Early Years SEND Teaching Assistant
Early Years SEND Teaching Assistant

Early Years SEND Teaching Assistant

Sunderland Full-Time 24000 - 36000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support children with special educational needs in a nurturing, play-based environment.
  • Company: Join Protocol Education, dedicated to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
  • Benefits: Enjoy ongoing training, a supportive team, and the chance to make a real impact.
  • Why this job: Make a difference in young lives while developing your skills in a collaborative setting.
  • Qualifications: Experience with SEND and relevant qualifications in Early Years or Childcare are preferred.
  • Other info: This is a temporary role with potential for permanence; free safeguarding training provided.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.

We are seeking a compassionate, proactive and nurturing Early Years SEND Teaching Assistant to join our supportive early years team. You will work closely with children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, helping them to access learning through tailored support, structured routines, and meaningful, play-based experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide one-to-one or small group support to children with SEND, including those with autism, speech and language needs, developmental delay, or sensory processing difficulties.
  • Assist the class teacher and SENCO in implementing individual support plans and EHCP targets.
  • Adapt activities and environments to meet the individual needs of each child.
  • Support children in developing communication, social, and self-help skills.
  • Monitor and record progress, behaviour, and engagement, contributing to assessment and review processes.
  • Promote an inclusive, safe, and engaging learning environment for all pupils.

What We’re Looking For:

  • Experience working with young children with SEND (e.g., autism, speech & language delay, global developmental delay).
  • A caring, patient, and resilient attitude.
  • Good understanding of the EYFS framework and early child development.
  • The ability to build strong, trusting relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
  • Relevant qualifications in Early Years, Childcare, or SEND (e.g., Level 2 or 3) are highly desirable.
  • A strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

We Offer:

  • A warm, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
  • Ongoing training and CPD opportunities in SEND, communication strategies (e.g., PECS, Makaton), and behaviour support.
  • The chance to make a meaningful impact on the early development of children with additional needs.
  • A collaborative staff team that values every member’s contribution.

If this role sounds perfect, apply now! All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.

We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service. Full assistance provided.

Early Years SEND Teaching Assistant employer: Protocol Education Ltd

At Protocol Education, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a warm and inclusive working environment where every team member is valued. Our commitment to ongoing training and professional development in SEND ensures that you will have the opportunity to grow your skills while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children with additional needs. Join us in a collaborative atmosphere that fosters strong relationships with colleagues and families, all while working in a supportive early years team dedicated to promoting the welfare of children.
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Contact Detail:

Protocol Education Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Early Years SEND Teaching Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the EYFS framework and the specific needs of children with SEND. Understanding these concepts will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and show how you can effectively support children in their learning.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the field of early years education and SEND. Attend local workshops or seminars to connect with others who share your passion, as they may provide valuable insights or even job leads that could help you land this role.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare examples of your experience working with children with SEND. Be ready to discuss specific situations where you successfully supported a child's learning or development, as this will showcase your practical skills and commitment to the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Research StudySmarter and our values. Understanding our mission and how we support children with SEND will allow you to tailor your approach during interviews, demonstrating that you're not just a good fit for the role, but also for our team.

We think you need these skills to ace Early Years SEND Teaching Assistant

Experience with children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
Understanding of autism and speech & language development
Knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework
Ability to implement individual support plans and EHCP targets
Strong communication skills
Patience and resilience
Ability to build trusting relationships with children and families
Adaptability in creating tailored learning experiences
Monitoring and assessment skills
Commitment to safeguarding and child welfare
Teamwork and collaboration skills
Relevant qualifications in Early Years, Childcare, or SEND
Knowledge of communication strategies (e.g., PECS, Makaton)
Behaviour management techniques

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Early Years SEND Teaching Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these aspects.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience working with children with special educational needs and disabilities. Provide specific examples of how you've supported their learning and development.

Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your understanding of the EYFS framework and early child development in your application. Mention any relevant qualifications or training you have, such as Level 2 or 3 in Early Years or Childcare.

Personalise Your Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that reflects your passion for supporting children with SEND. Discuss your caring and patient attitude, and how you can contribute to creating an inclusive learning environment.

How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education Ltd

✨Show Your Passion for SEND

Make sure to express your genuine interest in working with children with special educational needs and disabilities. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive your passion for this role, as it will resonate well with the interviewers.

✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of EYFS

Familiarise yourself with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement it in your role, particularly in relation to supporting children with SEND and adapting activities to meet their individual needs.

✨Prepare Examples of Past Experiences

Think of specific examples from your previous work or volunteer experiences where you successfully supported children with SEND. Highlight your strategies for building relationships, adapting learning environments, and promoting inclusivity.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers about their approach to SEND support and the team dynamics. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and working style.

Early Years SEND Teaching Assistant
Protocol Education Ltd
Location: Sunderland
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