Job Description

Early Years SEN Teaching Assistant

Summary

If you're passionate about early childhood development and keen to support children with additional needs, this could be the perfect opportunity. Join a warm, specialist early years setting that supports children aged 2 to 5 with autism, communication needs and developmental delays, helping them to grow in confidence and make those all-important early steps.

What to Expect

In this role, you'll work closely with young children, guiding them through play-based, sensory and communication-focused learning. Every day brings new experiences -- from celebrating a child's first words to supporting their first social interactions.

Your day-to-day might include:

Providing 1:1 or small group support tailored to individual needs Encouraging early development in speech, movement, social interaction and play Supporting sensory exploration through visuals, music and structured routines Promoting emotional regulation, independence and confidence Using tools such as PECS, Makaton, visual schedules and communication boards (training provided) Working closely with teachers, therapists and the SENCO to deliver personalised support

Who This Role Suits

This role is ideal for someone calm, caring and committed to making a difference. You'll need to be confident supporting children with communication and sensory needs, and open to learning on the job.

You may have experience from:

Early years education or Teaching Assistant roles Care, health or childcare backgrounds Degrees in Psychology, Education or Child Development Voluntary or lived experience supporting children with SEND
To apply, you'll need a recognised Childcare or Early Years qualification suitable for work in an early years setting.

The Setting

This specialist school offers a nurturing and engaging environment for young learners, with:

Purpose-built classrooms and sensory spaces Outdoor learning areas designed for exploration and play A child-led, communication-focused approach A skilled, supportive team that works closely together

Working Hours

Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3.30pm (term time only)
Full-time and part-time applications welcome

Why Apply?

Competitive pay Free training, including Makaton, PECS and safeguarding Long-term role with the potential to become permanent
If you're ready to take the next step and make a real difference as an Early Years SEN Teaching Assistant, we'd love to hear from you.

Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense?Education you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temp to perm

Pay: 91.00-105.00 per day

Benefits:

Company pension Free parking On-site parking Referral programme
Work Location: In person