1:1 SEN Learning Support Assistant

Shorefields; Colchester; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 19,500; Part time

Job summary

Earls Colne Primary School and Nursery in Colchester is seeking an enthusiastic SEN Learning Support Assistant to support a child with communication, sensory and emotional regulation needs in the Early Years setting.

You will work collaboratively with the class teacher, SENCO and external professionals to promote learning, smooth transitions and safeguarding, maintaining a calm, supportive approach.

Qualifications

• Applicants must have a good standard of English and Maths and recent experience of working within a school environment.
• All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people.

Responsibilities

• Is a positive, nurturing and caring practitioner who can build trusting relationships and effectively support a child with communication, sensory and emotional regulation needs.
• Has high expectations for learning, behaviour and inclusion, and is committed to enabling every child to achieve their full potential.
• Has a good understanding of child development, particularly within the Early Years Foundation Stage.
• Has knowledge of successful strategies to promote engagement, sustained shared attention and participation in adult‑led and small‑group learning activities.
• Can support children to manage transitions successfully through the use of consistent visual and verbal strategies.
• Understands the importance of co‑regulation and can support young children to develop emotional regulation skills.
• Has an awareness of sensory processing needs and can implement sensory regulation strategies and personalised sensory programmes under guidance.
• Is able to work collaboratively as part of a team, following advice from the class teacher, SENCO and external professionals.
• Is flexible, patient, solution‑focused and able to use initiative while maintaining a calm and positive approach.
• Has experience of working with children with additional or special educational needs within an early years, school or childcare setting.
• Has basic knowledge of first aid and safeguarding procedures.

Job description

Job Ref No. ECC5272-145S | Position Type: Teaching/Child Support | Pay Range: Scale 3 Point 6‑7 | Position Start Date: Immediate | Contract Type: Part‑time | Contract Term: Fixed | Application Close: 07/09/2026 | Term‑time only, fixed term subject to SEN Funding.

Role Overview

At Earls Colne Primary School and Nursery, we aim to ‘Inspire all children to create and achieve’. We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and experienced SEN Learning Support Assistant.

Key Responsibilities and Expectations

• Is a positive, nurturing and caring practitioner who can build trusting relationships and effectively support a child with communication, sensory and emotional regulation needs.
• Has high expectations for learning, behaviour and inclusion, and is committed to enabling every child to achieve their full potential.
• Has a good understanding of child development, particularly within the Early Years Foundation Stage.
• Has knowledge of successful strategies to promote engagement, sustained shared attention and participation in adult‑led and small‑group learning activities.
• Can support children to manage transitions successfully through the use of consistent visual and verbal strategies.
• Understands the importance of co‑regulation and can support young children to develop emotional regulation skills.
• Has an awareness of sensory processing needs and can implement sensory regulation strategies and personalised sensory programmes under guidance.
• Is able to work collaboratively as part of a team, following advice from the class teacher, SENCO and external professionals.
• Is flexible, patient, solution‑focused and able to use initiative while maintaining a calm and positive approach.
• Has experience of working with children with additional or special educational needs within an early years, school or childcare setting.
• Has basic knowledge of first aid and safeguarding procedures.

Qualifications

• Applicants must have a good standard of English and Maths and recent experience of working within a school environment.
• All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.