EYFS Teaching Assistant (Early Years, SEND Focus)

Location: Watford Hertfordshire
Role Type: Full-Time Term-Time Only
Salary:FTE
Start Date: ASAP

About the School

Our Watford-based primary school is seeking a passionate EYFS Teaching Assistant to join our Early Years team. We work with children aged 35 years and place a strong emphasis on inclusion and early intervention for children with SEND.

We pride ourselves on delivering a play-based holistic approach to learning. Our Early Years unit provides an enriching environment for children to explore create and develop essential skills. Children with additional needs are fully supported through Individual Education Plans (IEPs) targeted interventions and sensory-based activities.

The school works with children who may have autism spectrum conditions ADHD speech and language delays and social-emotional needs. Staff are supported with professional development ensuring they are confident in delivering inclusive child-centred and evidence-based approaches.

Role Summary

The EYFS Teaching Assistant will work closely with the EYFS Lead and SENCo to deliver individualised and group support for children with a wide range of abilities. You will assist in lesson preparation activity delivery and play-based interventions fostering engagement curiosity and early learning development.

Your responsibilities will include supporting children in social interaction communication and emotional regulation helping them achieve milestones in literacy numeracy and personal development.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support for EYFS children especially those with SEND

• Assist teachers in planning and delivering structured and play-based activities

• Implement interventions targeting social emotional and academic skills

• Support children in developing self-regulation confidence and communication skills

• Observe and document progress against IEPs and developmental milestones

• Collaborate with teachers therapists and parents to ensure consistency

• Maintain a safe stimulating and inclusive classroom and outdoor learning environment

• Promote positive behaviour strategies and restorative approaches

• Assist children with personal care if necessary following safeguarding protocols

• Encourage creative thinking problem-solving and curiosity

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience in EYFS ideally including SEN children

• Be patient empathetic and nurturing

• Understand child development play-based pedagogy and early intervention strategies

• Be able to deliver structured learning support and small group interventions

• Demonstrate excellent communication and teamwork skills

• Hold a TA or relevant qualification (desirable)

• Understand safeguarding procedures and child protection requirements

Training and Development

• Professional development in EYFS SEN and inclusion

• Autism awareness and social-emotional learning training

• Mentoring and supervision by experienced staff

• Opportunities to develop a career in SEN leadership or EYFS coordination

• Collaborative team environment sharing best practices

Safeguarding Commitment

Our school is committed to safeguarding children. Enhanced DBS clearance is required.