Reception Teaching Assistant

Teach Now; Chipping Barnet; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Teach Now in Barnet, London, is seeking a Reception Teaching Assistant to provide 1:1 SEN support for a Reception pupil with ASD/ADHD. The role requires strong EYFS experience and an understanding of sensory regulation.

You will use visuals and Now/Next strategies, support speech and communication, and help the pupil engage in classroom activities while maintaining calm boundaries.

Qualifications

• Reception/EYFS experience required.
• Experience supporting ASD/ADHD or sensory needs.
• Understanding of behaviour as communication.

Responsibilities

• Provide consistent 1:1 support throughout the day.
• Recognise triggers and signs of dysregulation.
• Use visuals, Now/Next strategies and choices.
• Support speech and communication needs.
• Redirect sensory-seeking behaviours safely.
• Supervise transitions, boundaries and less-preferred activities.
• Respond calmly to challenging situations and leaving activities.
• Engage pupil using interests to boost participation.

Skills

EYFS experience

ASD/ADHD support

Behaviour as communication

Visual supports & regulation

Calm engaging approach

Boundary setting

Active pupil energy

Education

Real-time safeguarding/DBS check (Update Service)

Level 3 Teaching Assistant or equivalent

Job description

Reception Teaching Assistant – 1:1 SEN Support

Location: Barnet, London

Salary: £93–£100 per day

Contract: Full-time, long-term temporary

Start date: Immediate – September 2026

Are you an energetic Reception Teaching Assistant with strong EYFS experience and an understanding of sensory regulation? A welcoming primary school in Barnet is seeking a confident practitioner to support a Reception pupil displaying traits associated with ASD and ADHD.

The pupil is active, sociable and enjoys adult interaction. He needs a consistent adult who can build a positive relationship while supporting his communication, sensory and emotional-regulation needs.

The Role

• Provide consistent 1:1 support throughout the school day
• Recognise triggers and early signs of dysregulation
• Use visuals, two-option choices and Now/Next strategies
• Support speech and communication difficulties
• Redirect sensory-seeking behaviour safely and positively
• Closely supervise behaviours such as mouthing non-food items
• Support transitions, boundaries and less-preferred activities
• Respond calmly to throwing or attempts to leave activities
• Use interests such as cars, trucks and putty to build engagement
• Encourage successful participation in classroom learning and play

About You

• Reception or EYFS experience
• Experience supporting ASD, ADHD or sensory needs
• An understanding of behaviour as communication
• Confidence using visual supports and regulation strategies
• A calm, playful and engaging approach
• The ability to maintain clear, consistent boundaries
• The energy and alertness to support a highly active pupil
• An enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one

Specialist SEN experience is welcomed, but an excellent EYFS practitioner with strong knowledge of inclusive practice would also be well suited to this role.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualification and training for this role. For teacher roles, we require a formally recognised teaching qualification.

If you are not contacted within 2 working days, unfortunately, you have been unsuccessful for this role. However, we will keep your CV and continue to help you in your search for a job within education.

Teach Now operates stringent safer recruitment procedures.

We are committed to promoting equality and challenging discrimination.

Teach Now is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

This post will be subject to an Enhanced DBS Clearance