SEN Keyworker

One child. The right support. A world of difference.

Every child deserves to feel included.

To take part.

To make friends.

To explore.

To be understood.

And to have someone alongside them who notices what they need and helps remove the barriers in their way.

As a SEN Keyworker at YMCA Andover, you’ll provide dedicated 1:1 support to a child with additional needs, helping them participate fully in nursery life and get the most from every day.

This is a role built around relationships, patience, consistency and trust.

Because sometimes the difference between a child being present and a child truly belonging is having the right person beside them.

What the role is really about

You’ll be paired with a child who may have physical, learning, sensory, emotional or behavioural needs.

Your job isn’t to separate them from the rest of the nursery.

It’s the opposite.

You’ll help them join in.

Take part in activities.

Build relationships with other children.

Develop confidence and independence.

Communicate their needs.

And experience nursery in a way that works for them.

You may also sometimes support a wider group of children where additional supervision or support is needed.

What you’ll do

You’ll:

·  provide consistent 1:1 support for a designated child

·  help them engage with activities and play alongside their peers

·  adapt experiences so they can participate as fully as possible

·  encourage communication, confidence and independence

·  champion the child’s individual needs

·  build a strong and trusting relationship with them

·  work closely with Early Years colleagues to provide consistent support

·  maintain clear communication with parents and carers

·  complete appropriate daily handovers and records

·  support agreed behaviour strategies

·  follow individual care and support plans

·  support personal or intimate care where required

·  support with medication where appropriate and in line with agreed procedures

·  use appropriate manual handling techniques where needed

·  raise safeguarding, health and safety or wellbeing concerns promptly.

At the end of each day, you’ll help make sure families know how their child has been, what they’ve enjoyed and anything they need to know.

Because good SEND support depends on strong communication between everyone around the child.

Inclusion isn’t about doing everything for a child

It’s about helping them do as much as possible for themselves.

That might mean giving them extra time.

Breaking something into smaller steps.

Changing how an activity is presented.

Helping other children understand how to include them.

Recognising when the environment has become overwhelming.

Or simply knowing when to step back and let them try.

The goal isn’t to create dependence.

It’s to build confidence, participation and independence in a way that is right for that individual child.

Part of something bigger

YMCA Andover is part of YMCA Fairthorne Group, supporting children, young people and families across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Our nurseries are one part of that story.

Across YMCA, we create opportunities for children and young people to participate, build confidence, experience new things and feel that they belong.

For the child you support, that might start with something as simple as joining an activity for the first time.

Making a friend.

Communicating a need.

Trying something independently.

Or finishing the day feeling successful.

Those moments matter.

And they’re part of our wider ambition to help children, young people and families:

Belong.
Contribute.
Thrive.

Safeguarding

YMCA Fairthorne Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will be required to complete appropriate safer recruitment and pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced Disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

YMCA Fairthorne Group is committed to creating an inclusive organisation where everyone is treated fairly, with dignity and respect.

We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.