. This role does not offer sponsorship.
At Acorn Park School, part of Options Autism, we’re not just delivering education — we’re changing lives. We’re looking for a caring, committed Early Years Practitioner who is ready to make a real difference every single day.
About the Role
Working closely with the class teacher, you will support the planning and delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, adapting activities to meet the individual needs of pupils. You’ll work with individuals, small groups, or the whole class, ensuring learning experiences are engaging, inclusive, and supportive. In the short-term absence of the class teacher, you may supervise the entire class and deliver pre-prepared activities, maintaining continuity of learning.
You’ll also contribute to the emotional and social development of pupils, fostering positive relationships and promoting a safe, respectful, and nurturing classroom environment. Safeguarding and the welfare of all pupils will be a key part of your role.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Support the teacher in planning, organising, and delivering engaging learning activities tailored to all pupils’ needs.
2. Maintain a purposeful, well-organised, and supportive learning environment that encourages independence and engagement.
3. Promote inclusion and ensure equal access to learning and development opportunities.
4. Supervise and deliver pre-prepared activities during short-term teacher absence.
5. Foster positive relationships, supporting pupils’ emotional and social development.
6. Take responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all pupils.
Requirements:
7. Level 3 qualification such as:Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and EducationLevel 3 Diploma for the Early Years PractitionerLevel 3 Diploma in Pupil Learning and DevelopmentLevel 3 Diploma in Montessori Pedagogy – Birth to Seven
What We’re Looking For
8. A compassionate, patient, and caring approach to supporting young people.
9. Experience working with children with autism or additional needs is highly desirable.
10. Confidence in working independently, as well as collaboratively within a team.
11. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with pupils, parents, and colleagues.
12. Creativity and enthusiasm in delivering engaging learning experiences.
13. A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Make a difference every day — apply now to join our supportive, passionate team!
About us
Acorn Park School is an independent special school set on a 37-acre private estate in rural Norfolk, providing a safe, happy, and inspiring environment for young people aged 4–19 with Autism.
Our campus is packed with opportunities to learn and explore, including a Forest School, Animal Care Farm, sports hall, play facilities, and sensory rooms.
We offer tailored learning through two curriculum pathways — Formal and Semi-Formal — with personalised support for pupils with Complex Needs in line with their EHCPs. At Acorn Park, every young person can thrive, grow, and reach their full potential.
For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care
We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.
Why join Options Autism?
We place the outcomes of the pupils in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Benefits
Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:
14. Life Assurance
15. Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
16. “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
17. A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
18. 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
19. Cycle to Work Schemes
20. Electric Car Purchase Scheme
21. Critical illness cover
22. Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
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