SEND Teaching Assistant

Tradewind Recruitment; Daventry; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment in Daventry invites applications for a SEND Teaching Assistant in an infant and preschool setting. This permanent, term-time role starts September 2026 and offers a supportive environment for children with SEND.

You will work with teachers, SENDCo and external professionals to deliver personalised support, aid play-based learning, and help children develop communication, confidence and independence.

Qualifications

• A genuine passion for supporting young children with SEN
• A patient, caring, and nurturing approach
• The ability to develop positive and trusting relationships with children and families

Responsibilities

• Provide individualised support for children with SEND across the infant and preschool setting
• Support children through play-based learning, structured activities, and everyday routines
• Deliver one-to-one and small-group activities focused on communication, development, and confidence building
• Work alongside teachers, early years practitioners, SENDCo, and external professionals to support individual plans and strategies
• Assist children with a range of needs, including autism, speech and language difficulties, communication needs, and developmental delays
• Encourage children's independence, emotional wellbeing, and social development
• Help children build positive relationships with peers and adults
• Adapt activities, resources, and approaches to meet individual needs
• Support children with emotional regulation and promote positive behaviour
• Observe and record progress, sharing updates with the wider team
• Assist with personal care and additional support needs where required

Job description

SEND Teaching Assistant - Infant & Preschool Setting - Daventry

Location: Daventry, Northamptonshire

Start Date: September 2026

Contract: Full-Time | Term Time | Permanent

Salary: Competitive salary (dependent on experience and qualifications)

Are you passionate about supporting young children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)? Would you like to play an important role in helping children develop confidence, independence, and essential life skills within a caring and inclusive early years environment? We are working in partnership with a welcoming infant and preschool setting in Daventry that is looking to appoint a dedicated SEND Teaching Assistant to join their team from September 2026 on a permanent basis. This is a fantastic opportunity for a caring and enthusiastic individual who enjoys working with young children and is committed to providing high-quality support for children with additional needs. You will become part of a supportive team that places children's wellbeing, development, and individual needs at the heart of everything they do. Working alongside experienced practitioners, teachers, and SEND professionals, you will provide personalised support to help children overcome barriers to learning, develop key skills, and enjoy positive experiences within the setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide individualised support for children with SEND across the infant and preschool setting
• Support children through play-based learning, structured activities, and everyday routines
• Deliver one-to-one and small-group activities focused on communication, development, and confidence building
• Work alongside teachers, early years practitioners, SENDCo, and external professionals to support individual plans and strategies
• Assist children with a range of needs, including autism, speech and language difficulties, communication needs, and developmental delays
• Encourage children's independence, emotional wellbeing, and social development
• Help children build positive relationships with peers and adults
• Adapt activities, resources, and approaches to meet individual needs
• Support children with emotional regulation and promote positive behaviour
• Observe and record progress, sharing updates with the wider team
• Assist with personal care and additional support needs where required

What We're Looking For:

• A genuine passion for supporting young children with SEN
• A patient, caring, and nurturing approach
• The ability to develop positive and trusting relationships with children and families
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Confidence supporting children through play, learning, and daily activities
• Experience within an early years, nursery, childcare, education, or SEND setting is desirable but not essential
• A flexible, reliable, and proactive attitude
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

Why Join This Setting?

• A permanent role within a supportive and inclusive infant and preschool environment
• The opportunity to make a real difference during children's early years development
• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
• A welcoming team with a strong focus on collaboration and support
• Access to ongoing training, CPD, and SEND-focused development opportunities
• A positive working environment where every child and staff member is valued
• Excellent experience for those looking to progress within education, early years, or specialist SEND support