Are you a warm, dynamic, and nurturing Early Years practitioner passionate about laying strong foundations for young children with special educational needs?
We are currently partnering with outstanding primary and specialist SEN schools across Bury St Edmunds to recruit caring and dedicated Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) SEN Teaching Assistants for flexible day-to-day supply as well as long-term placements.
In this crucial early years role, you will support children aged 3 to 5 who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)-including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), Global Developmental Delay (GDD), and physical or sensory access needs. Working alongside EYFS class teachers, SENCOs, and early years specialists, you will help create play-based, sensory-rich environments where every child feels safe, valued, and excited to explore.
Key Role Details:
- Position: EYFS SEN Teaching Assistant
- Location: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
- Contract: Day-to-Day Supply & Long-Term Opportunities available
- Working Hours: Monday to Friday, daytime school hours (part-time or full-time options)
Key Responsibilities:
- Play-Based & Sensory Support: Facilitate early learning through play, adapting nursery and reception activities to align with children's individual Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) targets.
- Early Communication Systems: Confidently use early visual frameworks (such as PECS, Makaton, visual timetables, and choice boards) to foster language acquisition and child-led choices.
- Emotional Regulation & Nurture: Provide gentle 1:1 and small-group support, utilising nurture-led techniques, sensory breaks, and calming strategies to help young children self-regulate.
- Personal Care & Comfort: Assist with personal care, toilet training, hygiene, and feeding routines in line with individual care plans, always maintaining privacy, dignity, and a reassuring approach.
- Therapy Exercises: Help embed daily speech and language games or occupational therapy movement plans into routine EYFS provision.
- Observation & Feedback: Observe and record early milestones and developmental breakthroughs to feedback to class teachers and parents/carers.
Candidate Criteria & Requirements:
- Qualifications & Experience:
- Previous experience supporting young children with SEN within an EYFS classroom, nursery, specialist provision, or childminding setting.
- Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Early Years, Childcare, or Supporting Teaching and Learning is highly desirable.
- Strong knowledge of early child development, the EYFS framework, and early SEN strategies.
- A warm, energetic, and patient approach with the resilience to support children with complex or varying needs.
- Confidence and willingness to assist with personal care routines for young children.
- A valid Enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service (or a willingness to complete one).
What We Offer:
- Flexibility & Choice: Choose between flexible day-to-day supply to suit your schedule, or secure a full-time, long-term placement.
- Competitive Pay Rates: Paid weekly at competitive daily rates reflective of your early years expertise.
- Continuous CPD & Training: Access to specialist training in autism awareness, early communication, and safeguarding.
- Dedicated Recruitment Support: Regular work in local Bury St Edmunds schools with a dedicated Randstad consultant guiding your placement.
Ready to inspire young minds and start their educational journey in Bury St Edmunds?
Step into a deeply rewarding early years support role today.
How to Apply: Please forward your up-to-date CV and a brief cover note highlighting your EYFS and SEN experience to richard.wilkinson@randstad.co.uk or call 01223 368836 for a confidential discussion about our current day-to-day and long-term opportunities in Bury St Edmunds.
We are strictly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All candidates will be required to undergo comprehensive vetting, reference checks, and an enhanced DBS disclosure.
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