SEN 1:1 Practitioner - 30 hours PW Term Time Only

Help shape young lives and build your future with the YMCA!

This SEN 1:1 Practitioner position will be part-time working 30 hours per week, term time only with the working hours being from 9am to 3pm

At the YMCA Fairthorne Group, we believe that everyone should have a fair chance to discover who they are and what they can become. Our approach to early years education is rooted in the belief that every child is unique, and it’s our privilege to support them on their journey of self-discovery and growth, nurturing futures every step of the way.

We know that the first few years of a child's life are some of the most important, which is why we're looking for passionate and caring SEN 1:1 Practitioner to join our dedicated team. 

If you’re passionate about early childhood education and ready to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you! Join us in nurturing futures and creating a brighter tomorrow for all

What You'll Receive

• £500 Joining Bonus
• As part of the Early Years Financial Incentive Scheme all eligible new or returning staff will receive £1,000 (funded by the Department for Education) 
• Refer a friend scheme
• Health Cash Plan - including medical and dental support as well as online retail discounts
• Blue Light Card Eligibility
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata), increasing with service up to 30 days
• Option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave each year
• Celebration leave for life's special moments
• Enhanced maternity benefits
• Employer pension scheme
• 50 % discount on nursery fees
• Discounts on YMCA day camps, family activities and holidays
• 30 % discount in YMCA cafes
• Employee Wellbeing Assistance Programme
• Cycle to work scheme

About The Role:

As an SEN 1:1 Practitioner, you'll provide dedicated support to a child with additional needs, enabling them to engage, learn and thrive alongside their peers. You may support children with physical disabilities, learning difficulties, sensory impairments, or emotional and behavioural needs.

Every day brings something different. You could be helping a child build confidence through play, supporting communication and social interaction, or working closely with families and colleagues to ensure each child receives the support they need.

You'll become an advocate for the child in your care, ensuring their individual needs are understood, respected and met, while helping them experience a positive and inclusive environment where they can flourish.

What You'll Be Doing

In this rewarding role, you will:

• Provide dedicated 1:1 support to children with additional needs, helping them engage fully in nursery life and participate alongside their peers.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with children, supporting their emotional wellbeing, confidence, independence and development.
• Encourage and engage children through play and learning, using positive reinforcement and behaviour management strategies to support positive outcomes.
• Champion each child's individual needs, ensuring they are understood, respected and appropriately supported.
• Work closely with parents, carers and colleagues, maintaining effective communication and completing daily handover records and observations where required.
• Support with personal care, intimate care, medication administration and manual handling where necessary and appropriately trained.
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding, health and safety, and wellbeing, ensuring children are cared for in a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment.
• Work collaboratively as part of a supportive and diverse team, contributing to a positive nursery culture.
• Follow YMCA policies and procedures and take part in training and development opportunities to continually enhance your skills and knowledge.
• Ensure children are safely handed over to parents, carers or transport escorts, providing clear feedback and appropriate records at the end of each day.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who is caring, patient and passionate about supporting children with additional needs.

Ideally, you will have:

Essential

• A Level 3 Childcare qualification.
• Experience providing care or 1:1 support for children with disabilities or additional needs.
• A good understanding of safeguarding and child protection practices.
• Experience of behaviour management and supporting positive outcomes for children.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A compassionate and child-centred approach.

Desirable

• Experience working with children aged 4 months to 5 years with special educational needs.
• Paediatric First Aid qualification.
• Experience or willingness to provide personal and intimate care.

Grow Your Career With The YMCA

At YMCA, we're passionate about investing in our people and supporting both personal and professional development.

As part of our commitment to your growth, you'll benefit from:

• Access to 26 online professional development modules.
• Opportunities to work across different YMCA settings and share best practice with colleagues.
• Ongoing support, training and career progression opportunities.

We'd Love To Hear From You

If you're passionate about helping children with additional needs thrive and want to be part of an organisation that values inclusion, compassion and community, we'd love to hear from you.

Even if you don't meet every requirement listed above, we encourage you to apply. We recognise that great practitioners come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, and we're committed to helping talented individuals develop and succeed.

Join YMCA Nursery Andover and help us nurture futures, support families, and make a lasting difference in our community.

Successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check.

YMCA is an equal opportunities charity committed to diversity, inclusion, and creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected, and able to thrive.