Location: Burgess Hill
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 3:30pm
Pay: £100 per day
Start Date: ASAP – continuing into September and beyond
We are looking for a dedicated and experienced SEND specialist to work 1:1 with a wonderful 4-year-old child within an alternative provision setting in Burgess Hill.
This is a unique opportunity for someone who is passionate about making a real difference in the life of a child with complex SEND needs. The successful candidate will provide consistent, nurturing 1:1 support, helping the child to develop their communication, understanding, emotional regulation, and independence.
The child is currently attending the provision for approximately 2 hours per day, with the plan for this to gradually increase over time. During the remaining time, you will support within the primary SEMH class, working alongside other pupils and staff. You will also have dedicated time to create resources, develop personalised strategies, and prepare activities that support your 1:1 pupil’s individual needs.
This role is available to start ASAP, allowing the successful candidate the opportunity to begin building a strong relationship with the child and team before continuing into September.
Provide consistent and supportive 1:1 support for a child with complex SEND needs
Build a trusting relationship and create a safe, predictable environment for the child
Support communication development for a child who is non-verbal and has limited understanding
Implement personalised strategies and interventions to support progress
Use visual communication tools, symbols, Makaton, PECS, or similar approaches where appropriate
Support emotional regulation and help the child when they become dysregulated due to difficulties understanding situations
Identify triggers and use proactive strategies to reduce anxiety and support engagement
Encourage independence, confidence, and positive experiences
Follow structured routines and adapt approaches based on the child’s needs
Support outdoor learning and activities, as the child enjoys spending time outside
Work collaboratively with the wider team, sharing observations and contributing ideas
Create and adapt resources to support the child’s communication and learning
We are looking for someone who is passionate, patient, and experienced in supporting children with additional needs.
The ideal candidate will have:
Previous experience working with children with SEND
Experience supporting children with complex needs
Experience supporting a non-verbal child (essential)
Knowledge of communication difficulties and strategies to support understanding
Experience using symbols, visual timetables, PECS, Makaton, or similar communication systems (desirable)
The ability to remain calm, consistent, and positive when supporting a child who may become dysregulated
A creative and flexible approach to helping children learn and develop
A genuine passion for making a difference
This is a fantastic opportunity for the right person to have a meaningful impact on a young child’s development. You will have the chance to work closely with one child, understand their individual communication style, develop strategies that support them, and celebrate their progress.
You will be joining a supportive alternative provision team where your experience, ideas, and dedication will be highly valued.
The successful candidate will ideally be able to start ASAP to begin getting to know the child and provision, with the role continuing into September.
Apply for 1:1 Teaching Assistant – SEND
