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. The Role: 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. What you’ll bring: • 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. Desired Qualifications & Training 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. Why join us? • 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.