SEN Early Years Teaching Assistant

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

Job summary

Teach Now Limited in Barnet is seeking a proactive SEN Early Years Teaching Assistant to join a small specialist Early Years provision within a supportive primary school. The role focuses on supporting nursery-aged children with autism, helping them communicate, engage and learn through play-based activities.

You will work closely with the class teacher and SEN team, leading activities, using PECS, Makaton and sensory strategies where possible, and adapting tasks to individual needs, while

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with SEN, autism or additional needs.
• Be confident working with nursery or Early Years-aged children.
• Be patient, nurturing, calm and consistent.
• Be proactive and comfortable leading activities independently.
• Have experience with PECS, Makaton or sensory strategies where possible.
• Be reliable and committed to providing consistency for pupils.

Responsibilities

• Support individual children and small groups.
• Set up and lead play-based, sensory and structured activities.
• Use strategies such as PECS, Makaton, visual schedules and now-and-next.
• Support communication, independence and social interaction.
• Help pupils manage transitions and emotional regulation.
• Adapt activities to meet individual needs.
• Respond calmly to dysregulation and challenging behaviour.
• Work closely with the class teacher and wider SEN team while using your own initiative.

Skills

SEN support

Nursery/early years experience

Patience

Calm demeanor

Proactivity

Communication

Adaptive teaching

PECS/Makaton experience

Education

A Level 3 EYFS TA qualification (desirable)

Tools

PECS

Makaton

Visual schedules

Job description

SEN Early Years Teaching Assistant – Barnet

Location: Barnet, London Salary: £90-£100 per day, dependent on experience and qualifications Contract: Full-time, Long-term, Temporary Start Date: September 2026 / ASAP

Teach Now is recruiting a proactive and caring SEN Early Years Teaching Assistant to join a small specialist Early Years provision within a supportive primary school in Barnet. The provision supports nursery-aged children, mainly aged 3, with autism. Pupils may be verbal, minimally verbal or non-verbal and require support with communication, regulation, engagement and early learning.

The role

• Support individual children and small groups.
• Set up and lead play-based, sensory and structured activities.
• Use strategies such as PECS, Makaton, visual schedules and now-and-next.
• Support communication, independence and social interaction.
• Help pupils manage transitions and emotional regulation.
• Adapt activities to meet individual needs.
• Respond calmly to dysregulation and challenging behaviour.
• Work closely with the class teacher and wider SEN team while using your own initiative.

About you

• Have experience supporting children with SEN, autism or additional needs.
• Be confident working with nursery or Early Years-aged children.
• Be patient, nurturing, calm and consistent.
• Be proactive and comfortable leading activities independently.
• Have experience with PECS, Makaton or sensory strategies where possible.
• Be reliable and committed to providing consistency for pupils.

A Level 3 Early Years or Teaching Assistant qualification is desirable but not essential. Strong relevant experience and the right approach will also be considered.

What the school can offer

• A small, supportive specialist Early Years provision.
• A high adult-to-child ratio.
• Access to sensory and breakout spaces.
• Support from experienced teaching and SEN staff.
• Valuable experience in autism and Early Years SEN support.
• £90-£100 per day, dependent on experience and qualifications.

The school is also happy to offer a trial day for suitable candidates.

Why work via Teach Now?

Teach-Now are a widely recognised, education recruitment company. We pride ourselves on our high levels of customer service and professional development that we offer our teachers and support staff.

• Ensure that you will have your own dedicated consultant who will provide ongoing support and guidance.
• Offer an excellent refer a friend scheme that pays you £150 for each candidate you refer to us after they have worked and been paid for their first 10 days.
• Pay in line with the Agency Worker Regulations (AWR) meaning you will be paid equally to a permanent employee.
• Give you access to a wide range of CPD training through our in-house team of experienced senior leaders.

If you are an experienced SEN Early Years Teaching Assistant who enjoys supporting younger children and can confidently take initiative, we would love to hear from you.

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.