Early Years Special Needs Assistant (SNA)

We are looking for a Special Needs Assistant (SNA) to join our team. The contract will be linked to a child with an EHCP and reviewed annually alongside the child's needs.

Hours: 5 days a week 8:45 -3:15

Pay: PS3.3 

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated and nurturing 1:1 Learning Support Assistant to work in our Early Years setting, supporting a child with significant additional needs. This is a rewarding role for someone patient, resilient and passionate about helping children thrive.

Key Responsibilities

Communication Support:

Enable the child to communicate using Makaton, sound buttons and an AAC device.

Model and scaffold interactions with peers and adults.

Daily Routines:

Provide 1:1 support with personal care, including toileting and snack times.

Ensure the child can access and participate in daily classroom routines and activities.

Regulation and Interaction:

Use strategies such as modelling, intensive interaction and sensory play to support regulation.

Help the child engage positively with others and develop early social skills.

Behaviour and Sensory Needs:

Support a child with sensory-seeking behaviours, which may present as spitting or hurting others when dysregulated.

Work with the class teacher and SEND team to follow agreed behaviour support plans and de-escalation strategies.

Accessing Learning:

Support the child to engage in play and learning within the Early Years environment.

Encourage independence and participation alongside peers wherever possible.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience of working with children with SEND, preferably in Early Years.
• Can use (or is willing to learn) Makaton and AAC approaches.
• Understands the importance of regulation and sensory play in supporting learning.
• Is resilient, calm under pressure, and committed to building trusting relationships.
• Can work collaboratively with staff and families to meet the child’s needs.
• Support Offered to the Successful Candidate
• Regular check-ins and guidance from the school SENCo.
• Specialist outreach support from a Surrey Specialist ASD school.
• Access to training opportunities tailored to the role.
• A supportive team ethos, ensuring you are valued and never working in isolation.

We Can Offer

• A caring and inclusive school community.
• Ongoing professional development and training.
• The opportunity to make a real difference to a child’s life every single day.

St Paul's CofE Primary School & Nursery is expanding to a primary school from September 2025 with some new school buildings and facilities. 

Our new purpose built learning environment includes:

• A Nurture Farm
• Forest School
• Full Size Football Pitch 
• Practical Room for DT and Science
• Spacious School Grounds

Our provision includes:

• Nurture and ELSA provision 
• Supportive school community
• Experience rich curriculum
• A community focussed Nursery
• Strong links to local secondary schools and St Paul's Church

We are an aspirational and values led school, we are proud of our most recent Ofsted which noted: 

‘Courage, compassion and community’ are the values at the heart of this inclusive school. Everyone at the school wants the very best for pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils benefit greatly from the improved school curriculum. They are now achieving well.

The youngest children get off to a flying start. They learn routines quickly and how to manage their emotions effectively. Pupils are happy and feel safe and secure. Pastoral care is strong and ensures that pupils’ physical and mental well-being is a priority. Pupils trust staff to help with any worries or disagreements. They understand the importance of treating everyone fairly.

The school reserves the right to interview and, if appropriate, to appoint a candidate to this role before the closing date and so early application is strongly advised.