SEN Nursery Assistant

Education Network; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist educational recruitment agency is looking for a full-time SEND Nursery Assistant in Gateshead. This role involves supporting nursery-aged children with special educational needs through engaging activities while ensuring a safe and inclusive environment. Ideal candidates will have experience working with children with additional needs and strong communication skills. Competitive pay and immediate starts are available.

Benefits

Competitive pay rates

Professional development opportunities

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Experience in working with children with additional needs.
• Knowledge of physical, sensory, and communication needs.
• Ability to communicate effectively with pupils.

Responsibilities

• Support nursery-aged pupils with SEND.
• Assist with individualised plans and interventions.
• Encourage positive behaviour and social interaction.
• Observe and report on pupil progress.

Skills

Experience working with young children with SEND

Knowledge of communication methods

Effective communication skills

Patient and adaptable

Understanding of safeguarding procedures

Job description

Overview

Job Title: SEND Nursery Assistant
Location: Gateshead
Hours: Full-Time (8:30am - 3:30pm, Monday - Friday)

About the Role

Our specialist SEN partner school is looking for a Supply SEND Nursery Assistant to join their Early Years team. This school supports children and young people with a wide range of additional needs, including:

• Physical, sensory, and medical conditions
• Speech, language, and communication disorders
• Autism
• Complex learning needs often linked to emotional vulnerability

You will be helping to deliver engaging, child-centred activities, supporting individual needs, and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children with additional needs.

Responsibilities

• Support nursery-aged pupils with SEND in daily routines, learning, and play.
• Assist staff with individualised plans and targeted interventions.
• Encourage positive behaviour, social interaction, and emotional development.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and support staff.
• Observe and report on pupil progress.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.

Requirements

• Experience working with young children with SEND is essential.
• Knowledge of physical, sensory, medical, communication, autism, or complex learning needs.
• Effective communication skills, including PECS, Makaton, or other communication methods.
• Patient, adaptable, and compassionate.
• Team player with a commitment to supporting pupils' wellbeing and learning.
• Understanding of safeguarding and health & safety procedures.

Why Join Through Us

• Competitive pay rates
• Immediate starts available
• Access to a supportive team and professional development opportunities
• Work in an inclusive, rewarding setting where your contribution matters

If you are interested in this role please email Rachael.chapman @(url removed) with an up to date copy of your CV, or give us a call on (phone number removed) for an informal chat about opportunities.

The Education Network Offer

Our specialist team boasts extensive combined experience and an unrivalled reputation within the education sector. We take great pride in delivering consistently high service levels to both schools and candidates. Our approach is honest, efficient, and designed to offer a recruitment solution tailored to your needs. Additionally, we provide opportunities for further training and development to enhance your career.

You will work in a friendly, caring, and supportive environment where every child matters. Our highly committed and hardworking consultants will strive to find roles that suit your professional aspirations. We also offer excellent rates of pay and ongoing opportunities for professional growth.

The Education Network is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to our comprehensive vetting procedures, including enhanced DBS checks and references. We adhere to Safer Recruitment practices and maintain the highest standards of compliance.

We are an equal opportunities employer, and The Education Network operates as a recruitment agency for this role. Due to the high volume of applications, we will contact shortlisted candidates within three days.

Data Privacy and Processing

By applying for this role, you are agreeing for The Education Network to process and store your personal data, including your CV and application form, for the purposes of recruitment. The Education Network is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data in accordance with GDPR. Your information will be kept securely and will not be shared with third parties without your consent. We will retain your data for up to 24 months unless you request us to delete it earlier. You have the right to request access to, amend, or delete your data at any time by contacting Neville Wood at The Education Network.

The Education Network offers: Our specialist team have a combined experience of over 25 years and an unrivalled reputation within the education market, taking great pride in the extremely high service levels that we provide to both our schools and our candidates. Our service is honest and efficient, and in addition to our recruitment solution, we offer the opportunity for additional training and development for our candidates. You will also receive personalised career support from the team. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and appointments will be subject to robust vetting procedures, including enhanced DBS checks and references.

The Education Network is committed to Safer Recruitment and recruits to Compliance+ standards. Any appointment will be subject to an enhanced DBS check in addition to other safeguarding checks. The Education Network is an equal opportunities employer. This agency is acting in relation to this vacancy. Due to the expected high-volume of applications we receive, shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 3 days.