back by months. This role offers the rare, profound opportunity to provide the long-term stability this pupil needs to feel safe, following their journey through the school until 2028.

Why Your Commitment is Everything

For vulnerable children, especially those who are non-verbal, predictability is their only form of security.

• Attendance as Advocacy: Every day you are present, you are providing a "safe harbour." When you are absent, the pupil's world becomes unpredictable and frightening. High attendance isn't just a requirement; it is an act of advocacy for their right to a stable education.

• The Weight of Commitment: We are seeking someone who views this as more than a job. You will become this pupil's "person"-the one who understands their smallest non-verbal cues and sensory triggers. Your long-term commitment is the foundation upon which their entire educational success will be built.

• The Cost of Inconsistency: Change can be traumatic for a child at an 18-month developmental level. By committing to this journey until 2028, you are preventing the cycle of "new faces" and ensuring the pupil has the confidence to explore the world around them.

The Role & The Pupil

Our student is Autistic, non-verbal, and currently working at an 18-month developmental level. The pupil requires a nurture-first approach where emotional well-being and sensory needs are the priority.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Communication & Interaction: Using a range of established communication strategies (visuals, sensory cues, and play) to engage at the pupil's level.

• Nurture-Based Learning: Adapting Year 1 activities into accessible, play-based learning aids.

• Personal Care: Providing essential personal care with dignity, patience, and respect.

• EHCP Implementation: Working alongside our SENCO to meet the specific targets outlined in the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Why Join Our Academy?

We are proud to be part of a highly successful Multi-Academy Trust (MAT). Choosing to work with us means:

• Strong Professional Networks: Benefit from our deep links and recommendations to partner schools across the region.

• Career Development: Access to MAT-wide training, specialist SEND resources, and potential future opportunities within our family of schools.

• A Supportive Team: You won't be working in isolation; you will be part of a collaborative team that values your input and expertise.

About You

We are looking for someone with a big heart and a resilient nature. You should have:

• Unwavering Reliability: A professional who understands that their presence is essential to a pupil's daily stability and success.

• SEN Expertise: Experience (or a deep interest) in working with ASD and complex needs.

• Emotional Resilience: A calm, soothing presence and the ability to find joy in small developmental "wins."