Job description: SEN support worker
Job Title: Preschool SEN Support Worker
Location: Blackdown Preschool
Reports to: SENCO and Manager
Hours: 9am – 3pm – Monday – Friday Fixed term until July 2026
Salary: £12.50 per hour
Job Purpose:
The Preschool SEN Support Worker will assist children with special educational needs (SEN) in their development, enabling them to access a rich and inclusive learning environment. You will provide individualized support to children with a range of special needs and collaborate with teachers and parents to ensure the children’s educational and emotional well-being.
Key Responsibilities:
• Provide individual support: Assist children with SEN in their daily activities, including classroom tasks, playtime, and transitions.
• Promote inclusion: Help create an inclusive environment that encourages all children to participate in activities and interact with their peers.
• Support learning: Implement learning activities and strategies tailored to the child's needs, ensuring they can engage with the curriculum.
• Monitor progress: Regularly track and report on the child’s development, behaviour, and any challenges they may be facing, reporting these to the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) and parents.
• Work closely with the team: Collaborate with teachers, therapists, and other support staff to create individualized learning plans and contribute to assessments.
• Encourage social interaction: Support children in developing social skills and positive peer relationships.
• Safeguarding: Ensure a safe environment for all children, adhering to safeguarding and child protection policies.
• Emotional support: Provide emotional and behavioural support, assisting children in managing any anxieties, frustrations, or challenging behaviours.
• Adapt resources: Help adapt classroom materials and resources to suit the specific needs of the children you are supporting.
Key Skills and Qualifications:
• Experience working with children with special educational needs, ideally within a preschool or early years setting.
• Knowledge: Understanding of child development and the different types of special educational needs.
• Qualifications: A Level 2 or 3 qualification in Childcare or a related field is preferred (e.g., CACHE, NVQ).
• Patience and empathy: Strong interpersonal skills with a caring and patient approach to supporting children with SEN.
• Communication skills: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with children, parents, and colleagues.
• Creativity: Ability to adapt activities and teaching methods to suit the needs of each child.
• Teamwork: Ability to work effectively as part of a team, contributing to the overall well-being and development of the children.
Desirable Skills:
• First Aid Certification: A valid first aid certificate is desirable.
• Specialist knowledge: Experience or knowledge of specific SEN needs, such as autism, ADHD, speech and language delays, etc.
• Training: Additional training in supporting SEN children (e.g., Makaton, PECS, or other communication systems) is a plus.
Working Conditions:
The role will require flexible working hours, depending on the needs of the children and the pre-school schedule.
You will be expected to work in a busy, energetic environment where no two days are the same.
This role is ideal for someone passionate about working with young children and supporting their growth and development in a nurturing environment.
If you're enthusiastic, compassionate, and dedicated to helping children thrive, we encourage you to apply.
This description can be adjusted depending on the specifics of the preschool and the particular needs of the children being supported.