Early Years Teaching Assistant
At Sense Education, we don’t just fill roles – we match the right people to settings where they can genuinely make an impact.
We are currently working in partnership with a specialist Early Years SEND provision in Whitehaven that is looking to welcome a dedicated Teaching Assistant into their team. This is a setting where patience, consistency and care come before everything else and where the right support can completely change a child’s experience of education.
This opportunity is centred around supporting young children at a crucial stage of their development. Many of the pupils are at the very beginning of their communication journey and the focus is on helping them feel safe, understood and ready to engage with the world around them.
Your Role Will Include:
· Supporting children within a structured, play-based learning environment
· Encouraging early communication, interaction and engagement
· Providing reassurance and consistency throughout the school day
· Working closely with staff to maintain routines and a calm atmosphere
· Supporting sensory activities and hands-on learning experiences
· Assisting with personal care where required
We’re looking for someone who:
· Has experience with Early Years SEND
· Brings a calm, steady presence into the classroom
· Is proactive, observant and responsive to individual needs
· Understands that progress can look different for every child
· Is committed to building trust and positive relationships
Qualifications & Requirements:
· Minimum qualifications required – A recognised Teaching Assistant qualification or a background in education or care (NVQ, CACHE, Degree or equivalent)
· Passionate working with young children or adults with disabilities
Location – Whitehaven
Role Type: Full Time/ Part Time/ Temp-Perm
Pay Rate: £14.60 - £16.90 per hour
Working Hours
Monday – Friday
8.30am – 3.30pm
Term time only
Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Pay: £14.60-£16.90 per hour
Work Location: In person
