EYFS Support Assistant - SEN Experience

32.5 hours/week (Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 3.30pm, Term Time Only) Help our youngest learners flourish. We are looking for a caring, enthusiastic and experienced EYFS Support Assistant to join our dedicated Early Years team. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with experience of supporting children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) who is passionate about early childhood development and committed to ensuring that every child has the best possible start to their education. Working across our EYFS setting, you will support children with a range of needs, helping them to feel safe, confident and included while enabling them to access our rich and engaging Early Years curriculum. The role As an EYFS Support Assistant, you will work closely with our EYFS practitioners, teachers and SEN team to provide high-quality support for children across the setting. You will:

• Provide nurturing, consistent and targeted support for children with SEN and additional needs.
• Work across the EYFS environment, supporting children both individually and in small groups.
• Help children develop their communication, language, social and emotional skills.
• Support children's engagement and participation in learning and play.
• Use appropriate strategies to help children regulate their emotions and manage transitions.
• Encourage children's independence, confidence and self-esteem.
• Support the delivery of personalised interventions and learning activities.
• Observe and contribute to identifying children's needs and progress.
• Build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Work closely with the SENCO and wider team to ensure children receive the right support.

We are looking for someone who: Contribute to creating an inclusive, stimulating and nurturing EYFS environment.

• Has experience working with children with SEN/additional needs, ideally within an Early Years or primary setting.
• Has a genuine passion for working with young children and supporting their development.
• Understands the importance of play-based learning and the EYFS.
• Is patient, nurturing, calm and consistent.
• Can build trusting and positive relationships with children.
• Is confident supporting children with communication, interaction, social, emotional or developmental needs.
• Has high expectations for every child and believes that every child can make progress.
• Is flexible and able to respond sensitively to individual children's needs.
• Works well as part of a collaborative team.
• Is enthusiastic, reliable and committed to their own professional development.

What we can offer you You will join a welcoming and supportive EYFS team who are passionate about giving every child the best possible start. We can offer:

• A nurturing and inclusive school community.
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference during the crucial early years of a child's development.
• A dedicated team who value collaboration and professional learning.
• Support and development opportunities to strengthen your SEN and EYFS practice.
• The opportunity to work with a diverse range of children and develop your experience across the EYFS setting.
• A positive environment where your contribution is valued.

Be part of their journey The early years are a crucial time in every child's development. The right adult can make an enormous difference to a child's confidence, communication, independence and enjoyment of learning. If you are passionate about Early Years, have experience supporting children with SEN and want to help every child feel successful, valued and included, we would love to hear from you.

St Joseph's is the primary school in the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust. We have a strong tradition of providing an authentic education which aims to deliver excellence for every member of our community. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be subject to appropriate safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

Interviews: St Joseph's is committed to the equality of opportunity for all applicants, and we reserve the right to interview on a rolling basis, and close the application deadline early, therefore an early application is advisable.

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