Sen Play & Care Practitioner (ks1)

Lycar Education; Bolton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A supportive educational organization in Bolton seeks an SEN Play & Care Practitioner for a part-time role. The position involves working with children with additional needs in a nurturing environment, focusing on emotional and sensory development. Candidates should have experience in childcare and a caring attitude. This role emphasizes building relationships and supporting children through their learning journey, without the pressure of traditional academic outcomes.

Qualifications

• Experience as a nursery nurse, early years practitioner, or similar role.
• Ability to engage in play and sensory activities.
• Understanding that behavior is a form of communication.

Responsibilities

• Support children aged Reception to Year 2 in a nurturing environment.
• Help children regulate emotions through play and movement.
• Work with staff to follow Individual Learning Plans.

Skills

Experience with children with additional needs

Emotional resilience

Calm and patient demeanor

Strong communication skills

Education

Level 2 or 3 in Early Years or Childcare

Job description

SEN Play & Care Practitioner (KS1)

Location:

Lycar Education - Radcliffe (Bolton/Bury)

Hours:

Term time only | Part-time / Fixed-term contracts available

Pay:

Competitive - dependent on experience

Start:

Flexible

About the role

We are looking for a kind, patient and playful adult to join our small Alternative Provision supporting KS1 children with SEND, including SEMH, communication needs, sensory processing differences and anxiety.

This role is not a traditional classroom Teaching Assistant role.

You will be working with very small groups or 1:1, supporting children through:

• Play-based learning
• Sensory activities
• Movement and regulation
• Routines, care and emotional reassurance

Our children may be out of school, transitioning, or unable to cope in mainstream settings. Your role is to help them feel safe, calm, understood and ready to learn.

What you'll be doing

• Supporting children aged Reception—Year 2 in a nurturing, play-based environment
• Helping children regulate emotions through movement, sensory play and routine
• Supporting care needs such as transitions, toileting routines (where appropriate), snack/lunch time and emotional reassurance
• Encouraging communication, independence and positive relationships
• Working closely with experienced staff to follow Individual Learning Plans (ILPs)
• Celebrating small wins – a smile, a calm transition, a moment of trust

This role would suit someone who

• Has experience as a nursery nurse, early years practitioner, play worker, carer or family support worker
• Enjoys working with children with additional needs
• Is calm, patient and emotionally resilient
• Understands that behaviour is communication
• Is happy to get involved in play, movement and sensory activities
• Values relationships over rigid academic outcomes
• Formal TA experience is not essential – the right attitude matters most.

Desirable (but not essential)

• Level 2 or 3 in Early Years, Childcare, Health & Social Care, or similar
• Experience supporting children with SEND or SEMH
• Understanding of trauma‑informed or nurture‑based approaches

Why work with Lycar Education?

• Very small groups (no overcrowded classrooms)
• A supportive, family‑centred team
• No marking, no SATs pressure
• A genuinely child‑centred approach
• The chance to make a real difference for children who need it most

Safeguarding

Lycar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

• An enhanced DBS check
• Safeguarding training
• Appropriate pre‑employment checks

How to apply

To apply, please send:

• A short covering note explaining why this role interests you
• Your CV

Email: [e-mail]

Website: www.lycar-education.co.uk

Job Types

Part‑time, Temporary

Contract length

6 months

Pay

12.21-20.00 per hour

Expected hours

15 - 25 per week

Work Location

In person