You will work closely with the child and family to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment, supporting independence and wellbeing through low‑demands child‑led interactions. A playful, flexible approach is essential.
Current child interests include music, sensory play and being outdoors, pretend play, and physical activity.
Roles and Responsibilities
* Provide one‑to‑one, child‑centred support tailored to individual needs.
* Engage in a low‑demands, non‑directive way that respects the child’s PDA profile.
* Support regulation through play, movement and sensory activities.
* Use clear, simple language to reduce anxiety and stress responses.
* Encourage creativity, exploration and social interaction in a calm, predictable way.
* Ensure the child’s physical safety and emotional wellbeing at all times.
* Work collaboratively with the family and other professionals (e.g. therapists or educators).
* Adapt your approach as the child’s needs vary throughout the day and over time.
Essential Criteria
* A genuine passion for working with children with additional needs.
* Experience supporting children with autism and a PDA profile, with practical understanding of demand‑avoidant presentations.
* Good awareness of regulation strategies, sensory needs and the impact of sensory overload.
* A calm, patient, empathetic and emotionally resilient approach.
* Excellent communication skills and the ability to build trusting relationships.
* Reliable, punctual, respectful and professional.
* Flexible and responsive to changing needs.
* Confidence in providing engaging activities at home and in the community (e.g. parks, cafés, play centres, shops).
* Ability to follow care plans and guidance from parents and specialists.
* Willingness to undertake relevant training (e.g. safeguarding, first aid, communication approaches).
* Enhanced DBS check.
* References required.
* Full clean UK driving licence and access to own vehicle.
* Willingness to use a mobile phone to take photos, with all image sharing strictly at the discretion of the parents/employer.
Desirable Criteria
* Experience working in education, childcare, health and social care or therapy‑related fields.
* Previous experience working in a home‑based setting.
Required Training
* Qualifications in education, childcare, health and social care or therapy‑related fields.
* SEN/Autism awareness.
Compensation and Hours
* Hourly Rate: £13.
* Hours per Week: 4.
* Hours will be used according to a pattern agreed with the successful candidate. Typically one weekend day or evening per month, plus some school holiday cover (approximately 4 hours per week).
* Trips to cafés, play parks and other community settings.
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