ALN Support Practitioner – Nursery Setting, 2:1 support
Zen Educate is currently seeking a compassionate, dedicated, and experienced ALN Support Practitioner to join our welcoming nursery team after half term until the end of the summer term, with the potential for the role to continue beyond this period for the right candidate.
This is a full-time position within a nurturing and inclusive early years environment, supporting nursery-aged children with Additional Learning Needs (ALN). The role is ideal for someone who is passionate about early childhood development and committed to helping every child access learning, communication, and social opportunities in a meaningful and supportive way.
The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting children on a daily basis, helping them regulate emotions, develop communication skills, engage in learning activities, and build positive relationships within the nursery setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide tailored 1:1 and small-group support for children with additional learning needs
- Support children’s communication, interaction, emotional regulation, and engagement throughout the nursery day
- Use play-based and child-centred strategies to encourage learning, participation, and independence
- Work collaboratively with the class teacher, ALNCo, and wider nursery team to implement support strategies and routines
- Foster a safe, calm, and inclusive environment where children feel secure and valued
- Observe, monitor, and record children’s progress and responses to interventions
- Adapt activities and approaches to meet individual needs and learning styles
- Build positive and trusting relationships with children, staff, and parents/carers
The Role Involves Supporting
- One child who is non-verbal and requires communication-focused support, including encouragement of interaction, engagement, and alternative methods of communication where appropriate
- Another child who experiences difficulties maintaining focus, attention, and joint attention during activities and routines
Essential Skills & Experience
The ideal candidate will:
- Have previous experience working within a nursery, early years, or primary setting supporting children with ALN
- Be confident supporting children with speech, language, communication, and attention difficulties
- Have experience working with non-verbal children or children with communication delays
- Demonstrate patience, empathy, consistency, and a calm approach
- Be proactive, observant, and able to respond positively to children’s individual needs
- Have strong teamwork and communication skills
- Be able to build strong professional relationships with staff and families
- Be reliable, committed, and available to work full-time on a long-term basis
Desirable
- Experience with PECS, Makaton, visual timetables, or other communication support strategies
- Knowledge of child development and early intervention approaches
- Relevant childcare, teaching assistant, or ALN qualifications
This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting young children with additional learning needs and making a genuine difference during a crucial stage of their development. If you are nurturing, enthusiastic, and committed to inclusive early years education, we would love to hear from you.
INDAWTA
Pay: £93.00-£108.50 per day
Experience:
- ALN: 1 year (required)
- Nursery: 1 year (required)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- EWC (preferred)
- DBS on the update service (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
