Early Years Teaching Assistant

Are you ready to be the highlight of a child’s day?

We are looking for a patient, playful, and dedicated Learning Support Assistant to join our Early Years/Key Stage 1 team. In this role, you won’t just be "supporting"—you’ll be building the foundations of communication, independence, and confidence for our incredible pupils with autism.

Our younger learners are just starting their educational journey. You will work closely with the Class Teacher to create a safe, sensory-friendly environment where children feel understood. From supporting Speech & Language interventions to helping a child navigate social play, your impact will be visible every single day.

• A "Child-First" Mindset:
  You understand that "behaviour" is communication.
• Resilience & Empathy:
  You stay calm under pressure and celebrate the small wins.
• Creativity:
  Whether it’s using PECS, sensory play, or intensive interaction, you’re ready to get stuck in.
• Experience:
  
  Previous experience with SEND or Early Years is a big plus, but a genuine passion for autism support is essential.

While we value heart and resilience above all, the following qualifications will help you succeed in this specialist role:
If you do not have all of the below, please still apply as we can support training.

• Core
  
  Education:
  
  GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above) are essential to support our pupils' early literacy and numeracy goals.
• Professional Certification: A Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools is highly desirable.

Note:

A Level 3 Early Years Educator or Childcare qualification is also relevant for our younger cohorts.

• Specialist Training:
  We give preference to candidates with (or a willingness to achieve) training in:
• Autism-Specific Strategies:
  Training in Attention Autism (the "Bucket" method), TEACCH, or SCERTS.
• Communication:
  Proficiency in PECS or Makaton.
• Safety & Regulation:
  De-escalation training such as Team Teach or STEP UP.

• A supportive, expert team that feels like a family.
• Specialist training in autism-specific strategies (TEACCH, Colourful Semantics, etc.).
• The chance to make a lifelong difference at the most critical stage of a child’s development.