Psychology, Learning Support & Nurturing Care SEN Teaching Assistant

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

Job summary

Pertemps Education Network is hiring an SEN Teaching Assistant to support four Reception-aged pupils with autism in a Streatham school’s specialist provision. You will help develop communication, social and independence skills through 1:1 and small-group activities, under the guidance of experienced staff.

The role focuses on preverbal and complex needs, personal care support, and creating a calm, nurturing learning environment to promote inclusive education and pupil well-being throughout

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with autism, preferably in early years or SEN settings.
• Ability to support preverbal or non-speaking pupils and adapt communication.
• Willingness to undertake personal care duties including toileting and changing.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored 1:1 and small-group support for four Reception-aged pupils with autism and complex needs.
• Assist preverbal children to communicate using alternative methods (PECS, visuals, signs).
• Support personal care routines (toileting, changing) with dignity and privacy.
• Support sensory needs, transitions and daily classroom routines.
• Implement individual strategies under guidance of teachers and SENCO.

Skills

Autism support experience

Communication skills

Teamwork

Patience

Job description

Psychology, Learning Support & Nurturing Care SEN Teaching Assistant

Location: Streatham, South London

Contract: Full-time, long-term

Working Hours: Monday–Friday, term-time only

Start Date: ASAP

Pay Rate: £108.35 per day

Are you passionate about supporting young children with autism and complex special educational needs?

Pertemps Education Network is working in partnership with a primary school in Streatham to recruit a dedicated and compassionate SEN Teaching Assistant to support four Reception-aged pupils within a specialist provision. This is a rewarding opportunity to work closely with young children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) who are preverbal, have communication difficulties and require personal care support throughout the school day.

The successful candidate will play an important role in creating a safe, nurturing and structured learning environment, helping pupils communicate their needs, develop independence and engage with early learning activities at their own pace.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience supporting autistic children, preverbal pupils or children with complex needs who can demonstrate patience, resilience and a genuine commitment to inclusive education.

The Role – SEN Teaching Assistant

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will work as part of a supportive team within the school's Reception provision, helping four young pupils access learning and develop essential communication, social and independence skills.

• Providing tailored 1:1 and small-group support for four Reception-aged pupils with autism and complex additional needs.
• Supporting preverbal children to communicate their needs through alternative communication methods, visual supports, gestures, PECS or other established communication systems.
• Assisting with personal care routines, including toileting, changing and hygiene, while maintaining each child's dignity, privacy and comfort.
• Supporting pupils with sensory needs, transitions and daily classroom routines.
• Implementing individual support strategies and following guidance from the class teacher, SENCO and wider multidisciplinary team.
• Encouraging engagement in play-based learning, early communication activities and age-appropriate educational experiences.
• Helping children develop their independence, confidence and social interaction skills.
• Maintaining a calm, consistent and structured environment to support emotional regulation and positive engagement.
• Working collaboratively with teachers and fellow support staff to ensure pupils receive consistent, high-quality care and educational support.

The Ideal SEN Teaching Assistant

The school is looking for someone who is nurturing, proactive and confident supporting young children with significant communication and care needs.

• Previous experience supporting children with autism, preferably within an early years, Reception or specialist SEN setting.
• Experience working with preverbal or non-speaking children, or pupils with significant communication difficulties.
• A willingness and confidence to undertake personal care duties, including toileting and changing, where required.
• An understanding of autism, sensory needs and the importance of predictable routines.
• Knowledge of communication strategies such as PECS, visual timetables, Makaton or other alternative communication approaches would be advantageous.
• A patient, empathetic and resilient approach, with the ability to respond calmly to individual needs.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, alongside a commitment to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.

Candidates with experience in nursery, EYFS, Reception, autism provisions or specialist SEN schools are particularly encouraged to apply.

Why Work Through Pertemps Education Network?

• Access a rewarding, long-term opportunity within a primary school in Streatham.
• Make a meaningful difference to the early development and educational experiences of young children with complex needs.
• Work alongside experienced education professionals in a supportive school environment.
• Develop your experience in autism, early years SEN support and alternative communication strategies.
• Receive ongoing support from a dedicated education recruitment consultant throughout your placement.