Job Description

Job Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Assistant to provide one to one support to a child with a statement of Special Educational Needs. You will provide a stimulating and varied programme of play in conjunction with the Pre-School Curriculum as followed by the setting. As a SEN Assistant you must be passionate, knowledgeable within the Early Years field and have experience of working directly alongside children who require additional support.

You will support the Playgroup Leader and wider team in ensuring that there is a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for the individual child and their family.

This role is ideal for individuals passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children requiring additional support.

This role is 15 hours p/w, 9am - 12noon, Monday - Friday.

Essential Criteria

A qualification at QCF Level 2 in Childcare, Learning and Development or Playwork (or equivalent Early Years qualification)

Proven experience, paid or voluntary, supporting young children with additional needs.

Knowledge and experience of the Preschool or Foundation curriculum.

A strong understanding of child development and the importance of meeting the needs of the individual child.

Ability to identify concerns relating to the children and refer to the Preschool Leader

Ability to work as part of a team.

Excellent communication skills for working with children, parents/carers and professionals.

Ability to build trusting relationships and promote inclusion and independence.

Competent in observations, record keeping and contributing to developmental planning.

Patience, resilience, positivity, and a child centred approach.

Desirable criteria:

QCF Level 3/5 (or working towards) in Childcare, Learning and Development

Food Hygiene Level 2

Paediatric First Aid

Training in sensory awareness or positive behaviour management

Key Responsibilities of role

1. Provide dedicated one to one support, ensuring access to safe, age and developmentally appropriate play and learning activities.
2. Assist with personal care and development of a child's self-care skills eg. toileting readiness, hygiene, understanding of daily routine.

3. Support inclusion and independence, encouraging social integration with peers and opportunity for individual child to participate in all aspects of the Playgroup.

4. Implement, monitor and review Individual Support Planners in collaboration with Playgroup Leader, staff and families.

5. Liaise regularly with parents/ carers, staff and external agencies to promote the child's welfare.

6. Assist with risk assessments, maintain records and complete regular observations as part of key worker duties.

7. Support the team to ensure that the playroom is appropriately laid out before the session commences and is tidied up after the session ends.

8. Attend and participate in staff meetings and assist in the planning and preparation of the activities offered throughout the session to encourage inclusion of all children.

9. Adhere to Safeguarding and Child Protection Policies and Procedures.

10. Keep strictly confidential any personal information regarding the children, their families or other staff which has been gained as part of the job. Such information must not be passed on unless it is in the interests of the child.

11. The list of responsibilities above is not exhaustive

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 6 months

Pay: 12.70 per hour

Expected hours: 15 per week

Work Location: In person