At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide 1:1 support to a child with SEND in a fun after-school club.
- Company: Join Junior Adventures Group, a passionate team dedicated to inclusion.
- Benefits: Earn up to £12.71/hour, enjoy family-friendly hours, and access wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible role with opportunities for paid training and holiday club work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's life while having fun and being creative.
- Qualifications: Patience, empathy, and experience with SEND are essential.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 12 £ per hour.
Make a difference. Support every child. Love your job. Support a child with SEND in a fun, safe, and inclusive after-school club environment! Join us as a 1:1 SEND Playworker, where you’ll provide tailored support to a child with Autism and ADHD — helping them thrive through engaging, sensory-based activities and a nurturing approach. At Junior Adventures Group (JAG), we believe in creating spaces where every child feels included, supported, and valued. This is a rewarding opportunity to bring energy, patience, and creativity to a unique 1:1 role that makes a real difference in a child’s life.
Location: Stanford Junior School, Brighton, BN1 5PR
Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:45-6:15pm (Total of 7h/week) during term time.
Pay: National Minimum Wage up to £12.71 per hour
Start Date: ASAP
Contract: Term time only
What you’ll do day-to-day:
- Provide tailored 1:1 support for a child with additional needs, helping them access and enjoy the club safely and confidently.
- Plan and deliver engaging sensory and play-based activities suited to the child’s individual needs and interests.
- Be a calm, consistent, and reliable presence, building trust and supporting transitions.
- Collaborate with your team to ensure inclusion, safety, and structured fun.
- Support the child with emotional regulation and behaviour using a positive, proactive approach.
- Work closely with families and the school to maintain clear communication and consistency.
- Follow all safeguarding, SEND, and Health & Safety procedures, keeping documentation (e.g. incident forms) up to date.
- Be flexible, caring, and responsive to the child’s evolving needs throughout each session.
What’s in it for you?
- A rewarding, hands‑on role where you’ll make a direct difference in a child’s day.
- Access to 24/7 wellbeing support through Health Assured.
- Opportunities to work in our holiday clubs during school breaks.
- Paid training and regular professional development.
- No weekend working.
- Family‑friendly hours.
- Be part of a supportive, fun, and passionate team.
Qualifications
So, what does it mean to be a JAG 1:1 SEND Buddy? It means you’re more than a playworker — you’re a role model, a guide, and a safe space for a child who needs that little bit of extra support. You’ll bring patience, empathy, and creativity every day to help one child truly shine. This is a complex and deeply rewarding role, ideal for someone with real SEND experience who’s ready to make a difference. If you’re passionate about inclusion, confident managing challenging behaviours, and thrive in a child‑led environment, this is the perfect role for you.
Additional Information
This role requires compliance with Keeping Children Safe in Education and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. You must provide two references – one from your most recent employer and another from a childcare setting (if applicable). An Enhanced DBS check will be carried out as part of the hiring process. For more information, please visit: Keeping Children Safe in Education.
SEND 1:1 Buddy Support - Brighton employer: Junior Adventures Group UK
Contact Detail:
Junior Adventures Group UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND 1:1 Buddy Support - Brighton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Junior Adventures Group's social media and website. This will help you understand their values and how you can fit in, making it easier to connect during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Role-play common interview questions with a friend or family member. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your experience with SEND and how you can support children effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in a child's life before. Highlight your creativity and patience, as these are key traits for a 1:1 SEND Buddy.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email expressing your enthusiasm for the role can set you apart from other candidates. It shows you're genuinely interested in joining the team at JAG!
We think you need these skills to ace SEND 1:1 Buddy Support - Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children with SEND shine through. Share personal experiences or insights that highlight why you care about making a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the 1:1 SEND Buddy role. Mention any relevant experience you have with Autism and ADHD, and how you can bring creativity and patience to the position.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We want to see your personality, so don’t be afraid to let it come through while keeping it professional!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Junior Adventures Group UK
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Autism and ADHD. Understand the specific challenges these children face and think about how you can support them in a fun, engaging way. Being able to discuss tailored strategies during the interview will show that you're serious about making a difference.
✨Show Your Creative Side
Prepare to share some ideas for sensory-based activities that you could implement. Think about how you can make playtime inclusive and enjoyable for the child. This will demonstrate your creativity and ability to engage with children in a meaningful way.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Collaboration is key in this role, so be ready to talk about your experience working in teams. Share examples of how you've communicated effectively with colleagues and families to ensure a child's needs are met. This will highlight your commitment to creating a supportive environment.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle specific situations, like managing challenging behaviours or supporting emotional regulation. Think through your responses ahead of time, using examples from your past experiences to illustrate your approach. This will help you come across as calm and prepared.