Autism & Child Development Support Assistant – Reception

Pertemps Education Network; City Of London; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hands-on experience

Autism exposure

Support from consultant

Job summary

Pertemps Education Network is recruiting an Autism & Child Development Support Assistant to join a reception class in Eltham, South East London. You will provide tailored 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with ASC and other learning needs, in a warm, nurturing environment.

Backed by a supportive school team, you will work closely with the class teacher and SENCO to help children access learning, develop communication skills and build confidence in early years settings.

Qualifications

• Graduate in psychology or related field.
• Interest in autism and child development.
• Willingness to work in Reception and provide 1:1 support.
• Experience with SEN is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to Reception-aged children with additional needs.
• Support pupils with Autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties and developmental delays.
• Encourage communication, social interaction and positive relationships through play-based learning.
• Support emotional regulation, confidence and independence.
• Observe progress and contribute to individual development targets.

Skills

Psychology graduates

Child Development graduates

Aspiring Educational Psychologists

SEN experience

Education

Psychology degree

Child Development degree

Job description

Autism & Child Development Support Assistant – Reception

Location: Eltham, South East London

Salary:£108.35 per day

Contract: Full-time, Monday to Friday, term-time only

Start Date: ASAP

Are you passionate about child development, autism and helping young children reach their full potential? Are you a Psychology graduate or aspiring education professional looking to gain valuable hands‑on experience in a primary school? Pertemps Education Network is working in partnership with a welcoming primary school in Eltham to recruit an enthusiastic and nurturing Autism & Child Development Support Assistant to support Reception‑aged pupils with additional learning needs.

This is an excellent opportunity for Psychology graduates, Child Development graduates and aspiring Educational Psychologists who are keen to develop their practical experience supporting children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), communication difficulties and developmental delays.

Working within a Reception classroom, you will provide tailored 1:1 and small‑group support to children who require additional assistance with their learning, communication, social interaction and emotional development. You will work closely with the class teacher, SENCO and wider school team to ensure pupils receive the individualised support they need to access learning and develop their independence.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small‑group support to Reception‑aged children with additional needs.
• Supporting pupils with Autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties and developmental delays.
• Encouraging communication, social interaction and positive relationships through play‑based learning.
• Supporting emotional regulation, confidence and independence.
• Using creative and engaging activities to encourage early learning and development.
• Supporting children with classroom routines, transitions and engagement.
• Observing children's progress and contributing to their individual development targets.
• Providing a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment.The Ideal CandidateWe are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with an interest in psychology, child development and special educational needs.

Suitable backgrounds include:

• Psychology graduates interested in Educational or Child Psychology.
• Child Development, Sociology and Social Science graduates.
• Aspiring Educational Psychologists, Clinical Psychologists and Speech and Language Therapists.
• Graduates considering careers in teaching, SEN or children's services.
• Candidates with previous experience supporting children through schools, nurseries, volunteering or childcare.You will ideally be:

You will ideally be:

• Patient, nurturing and empathetic.
• Passionate about supporting children with additional needs.
• Confident building positive relationships with young children.
• Proactive, enthusiastic and willing to learn.
• Interested in understanding autism, communication and early childhood development.Previous SEN or school‑based experience is desirable but not essential. Graduates with relevant academic backgrounds and transferable experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

What We Offer

• Valuable hands‑on experience within a primary school Reception setting.
• Exposure to Autism, ADHD and additional developmental needs.
• Experience supporting early childhood development and communication.
• The opportunity to work alongside experienced teaching and SEN professionals.
• An excellent stepping stone towards careers in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy or teaching.
• Ongoing support from your dedicated Pertemps Education Network consultant.