Role purpose:
To provide consistent 1:1 support to a 3-year-old child with autism in a preschool setting, enabling safe inclusion, access to learning and play, and development of communication, independence and social interaction in line with the child’s individual support plan.
Key responsibilities:
- Provide attentive 1:1 support throughout the preschool day, following agreed routines and strategies
- Implement the child’s individual support plan/IEP, risk assessment and any behaviour/support plans.
- Support communication using appropriate approaches (e.g., visual supports, objects of reference, Makaton/gesture, PECS/AAC as directed by SALT), and record progress.
- Promote engagement in play and learning through structured activities, now/next boards, clear boundaries and calm transitions.
- Support social interaction and turn-taking; teach early sharing skills using modelling, prompts and positive reinforcement.
- Provide personal care, including nappy changing and toileting support, in line with dignity, infection control and nursery procedures.
- Support emotional regulation by recognising triggers and early signs of distress; use agreed de-escalation strategies and sensory regulation activities.
- Maintain a safe environment: close supervision indoors/outdoors, awareness of absconding risk, and proactive hazard management
- Encourage independence with dressing, handwashing, snack time and tidying up through step-by-step prompts.
- Keep accurate, factual records (e.g., observations, toileting/personal care logs, incidents, communication notes) and share information appropriately.
- Work collaboratively with the class team to ensure the child is included in group times, play opportunities and daily routines.
Safeguarding, health & safety:
- Act in accordance with the preschool’s safeguarding/child protection policy at all times; report and record concerns immediately via the designated safeguarding lead (DSL).
- Follow safe working practices, including supervision ratios, outdoor safety procedures and safe use of equipment.
- Carry out personal care safely and hygienically, following infection control procedures and using PPE as required.
- Maintain confidentiality and handle information in line with data protection requirements, sharing only on a need-to-know basis.
- Support medication/healthcare plans only where trained and authorised.
Working relationships:
Work closely with the Leader, SENCO, and wider team, and liaise (as directed) with parents/carers and external professionals such as Speech & Language Therapy (SALT), Occupational Therapy (OT) and early years inclusion services.
Person specification:
Essential
- Level 3 qualification (or above) in Early Years/Childcare (or equivalent recognised qualification).
- Minimum 6 months experience working with a child with SEND, including autism, in an early years or school setting.
- Confidence supporting a non-verbal child and willingness to use alternative/augmentative communication strategies as directed.
- Experience supporting personal care needs, including nappy changing, maintaining dignity and hygiene.
- Understanding of inclusive practice, child development (0–5), and how to adapt activities to meet individual needs.
- Calm, patient and consistent approach; able to respond positively to behaviours that may communicate unmet needs.
- Ability to follow plans precisely, maintain clear boundaries, and use agreed strategies consistently across the day.
- Strong observation and record-keeping skills; able to provide clear, factual feedback to the team and parents/carers.
- Up-to-date safeguarding and child protection training (or willingness to complete immediately upon appointment).
- Up-to-date training relevant to the role, such as autism awareness, positive behaviour support/de-escalation, and moving & handling/personal care as applicable.
- Enhanced AccessNI and suitability to work with children (required before starting).
Desirable
- Training/experience in PECS, Makaton, intensive interaction, or use of visual timetables/now-next supports
- Experience implementing behaviour support plans and supporting turn-taking/sharing in early years
- Experience working alongside SALT/OT and embedding programmes into daily routines.
- Paediatric first aid certificate (in-date) or willingness to obtain.
- Experience with sensory processing needs and supporting sensory regulation strategies.
Hours, pay and contract:
Hours: 17.5 hours per week until June 2027. Term-time only.
Due to settling in process, hours will be as follows:
Week 1- 1 hour per day.
Week 2- 2 hours per day.
Week 3 - minimum of 2 hours per day up to 3.5 hours depending on child settling.
Contract: Temporary with possibility of extension.
Start date: 1st September 2026
Additional notes:
- This role involves working closely and physically supporting a child, including personal care.
- Duties may be reviewed in line with the child’s needs and the preschool’s operational requirements.
- The preschool is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.
- We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to equal opportunities.
Job Type: Temp to perm
Pay: £14.99 per hour
Work Location: In person
