Job Description

Early Years SEN Teaching Assistant - Islington (SEN Unit)
Location: Islington
Contract: ASAP - July 2026 (potential to extend)
Hours: 8:30am - 4:00pm, full-time, term-time only
Setting: Early Years SEN Unit
Salary: £95 - £110 per day (depending on experience)

Tradewind Recruitment is supporting a well-resourced and nurturing Early Years SEN Unit in Islington, working with young children who have complex needs including Autism (ASD), communication delays, sensory needs and global developmental delay. The school is seeking a caring, patient and committed SEN Teaching Assistant to join their specialist team.

Most children in the unit are pre-verbal, and the setting uses a range of communication and engagement approaches such as PECS, Attention Autism, sensory play and structured routines to support each child's development.

About the Role

  • Long-term position within a supportive Early Years SEN Unit

  • Working with pre-verbal children with Autism and significant communication needs

  • Using PECS, visual supports, modelling, sensory regulation and structured routines

  • Delivering Attention Autism activities, sensory sessions and 1:1 support

  • Assisting with personal care, including toileting, changing and feeding

  • Creating a calm, consistent and nurturing environment

  • Collaborating closely with teachers, therapists and the SENCO

  • No formal childcare qualifications required

  • A genuine passion for SEN and a willingness to learn are essential

Compliance Requirements

  • Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one)

  • Right to work in the UK

  • Two recent references (education or care-based preferred)

  • Full, up-to-date CV

  • Proof of address and photo ID

  • Overseas police check if applicable

The Ideal Candidate Will:

  • Be patient, calm and enthusiastic about supporting children with complex needs

  • Ideally have experience with ASD, pre-verbal communication, PECS or sensory strategies

  • Be confident supporting with personal care

  • Have strong behaviour support skills and an understanding of emotional regulation

  • Be proactive, reliable and able to follow structured routines

  • Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils, staff and families

  • Bring creativity, warmth and consistency to the environment

If you are passionate about supporting young children with Autism in a specialist Early Years setting, the school would be delighted to hear from you.

To apply, please submit your CV to zoe.mobbs@twrecruitment.com or call 0207 845 5450 (Option 4 for SEN).