Early Years SEND Teaching Assistant

Aspire People; Manchester; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dedicated consultant support

Job summary

Aspire People are recruiting nurturing and enthusiastic SEND Teaching Assistants to support young children with additional needs across Early Years and Reception settings in Manchester and surrounding areas.

You will help children develop communication, language and social skills, providing 1:1 and small-group support during play-based learning and structured activities. You will work closely with teachers to ensure a safe, inclusive classroom and to monitor progress.

Qualifications

• Has recent UK-based school experience supporting pupils with SEND within the last two years.
• Has experience working with young children in EYFS or Reception settings.
• Understands early childhood development and learning through play.
• A patient, warm and consistent approach to supporting individual needs.
• Safeguarding awareness and collaboration with teachers and support staff.

Responsibilities

• Support children with SEND within EYFS and Reception classrooms.
• Provide 1:1 and small-group support during play-based learning and structuring activities.
• Encourage early communication, language development and social interaction.
• Support early phonics, number recognition and foundational learning.
• Help children follow routines and transitions between activities.
• Use visual resources to support understanding and independence.
• Foster positive relationships with peers and participation in group activities.
• Support emotional regulation and sensory needs using agreed strategies.
• Observe development and share feedback with the class teacher and SENCO.
• Maintain a safe, stimulating and inclusive learning environment.

Skills

Communication

Patience

Team collaboration

Early language development

Adaptability

Observation skills

Behaviour support

Education

Early Years Teaching Assistant qualification

UK DBS checked

Job description

Early Years SEND Teaching Assistant - Development & Communication

EYFS & Reception Manchester & Surrounding Areas

Aspire People are recruiting nurturing and enthusiastic SEND Teaching Assistants to support young children with additional needs across Early Years and Reception settings.

These opportunities are ideal for someone who understands the importance of early development and enjoys helping young children build the communication, social and learning skills they need to thrive in school.

You may be supporting children who need additional help with speech and language, social communication, attention, sensory regulation or participation in play-based learning. Your role will be to help children feel secure, engage with activities and develop independence at their own pace.

The Role:

• Supporting children with SEND within EYFS and Reception classrooms
• Providing 1:1 and small-group support during play-based learning and structured activities
• Encouraging early communication, language development and social interaction
• Supporting early phonics, number recognition and foundational learning
• Helping children follow classroom routines and transition between activities
• Using visual resources and practical activities to support understanding
• Encouraging positive relationships with peers and participation in group activities
• Supporting emotional regulation and sensory needs using agreed strategies
• Observing development and sharing relevant feedback with the class teacher and SENCO
• Helping maintain a safe, stimulating and inclusive learning environment

The Ideal Candidate:

• Has recent UK-based school experience supporting pupils with SEND within the last two years
• Has experience working with young children in EYFS, Reception or a comparable early years setting
• Understands early childhood development and the importance of learning through play
• Is patient, warm and consistent when supporting children's individual needs
• Can encourage communication and independence through everyday activities
• Is confident working collaboratively with teachers and support staff
• Understands safeguarding and the responsibilities involved in working with young children

Experience supporting autism, speech and language needs or developmental delay would be beneficial. A relevant Early Years or Teaching Assistant qualification would also be advantageous where appropriate to the placement.

Why Work with Aspire People?

• Opportunities across EYFS and Reception settings
• Flexible supply and longer-term placements
• Competitive daily pay rates
• Dedicated consultant support
• Opportunities to gain further experience in early intervention and SEND

Placements are subject, to appropriate Child Protection screening, including checks with former employers and the Disclosure and Barring Checks.