Description
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The job itself
Hours of work: 4 hours per week during term time, 8 hours per week during school holidays x 2 workers.
The recipient is a happy and engaging 6‑year‑old who enjoys positive interactions and thrives around familiar, caring adults. He has a great sense of humour, a warm smile, and an affectionate nature. His communication skills are developing well—he can identify many objects and colours, and his speech continues to progress.
Interests and Activities
He enjoys a wide range of stimulating and fun activities, including:
1. Reading and sensory books
2. Trampolining and swimming
3. Watching football and going to local matches
4. Playing with building blocks and engaging in cause‑and‑effect activities
5. Outdoor play at the park and exploring in his chair, adaptive bike, or walker
6. Travelling on buses, trains, and car journeys
7. TV programmes such as Hey Duggee and Bing
8. Sensory experiences such as tapping items or using snap bands
He also enjoys energetic play and activities that provide movement or sensory feedback.
Support Needs and Preferences
The child may find new environments challenging and benefits from reassurance and time to settle. He responds best when given clear, simple communication and when activities are introduced at the appropriate moment. He can become frustrated if plans change unexpectedly or if he has to wait too long for an activity, so support workers should approach transitions with patience and flexibility.
He may also seek focused attention from his caregiver, particularly during play or interaction. Clinical environments can be difficult for him, so calm, sensitive support is important in those settings.
Care Requirements
The child requires assistance with:
9. Mobility, including help with walking or standing
10. Personal care such as nappy changes, dressing, and undressing
11. Accessing his favourite activities, toys, and TV programmes
12. Communicating certain needs, although his speech is becoming clearer
13. Navigating unfamiliar environments with reassurance or gentle distraction
He has epilepsy and uses a Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) device. A magnet worn by the support worker can be used when needed, and parents will provide clear instruction and training.
About the role
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
14. Encouraging the recipient to engage in activities.
15. Helping to improve their social skills.
16. Settling and supporting the individual.
17. Keeping them safe in the community.
18. Helping to fulfil their potential and aspirations.
19. Attending/transporting the individual to social activities and appointments.
20. Encouraging social interaction and inclusion and providing emotional support.
About the candidate
The suitable candidate must:
21. Be conscientious and committed to providing support as necessary for the child.
22. Be patient, caring and understanding.
23. Be able to build a positive relationship with the child to both encourage and support them.
24. Be flexible to meet the needs of the family.
25. Have knowledge of working with or supporting a child with special needs.
DBS/Reference checks will be required for this post - Cost to be met by the local authority.