EYFS SEN Teaching Assistant, South West London
- Full-time, long-term to permanent
- September 2026 start
- Term time only, 8:30am to 3:45pm
- £95 to £100 PAYE per day
What does it take to notice a child regulating themselves before anyone else in the room does? Could you spot the difference between a toddler shutting down and one simply pausing to process? In an early years SEN setting, that kind of attention isn't a bonus skill. It's the job.
If you've spent any time working with young children who experience the world differently, you'll know how much of the real progress happens in tiny, unglamorous moments. A child tolerating a new texture. A first successful exchange using a picture card. Nobody claps for it, but you know exactly what it means.
About the school
This role is based in the EYFS setting of a specialist primary school in South West London, in the Merton area. The school supports children aged 3 to 5 with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), and Autism (ASC), all of whom hold an EHCP. Class sizes are small, and the adult-to-child ratio is high, so every child gets consistent, individual attention rather than being managed as part of a larger group.
The curriculum is play-based and adapted to each child's developmental stage rather than their age. Staff work closely as a team, with class teachers, therapists and TAs coordinating around each child's targets throughout the day.
The role
As an EYFS SEN Teaching Assistant, you'll support communication, personal care and early learning across the school day. Structured play, sensory exploration and consistent daily routines form the backbone of the timetable. Sensory and water-based sessions are a regular part of the week, and you'll be guided through them as part of your induction; no prior experience is required.
Much of the communication support in this setting relies on visual aids, gesture and consistent routine rather than spoken language alone, so you'll get hands-on experience with alternative communication approaches from your first week.
Who this suits
This role suits people with a genuine interest in early years development and SEND, whether your experience comes from a nursery, a school, or your own personal life supporting someone with additional needs. Graduates in psychology, early childhood studies or education often find this a strong first step into specialist education, and so do experienced early years practitioners looking to specialise further.
Patience, consistency and a willingness to learn matter more here than a specific qualification.
Getting there
The school is easily accessible from Wimbledon, Raynes Park and Kingston.
To find out more, get in touch with Heeji Moon at Parker Smith Inclusion.
Parker Smith Inclusion is a specialist SEND recruitment agency. We put people first, taking the time to get to know you and finding the right career opportunity. We recruit across a wide range of SEND settings for all career stages, including support staff, teachers, therapists, and Senior Leaders. If you are keen to explore other opportunities, get in touch at heeji@psinclusion.co.uk or call Heeji on 0203 011 4848.