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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 valuable experience in SEND support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's life while gaining hands-on experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND in early years and familiarity with Makaton preferred.
- Other info: Temporary role for 8 weeks, perfect for students seeking practical experience.
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.
Temporary SEND Practitioner – 1:1 Nursery Support (8 Weeks Cover) employer: SENCare Recruitment Ltd
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. Since the role requires you to facilitate communication for a child with significant developmental delay, having a solid understanding of these methods will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to supporting the child's needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain experience in personal care routines, especially if you haven't worked in a nursery setting before. Being comfortable with tasks like nappy changes is crucial for this role, so consider volunteering or shadowing in similar environments to build your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past to support children with SEND. Think about examples where you've implemented structured approaches or tracked developmental targets, as this will show your practical experience and understanding of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your empathy and patience during any interactions you have with the nursery staff or during the interview process. These qualities are essential for working with children who may exhibit volatile behaviour, and demonstrating them can set you apart from other candidates.
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 or early years settings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting children with developmental delays. Mention your familiarity with Makaton and visual communication techniques, and explain how you can create a calm and structured environment.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise skills such as patience, empathy, and the ability to manage volatile behaviour. Provide examples of how you've successfully implemented 1:1 support strategies 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 to children in similar situations.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Makaton
Since the role requires communication using Makaton, make sure you brush up on your skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've used Makaton or other visual communication techniques in your previous roles, and consider demonstrating a few signs if asked.
✨Discuss Behaviour Management Strategies
The child may exhibit volatile behaviour, so be ready to talk about your approach to behaviour management. Highlight any strategies you've successfully implemented in the past and how you maintain a calm and structured environment for children.
✨Emphasise Your Experience with Personal Care
As personal care is part of the role, be open about your experience in this area. Discuss how you handle sensitive situations with care and respect, ensuring the child's dignity while providing necessary support.
