EYFS SEN Teaching Assistant (Early Autism & Developmental Needs)

Location: Erdington Birmingham
Role Type: Full-Time Term-Time Only
Salary:FTE
Start Date: ASAP

About the School

This role is based at a large inclusive primary school in Erdington Birmingham which has a dedicated EYFS unit supporting children with identified and emerging special educational needs. The school serves a diverse community and has a strong reputation for early intervention inclusion and child-centred practice.

Within the EYFS setting children are supported from Nursery through Reception with many pupils presenting with autism spectrum condition (ASC) speech and language delay sensory processing difficulties global developmental delay and social communication needs. Some children have Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) while others are supported at SEN Support level and may be undergoing assessment.

The school places strong emphasis on play-based learning routine structure and emotional security recognising that children learn best when they feel safe understood and supported. The EYFS team works closely with the SENCo speech and language therapists occupational therapists and external early years services to ensure consistent and effective provision.

The Role

As an EYFS SEN Teaching Assistant you will play a vital role in supporting young children during a crucial stage of their development. You will work closely with the class teacher and SENCo to provide individualised support helping children to engage with learning develop communication skills and build emotional regulation.

This role involves one-to-one and small group support adapting activities to meet each childs developmental level. You will support children who may be non-verbal or minimally verbal children who require sensory regulation strategies and children who need support with transitions attention and emotional expression.

The role requires a calm nurturing and observant approach with an understanding that progress in EYFS SEN may be measured in small but meaningful steps.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide targeted SEN support within EYFS

• Support children with autism speech delay and sensory needs

• Assist with phonics early reading mark-making and numeracy

• Use visual timetables now-and-next boards and routines

• Support emotional regulation and behaviour through positive strategies

• Encourage communication attach strategies to play and interaction

• Support personal care and toileting routines where required

• Observe record and contribute to EYFS assessments

• Support transitions between activities and environments

• Work collaboratively with teachers SENCo and therapists

• Maintain a safe nurturing and inclusive learning environment

• Uphold safeguarding and child protection procedures

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience working in EYFS or early years SEN

• Understand child development and early autism indicators

• Be patient nurturing and emotionally attuned

• Have experience with sensory strategies and structured play

• Be confident working one-to-one with young children

• Hold an EYFS childcare or SEN qualification (desirable)

• Be committed to safeguarding and inclusive education

Training and Support

The school offers:

• EYFS SEN and autism-specific training

• Support with speech and language strategies

• Ongoing professional development

• Clear progression routes into SEN or specialist roles

Safeguarding Commitment

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Enhanced DBS clearance is required.