One child. The right support. A world of difference. Every child deserves to feel included. To take part. To make friends. To explore. To be understood. And to have someone alongside them who notices what they need and helps remove the barriers in their way.
As a SEN Keyworker at YMCA Andover, you'll provide dedicated1:1 support to a child with additional needs, helping them participate fully in nursery life and get the most from every day. This is a role built around relationships, patience, consistency and trust. Because sometimes the difference between a child being present and a child truly belonging is having the right person beside them.
What the role is really about. You'll be paired with a child who may have physical, learning, sensory, emotional or behavioural needs. Your job isn't to separate them from the rest of the nursery. It's the opposite. You'll help them join in. Take part in activities. Build relationships with other children. Develop confidence and independence. Communicate their needs. And experience nursery in a way that works for them. You may also sometimes support a wider group of children where additional supervision or support is needed.
What you'll do
- provide consistent1:1 support for a designated child
- help them engage with activities and play alongside their peers
- adapt experiences so they can participate as fully as possible
- encourage communication, confidence and independence
- champion the child's individual needs
- build a strong and trusting relationship with them
- work closely with Early Years colleagues to provide consistent support
- maintain clear communication with parents and carers
- complete appropriate daily handovers and records
- support agreed behaviour strategies
- follow individual care and support plans
- support personal or intimate care where required
- support with medication where appropriate and in line with agreed procedures
- use appropriate manual handling techniques where needed
- raise safeguarding, health and safety or wellbeing concerns promptly
At the end of each day, you'll help make sure families know how their child has been, what they've enjoyed and anything they need to know. Because good SEND support depends on strong communication between everyone around the child.
Inclusion isn't about doing everything for a child. It's about helping them do as much as possible for themselves. That might mean giving them extra time. Breaking something into smaller steps. Changing how an activity is presented. Helping other children understand how to include them. Recognising when the environment has become overwhelming. Or simply knowing when to step back and let them try. The goal isn't to create dependence. It's to build confidence, participation and independence in a way that is right for that individual child.
The person we're looking for
For this role, you'll need a Level 3 Early Years or Childcare qualification and experience of supporting children with disabilities or additional needs on a1:1 basis. You'll also need a good understanding of safeguarding and experience of supporting behaviour. Experience of working with children with SEND from babies to age five, Paediatric First Aid and previous personal care experience would be helpful. But beyond the experience on your CV, we're looking for somebody who is:
- patient and calm
- caring and dependable
- observant
- comfortable adapting their approach
- confident communicating with families and colleagues
- able to build trust with a child over time
- respectful of dignity and individual needs
- able to stay positive when progress happens in very small steps
- committed to helping children participate rather than simply supervising them
Some of the biggest achievements in this role may look very small to somebody else. You'll know exactly how important they are.
Benefits that make a difference
- 100% off childcare Free childcare for YMCA employees at our nurseries.
- Extra support during the school holidays One free week of YMCA Day Camps for each of your children every year, plus 50% off a second week.
- More time away from work 25 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays FTE, increasing with service up to 30 days, with the option to buy up to 10 additional days.
- Celebration Leave An additional day to celebrate something that matters to you.
- Health and wellbeing Access to our Health Cash Plan and Employee Assistance Programme.
- Family support Enhanced family leave provisions.
- Everyday benefits Blue Light Card eligibility, gym discounts and Cycle to Work scheme.
- Career development Professional learning, SEND development and opportunities to grow your Early Years career across YMCA Fairthorne Group.
Part of something bigger YMCA Andover is part of YMCA Fairthorne Group, supporting children, young people and families across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Our nurseries are one part of that story. Across YMCA, we create opportunities for children and young people to participa
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