SEN Teaching Assistant (Reception)

Aspire People; Cannock; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspire People are recruiting an EYFS SEN Teaching Assistant to support young children with additional learning, communication, development or social and emotional needs within a primary school setting.

The role involves working closely with the class teacher to help pupils engage with activities, develop communication and build confidence, with opportunities for one-to-one or small group support and an individualised approach where needed.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with SEN or developmental differences.
• Experience in EYFS/Reception/nursery beneficial.
• TA or childcare qualification advantageous.
• Understanding of differentiated support and routines.
• Patience, resilience and calm when a child is unsettled.
• Strong communication and safeguarding practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support for EYFS pupils requiring additional help with learning, communication, interaction or daily routines.
• Work individually with pupils where required following guidance and support strategies.
• Help children access play-based learning and structured activities with adjustments and encouragement.
• Support development of speech, language, social interaction and early learning skills.
• Use visual prompts, practical resources, repetition and clear instructions to aid understanding.
• Encourage positive behaviour, emotional regulation and appropriate peer interaction.
• Support transitions between activities and daily routine changes.
• Observe pupils' responses and progress; communicate updates to the class teacher and SEN team.
• Follow individual support plans and contribute to an inclusive classroom environment.
• Promote pupils' safety, dignity and independence at all times.

Skills

SEN support

EYFS experience

Communication skills

Patience

Observational skills

Adaptability

Education

Teaching Assistant or childcare qualification

Job description

Aspire People are recruiting for an EYFS SEN Teaching Assistant to support young children with additional learning, communication, developmental or social and emotional needs within a primary school setting.

This role would suit someone who understands that children develop at different rates and may require a more individualised approach to learning. You will work closely with the class teacher and other members of the school team to help pupils engage with classroom activities, develop their communication and build confidence in their surroundings.

Depending on the needs of the pupils, support may involve working on a one-to-one basis, within a small group or as part of the wider EYFS classroom. The successful candidate will be patient, observant and consistent, with the ability to adapt activities and provide reassurance without taking away opportunities for children to develop independence.

Experience supporting children with special educational needs is desirable, particularly within early years, nursery or Reception settings. However, candidates with relevant transferable experience and a genuine interest in inclusive education will also be considered.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support for EYFS pupils who require additional help with learning, communication, interaction or everyday classroom routines.
• Work individually with pupils where required, following guidance and agreed support strategies.
• Help children access play-based learning and structured activities through appropriate adjustments and encouragement.
• Support the development of speech, language, social interaction and early learning skills.
• Use visual prompts, practical resources, repetition and clear instructions to help pupils understand tasks.
• Encourage positive behaviour, emotional regulation and appropriate interaction with peers.
• Support pupils with transitions between activities and changes to the daily routine.
• Observe pupils' responses and progress, communicating relevant information to the class teacher and SEN team.
• Follow individual support plans and contribute to an inclusive classroom environment.
• Promote pupils' safety, dignity and independence at all times.

Requirements

• Experience supporting children with SEN, additional needs or developmental differences is desirable.
• Previous experience in EYFS, Reception, nursery or a similar setting would be beneficial.
• A relevant Teaching Assistant or childcare qualification is advantageous.
• An understanding of differentiated support and the importance of consistent routines.
• Patience, resilience and the ability to remain calm when a child becomes unsettled.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to follow professional guidance.
• A commitment to safeguarding and inclusive practice.