Autism & Child Development Support Assistant - Reception

Pertemps Education Network; Eltham; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Pertemps Education Network is partnering with a welcoming primary school in Eltham to recruit an Autism & Child Development Support Assistant to support Reception-aged pupils with additional learning needs.

You will provide 1:1 and small-group support, helping with autism, ADHD, speech and language needs, and foster communication, social interaction and emotional development in a safe, nurturing environment.

Qualifications

• Psychology graduates or related degrees welcome.
• Interest in autism, child development and SEN careers.
• Aspiring Educational Psychologists encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to Reception-aged children with additional needs.
• Support pupils with autism, ADHD and speech/language difficulties.
• Encourage communication, social interaction and emotional development through play-based learning.
• Observe progress and contribute to individual development targets.
• Create a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment.

Skills

1:1 support

Small-group support

Communication with children

Patience

Education

Bachelors in Psychology

Bachelors in Child Development

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:

• 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.