Early Years Teaching Assistant

Early Years SEN Support Assistant

Helping Little Learners Shine with Confidence

Summary

A warm and inclusive nursery setting in Carlisle is seeking a calm, compassionate Early Years practitioner to provide one-to-one support for a child with social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH). This long-term temporary role offers the opportunity to make a genuine difference during a vital stage of development—and may lead to a permanent position for the right person.

The Role

In the early years, every small step is a big win—and your support could help a child feel safe, seen and ready to engage with the world around them. This one-to-one role involves working closely with the class teacher and SENCo to provide tailored, nurturing support in a play-based environment. Responsibilities include:

• Building a secure, trusting relationship with a child who needs extra emotional support
• Encouraging participation in EYFS activities and supporting smooth transitions throughout the day
• Using consistent routines, visual aids, sensory tools or calm spaces to help with emotional regulation
• Supporting communication, confidence and social interaction through play and praise
• Keeping accurate notes on progress and behaviour, contributing to reviews and planning
• Fostering a calm, inclusive environment where all children feel supported to thrive

This is a truly rewarding opportunity for someone who wants to help a young child feel confident and connected in their early years.

The Ideal Person

We are looking for someone who leads with kindness and consistency, and who believes in the transformative power of early intervention. You will need:

• A Level 3 qualification in Childcare, Early Years or as a Teaching Assistant
• Experience supporting young children, ideally with additional needs or SEMH
• A warm, patient and encouraging approach to behaviour and communication
• Confidence working closely with colleagues, families and external professionals
• A positive, team-focused attitude and a genuine commitment to inclusive practice

This role would suit someone with a background in care, support work or therapeutic settings who is looking to make an impact in education.

The School

This Carlisle-based nursery is part of a well-established primary school that places relationships at the heart of everything they do. Children are supported to explore, express themselves and grow in confidence, while staff work closely with families to ensure continuity and care. The setting balances structure with creativity and provides a nurturing environment where children's emotional needs are prioritised alongside their learning.

Hours

Monday to Friday, 8.30am–3.30pm

Open to both full-time and part-time applicants

Make a Difference from the Very Start

If you're ready to support a child through the small daily steps that lead to big developmental gains, this Early Years role offers the perfect place to begin—or continue—your journey in education.

Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temp to perm

Pay: Up to £16.00 per hour

Work Location: In person