Learning Support Assistant 1:1 (Early Years Level 2+)

Smile Education; London Borough of Southwark; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly pay £16.42–£17.69 per hour

Term-time working: ~34–35 weeks

Paid breaks: 30 min lunch, 15 min tea

Opportunities to work in holiday clubs

Professional development

Potential future opportunities from 9/

Job summary

Smile Education is seeking a warm Learning Support Assistant to join a well‑established independent Pre-Prep and Pre‑School in Herne Hill, South London. You will provide 1:1 support to a Reception child with an EHCP, helping develop communication, independence and engagement in learning.

The role is fixed-term maternity cover until the end of the academic year, with a six‑month probation and potential to continue from September 2027. A handover period in December is included.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 Early Years qualification or equivalent; Level 3 desirable.
• Previous SEND support experience is essential for this 1:1 role.
• Strong understanding of the EYFS.
• Experience adapting activities to meet individual needs.
• Knowledge of EHCPs, AAC or Makaton is advantageous.
• Caring, patient and enthusiastic approach.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to support after-school clubs and holiday provision.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 support to a Reception child with SEND in line with their EHCP.
• Support daily routines, transitions and emotional regulation.
• Break learning activities into manageable steps with visual aids.
• Support communication using AAC and Makaton.
• Deliver targeted 1:1 learning interventions under teacher guidance.
• Work with speech and language therapists and physiotherapists.
• Adapt activities to meet individual learning and developmental needs.
• Encourage independence and positive relationships with peers.
• Assist the class teacher and support other pupils as required.
• Monitor progress and contribute to records and assessments.
• Maintain a safe, stimulating and inclusive learning environment.
• Promote safeguarding and children’s welfare at all times.
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development.

Skills

SEND experience

EYFS knowledge

Communication skills

Education

NVQ Level 2 Early Years or equivalent

Level 3 desirable

Tools

AAC devices

Makaton

Job description

Job Description

Learning Support Assistant / Qualified Teaching Assistant (SEN) – Independent Pre-Prep and Pre-School, Herne Hill

Location: Herne Hill, South London

Start Date: January 2027, including a handover period in December (flexible)

Contract: Full-time, fixed-term maternity cover until the end of the academic year, with potential to continue from September 2027

Working Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:45pm

Qualification: NVQ Level 2 Early Years or equivalent; Level 3 desirable

Additional pay for supporting after-school clubs and holiday provision.

Are you a caring and enthusiastic qualified Teaching Assistant with experience supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)?

We are working with a well-established independent Pre-Prep and Pre-School in Herne Hill that is seeking a warm, patient and proactive Learning Support Assistant / Qualified Teaching Assistant to join its friendly team.

You will primarily provide 1:1 support to a Reception-aged child with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), helping them develop their communication, independence, confidence and engagement in learning.

Working closely with the class teacher and external professionals, you will adapt activities and support daily routines to help the child access learning and participate in school life within a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment.

This is a fixed-term maternity cover position until the end of the academic year, with a six-month probationary period. There may be opportunities for further employment from September 2027.

Your Responsibilities

• Provide individualised 1:1 support to a Reception-aged child with SEND, in line with their EHCP.
• Support daily routines, transitions, emotional regulation and positive behaviour.
• Break learning activities into manageable steps, using visual aids and adapted resources.
• Support communication using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices and Makaton, as appropriate.
• Deliver targeted 1:1 learning interventions under the guidance of teaching staff and relevant professionals.
• Work alongside external professionals, including speech and language therapists and physiotherapists.
• Adapt and differentiate activities to support individual learning and developmental needs.
• Encourage independence, confidence and positive relationships with other children.
• Assist the class teacher with classroom activities and support other pupils where required.
• Monitor progress and contribute to classroom records, observations and assessments.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with children, parents and colleagues.
• Maintain a safe, stimulating and inclusive learning environment.
• Promote safeguarding and children’s welfare at all times.
• Participate in staff meetings, school events and professional development.

What We’re Looking For

• An NVQ Level 2 Early Years qualification or equivalent; Level 3 is desirable.
• Previous experience supporting children with SEND is essential for this 1:1 role.
• A good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Experience adapting learning activities and resources to meet individual needs.
• Knowledge of EHCPs, AAC communication tools or Makaton would be advantageous.
• A caring, patient, compassionate and enthusiastic approach.
• Strong communication, organisation and teamwork skills.
• A flexible, proactive and creative approach to supporting learning.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting children’s wellbeing.
• Willingness to support after‑school clubs and holiday provision would be welcomed.

Salary & Benefits

• Hourly pay: £16.42–£17.69 per hour.
• Supportive school community: Join a friendly team that values collaboration and high-quality Early Years education.
• Well‑resourced setting: Support children’s learning and development in a stimulating independent Pre-Prep and Pre‑School.
• Handover period: Time to become familiar with the child’s needs, the role and school routines.
• Term‑time working: Approximately 34–35 working weeks, plus opportunities to work in school holiday provision.
• Paid breaks: A 30-minute lunch break and a 15-minute morning break.
• Additional earning opportunities: Enhanced remuneration for supporting after‑school clubs until 4:45pm on approximately two to four afternoons per week.
• Optional holiday work: Additional paid work during school holiday provision, with availability for approximately four extra weeks welcomed.
• Professional development: Build your skills within a collaborative and supportive school environment.
• Potential future opportunities: Possibility of further employment from September 2027.

Safeguarding

Create Education and our partner schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This role requires an enhanced DBS check and full pre-employment screening.

We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications.