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- Tasks: Support a child with developmental delays in a nurturing nursery environment.
- Company: Join a caring Day Nursery in Epsom dedicated to early childhood development.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, flexible shifts, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while helping a child thrive in their early years.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND, familiarity with Makaton, and a compassionate approach required.
- Other info: Temporary role for 8 weeks, perfect for students seeking meaningful work.
We are currently working with a Day Nursery based in Epsom and they are looking for an SEND Practitioner / SEN Teaching Assistant, to start in June 2025. We are seeking a compassionate and experienced SEND Practitioner / SEN Teaching Assistant to provide 1:1 support for a child with significant developmental delay in our nurturing nursery setting. This is a part-time temporary cover role for 8 weeks, with shift hours from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM for 3 days a week.
About the Role:
- Provide dedicated one-to-one support to a young child who requires careful management due to occasional volatile behaviour.
- Assist with personal care, including nappy changes, as the child is not yet toilet trained.
- Facilitate communication using Makaton, visuals, and a communication book to ensure the child’s needs are met effectively.
- Implement and track daily developmental targets to support progress.
- Maintain a consistent and structured approach, offering stability to the child throughout the placement.
Ideal Candidate:
- Experienced in working with children with SEND in a nursery or early years setting.
- Familiar with Makaton and visual communication techniques.
- Understanding of early years development, particularly 1:1 support strategies for children with additional needs.
- Patient, empathetic, and able to provide a calm and structured environment.
This role would be highly suitable for a SEND Practitioner or a SEN Teaching Assistant with nursery experience who can commit to the full 8-week cover period to provide essential consistency for the child. If you are passionate about supporting young children in their early years and have the necessary experience, we would love to hear from you.
Contact Detail:
SENCare Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Temporary SEND Practitioner – 1:1 Nursery Support (8 Weeks Cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Makaton and visual communication techniques before your interview. Being able to demonstrate your knowledge and practical application of these methods will show that you're prepared and understand the specific needs of the child you'll be supporting.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the nursery's approach to SEND support and their values. This will help you align your answers during any discussions and show that you're genuinely interested in their specific environment and how you can contribute positively.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported children with developmental delays or challenging behaviours. Highlighting these instances will demonstrate your capability and reassure the hiring team of your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your patience and empathy during any interactions, whether it's in an informal chat or a formal interview. These qualities are crucial for this role, and expressing them will help you stand out as a compassionate candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Temporary SEND Practitioner – 1:1 Nursery Support (8 Weeks Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience working with children with SEND. Include specific examples of your previous roles, particularly any experience in nursery settings and using Makaton or visual communication techniques.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting children with developmental delays. Mention your understanding of early years development and how your skills align with the requirements of the role.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your patience, empathy, and ability to create a calm environment. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed challenging behaviours in the past.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at SENCare Recruitment Ltd
✨Show Your Compassion
During the interview, it's crucial to demonstrate your compassion and understanding of working with children who have special educational needs. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you provided support and how you managed challenging situations with empathy.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves using Makaton and visual communication techniques, be prepared to discuss your familiarity with these methods. You might even want to practice a few basic signs or visuals to showcase your commitment to effective communication during the interview.
✨Discuss Your Approach to Personal Care
As personal care is part of the job, be ready to talk about your experience in this area. Explain how you ensure the child's dignity and comfort while providing necessary support, and share any relevant strategies you've used in the past.
✨Emphasise Consistency and Structure
The child will benefit from a consistent and structured approach, so highlight your ability to create a stable environment. Discuss how you plan to implement daily developmental targets and maintain routines that support the child's progress throughout the placement.
