At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children aged 2 to 5 with autism using tailored strategies and collaboration.
- Company: First Bridge School, a specialist SEND school in Chelsea, London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 34 days' holiday, funded CPD, and a laptop for work and home.
- Other info: Join a nurturing team focused on genuine developmental progress.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through multidisciplinary collaboration.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and experience with SEND or Early Years children.
Location: Chelsea, London
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience and level of responsibility
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
Start Date: September 2026 or January 2027
Description: First Bridge School is a DfE-registered specialist SEND school in Chelsea, London, for pupils aged 2 to 11 with autism and complex developmental needs. We're hiring an Early Years Practitioner, or an experienced practitioner ready for EYFS Lead responsibilities, to support children aged 2 to 5 with autism in a fully integrated therapeutic model working alongside teachers, SaLTs, OTs and Behaviour Specialists.
As Early Years Practitioner, you will:
- Deliver individualised Early Years provision aligned to EHCP outcomes and EYFS principles
- Use autism-specific strategies including structured routines, visual supports and communication systems
- Support early communication, personal care, independence and emotional regulation
- Differentiating for pupils at varying developmental stages, including pre-verbal children
- Contribute to observation, assessment and EHCP review processes
- For EYFS Lead: model good practice and support consistency across the Early Years team
We're looking for:
- A relevant Early Years qualification, ideally Level 3 or above
- Experience with children in Early Years, nursery, reception, SEND or specialist provision
- Understanding of EYFS principles and child development
- A calm, consistent, nurturing approach with young children
- Confidence with observation, assessment and progress recording
- For EYFS Lead: experience supporting colleagues or leading an area of Early Years provision
- SEND or autism-specialist experience desirable (TEACCH, PECS or Intensive Interaction a plus)
You'll get a manageable workload, daily collaboration with therapists, funded SEND-specific CPD, 34 days' holiday, and a laptop for work and home use. This Early Years Practitioner role suits practitioners who want genuine multidisciplinary collaboration and developmental progress over standardised attainment data.
First Bridge School is committed to safeguarding. Enhanced DBS and other pre-employment checks apply. This vacancy is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Early Years Practitioner / EYFS Lead employer: First Bridge School
First Bridge School in London is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture for educators passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with autism and complex needs. With a strong emphasis on professional development and collaboration within a multidisciplinary team, employees are empowered to grow their skills while contributing to meaningful educational outcomes. The school's commitment to safeguarding and nurturing a positive environment ensures that teachers can thrive both personally and professionally.
