Psychology, Learning Support & Nurturing Care SEN Teaching Assistant

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

Job summary

Pertemps Education Network is partnering with a primary school in Streatham to recruit an SEN Teaching Assistant to support four Reception pupils in a specialist provision. The role is full-time, long-term, term-time only, with a daily rate of £108.35.

You will provide tailored 1:1 and small-group support, help with communication for preverbal children, assist with personal care, and help pupils develop independence and early learning skills within a nurturing, collaborative setting.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with autism or complex needs in early years settings.
• Ability to work 1:1 and in small groups.
• Willingness to undertake personal care duties.
• Knowledge of PECs / alternative communication methods is advantageous.
• Patient, resilient and team-oriented with safeguarding focus.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored 1:1 and small-group support for four Reception pupils with autism and complex additional needs.
• Support preverbal children to communicate their needs through alternative communication methods (PECS, gestures, etc).
• Assist with personal care routines, including toileting and hygiene, maintaining dignity and privacy.
• Support pupils with sensory needs, transitions and daily classroom routines.
• Implement strategies from the class teacher, SENCO and multidisciplinary team.
• Encourage engagement in play-based learning and early communication activities.
• Help children develop independence, confidence and social interaction skills.
• Maintain a calm, structured environment to support emotional regulation and positive engagement.
• Collaborate with teachers and support staff to ensure high-quality care.

Skills

1:1 support

Small-group support

Communication support

Personal care

Teamwork

Safeguarding

Patience

Tools

PECS

Makaton

Visual timetables

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.

Your responsibilities will include:

• 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.

The ideal candidate will have:

• 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.