EYFS SEN Teaching Assistant (Complex Needs & Early Development)

Location: Skegness Lincolnshire
Role Type: Full-Time Term-Time Only
Salary:FTE
Start Date: ASAP

About the Setting

This role is based in a specialist early years setting attached to a primary school in Skegness Lincolnshire supporting children within EYFS who have identified or emerging special educational needs. The provision supports pupils aged 35 many of whom present with speech and language delay autism sensory processing difficulties developmental delay and social communication needs.

The setting places strong emphasis on early intervention recognising that the foundations laid during early childhood are critical to long-term development. Children are supported through structured play routine-based learning and targeted interventions delivered in a calm nurturing and highly supportive environment.

The team works closely with speech and language therapists occupational therapists health visitors and early years SEND teams. Many children are undergoing EHCP assessment while others are receiving SEN Support and targeted provision.

The Role

As an EYFS SEN Teaching Assistant you will work closely with the class teacher and SENCo to provide high-quality support to children with complex early needs. You will support children both one-to-one and in small groups adapting activities to ensure all pupils can access learning in a way that suits their developmental stage.

This role requires a warm patient and observant individual who understands child development and is confident supporting children who may not yet communicate verbally struggle with emotional regulation or require sensory support throughout the day.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide tailored one-to-one SEN support within EYFS

• Support children with autism speech delay and sensory needs

• Assist with phonics early reading mark-making and numeracy

• Support communication through play modelling and visuals

• Implement individual support plans and EHCP targets

• Use sensory strategies to support regulation and engagement

• Support personal care routines when required

• Create a calm safe and inclusive learning environment

• Observe and record progress using EYFS frameworks

• Support transitions between activities and routines

• Work closely with parents and external professionals

• Maintain safeguarding and health & safety standards

Person Specification

The successful candidate will:

• Have experience working in EYFS or early years SEN

• Understand early childhood development and SEN

• Be calm nurturing and highly patient

• Have experience supporting autism or communication needs

• Be confident supporting sensory and emotional regulation

• Hold an EYFS childcare or SEN qualification (desirable)

• Be committed to safeguarding and inclusion

Training and Development

The setting offers:

• EYFS SEN and autism training

• Speech and language support strategies

• Ongoing professional development

• Clear progression into SEN or specialist early years roles

Safeguarding Commitment

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