Description
Role Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Early Years Assistant to join a forward-thinking specialist setting for young children (from age 2) with severe learning disabilities (SLD) or profound & multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). Many students also have co-existing conditions such as autism spectrum conditions or complex medical needs. You will support children during the earliest stages of their development, helping them to make progress against their Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP) goals in a nurturing, sensory-rich environment.
Key Responsibilities
Support early years children in a holistic, developmental curriculum: helping with communication & interaction, sensory & physical development, social & emotional growth.
Implement sensory, play-based and multi-modal learning activities, using specialised resources and spaces (sensory rooms, hydrotherapy pool, sensory diet areas) to engage learners at very early cognitive stages.
Assist staff in adapting and delivering cross-curricular early years learning, ensuring that learning is relevant, meaningful, and closely tied to each child’s EHCP outcomes.
Support children’s self-care, independence and daily living skills from the earliest possible stages, embedding life and personal care routines.
Provide 1-to-1 or small group support with emphasis on sensory integration, communication tools, physical assistance, mobility where needed, supporting transitions and helping to scaffold tasks.
Monitor children’s responses, behaviour and emotional wellbeing; report observations to the SEND team, and contribute to planning and assessment for individual learning goals.
Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary professionals (therapists, medical staff, specialist educators) and engage with families to ensure continuity of support.
Maintain a safe, clean, and supportive learning environment; support with toileting, feeding, physical care as required; observe all health and safety, safeguarding, medical protocols.
Person Specification
We’re looking for someone who:
Has experience working with very young children with severe to profound learning and developmental needs, ideally in early years / pre-formal settings.
Knows or is willing to learn about sensory needs, communication strategies (including non-verbal and augmentative communication), physical care, and supporting children with medical or mobility requirements.
Displays high levels of patience, empathy, resilience, sensitivity and emotional awareness.
Is reliable, flexible, organised and able to follow individual plans (e.g. EHCP outcomes), adapt resources, support changing needs.
Has good communication skills, both with children and their families, and with professional colleagues.
Is a team player, but also able to take initiative under guidance; committed to continuous professional development.
Culture & Ethos
You will be part of a setting that places child-centred, holistic development at its core: academic, physical, emotional, social and communication development are all equally valued.
Integrity, respect, and trust underpin all interactions: between staff, children and families.
We believe in providing outstanding specialist facilities and environments (sensory rooms, hydrotherapy pool, specialist equipment) to support access, engagement and wellbeing.
Strong collaborative approach: working closely with therapists, medical professionals, families and the entire staff team to meet individual needs.
High expectations balanced with compassion and recognition that progress may be very small but vital; celebrating every achievement.
Committed to sustainable, inclusive practices and ensuring equal opportunity for all children to achieve their personal goals.
Why Join Us (via Axcis Education)
You will make a real difference in the lives of young children with complex needs in their earliest learning years.
Opportunity to work in a brand-new, purpose-built environment with specialist facilities and resources.
Access to professional learning, training in specialist SEND, therapy-informed practice, sensory and communication strategies.
Be part of a supportive, skilled team who share values around inclusion, wellbeing and excellence.
Experience flexible, meaningful work where every day is different, and every child’s progress and wellbeing matters.
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Early Years Assistant to join a forward-thinking specialist setting for young children (from age 2) with severe learning disabilities (SLD) or profound & multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). Many students also have co-existing conditions such as autism spectrum conditions or complex medical needs. You will support children during the earliest stages of their development, helping them to make progress against their Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP) goals in a nurturing, sensory-rich environment.
Key Responsibilities
Support early years children in a holistic, developmental curriculum: helping with communication & interaction, sensory & physical development, social & emotional growth.
Implement sensory, play-based and multi-modal learning activities, using specialised resources and spaces (sensory rooms, hydrotherapy pool, sensory diet areas) to engage learners at very early cognitive stages.
Assist staff in adapting and delivering cross-curricular early years learning, ensuring that learning is relevant, meaningful, and closely tied to each child’s EHCP outcomes.
Support children’s self-care, independence and daily living skills from the earliest possible stages, embedding life and personal care routines.
Provide 1-to-1 or small group support with emphasis on sensory integration, communication tools, physical assistance, mobility where needed, supporting transitions and helping to scaffold tasks.
Monitor children’s responses, behaviour and emotional wellbeing; report observations to the SEND team, and contribute to planning and assessment for individual learning goals.
Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary professionals (therapists, medical staff, specialist educators) and engage with families to ensure continuity of support.
Maintain a safe, clean, and supportive learning environment; support with toileting, feeding, physical care as required; observe all health and safety, safeguarding, medical protocols.
Person Specification
We’re looking for someone who:
Has experience working with very young children with severe to profound learning and developmental needs, ideally in early years / pre-formal settings.
Knows or is willing to learn about sensory needs, communication strategies (including non-verbal and augmentative communication), physical care, and supporting children with medical or mobility requirements.
Displays high levels of patience, empathy, resilience, sensitivity and emotional awareness.
Is reliable, flexible, organised and able to follow individual plans (e.g. EHCP outcomes), adapt resources, support changing needs.
Has good communication skills, both with children and their families, and with professional colleagues.
Is a team player, but also able to take initiative under guidance; committed to continuous professional development.
Culture & Ethos
You will be part of a setting that places child-centred, holistic development at its core: academic, physical, emotional, social and communication development are all equally valued.
Integrity, respect, and trust underpin all interactions: between staff, children and families.
We believe in providing outstanding specialist facilities and environments (sensory rooms, hydrotherapy pool, specialist equipment) to support access, engagement and wellbeing.
Strong collaborative approach: working closely with therapists, medical professionals, families and the entire staff team to meet individual needs.
High expectations balanced with compassion and recognition that progress may be very small but vital; celebrating every achievement.
Committed to sustainable, inclusive practices and ensuring equal opportunity for all children to achieve their personal goals.
Why Join Us (via Axcis Education)
You will make a real difference in the lives of young children with complex needs in their earliest learning years.
Opportunity to work in a brand-new, purpose-built environment with specialist facilities and resources.
Access to professional learning, training in specialist SEND, therapy-informed practice, sensory and communication strategies.
Be part of a supportive, skilled team who share values around inclusion, wellbeing and excellence.
Experience flexible, meaningful work where every day is different, and every child’s progress and wellbeing matters.