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 or call (phone number removed) (Option 4 for SEN)