Additional Support Adult (1:1 SEND Support)

Summary

Fiveways Playcentre is a registered charity and a well-established, community-rooted setting serving children and families across Brighton. We are proud of our beautiful environment, which includes substantial outdoor space that forms a central part of our provision. Rated Good by Ofsted, we are committed to maintaining and building on our strong foundations as we look to the future.

We are looking for a warm, patient and experienced Additional Support

Adult to provide dedicated 1

1 support for a school-age child with special educational needs within our Playcentre setting. The successful applicant will have experience supporting children with SEND and will work closely with the wider team, SENCo, family, and external professionals to help the child feel safe, included, supported, and able to access play opportunities successfully.

This role requires someone who is calm, flexible, nurturing, and able to build trusting relationships while supporting the child’s emotional wellbeing, communication, independence, and social development.

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Main Tasks / Key Responsibilities

Supporting the Child

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Provide consistent 1

1 support for a child with additional needs within the Playcentre environment.

• Support the child to access play opportunities, routines, activities, and social experiences safely and positively.
• Build a trusting and supportive relationship with the child, promoting emotional wellbeing, confidence, and independence.
• Use positive behaviour support strategies and respond calmly and appropriately to individual needs.
• Adapt approaches and activities to meet the child’s developmental, sensory, communication, and emotional needs.
• Support transitions, routines, and regulation throughout sessions.
• Encourage positive interactions with peers and support inclusion within the wider Playcentre environment.

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SEND & Professional Practice

• Work closely with the SENCo, Playcentre staff, parents/carers, and external professionals to ensure consistent support for the child.
• Follow individual support plans, risk assessments, behaviour support strategies.
• Observe and share relevant information regarding the child’s progress, wellbeing, and engagement with the wider team.
• Contribute to maintaining a fully inclusive environment where all children feel valued and supported.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times.

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Safeguarding & Welfare

• Be vigilant to safeguarding and child protection concerns, promoting the welfare and safety of children at all times.
• Follow the Playcentre’s safeguarding policies and procedures and report any concerns promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead/Officer.
• Comply fully with policies relating to Safeguarding, Prevent Duty, Inclusion, SEND, and Health & Safety.
• Support the child safely during indoor and outdoor play, outings, and transitions where required.

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Teamwork & Daily Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively as part of the Playcentre team to ensure sessions run smoothly.
• Help prepare and maintain safe, clean, and stimulating play environments.
• Support mealtime routines where appropriate.
• Carry out light practical duties such as tidying resources, cleaning toys, and helping organise activities when needed.
• Attend relevant meetings, supervision sessions, and training.

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Personal Specification

Essential

• Experience working with children with SEND, particularly providing 1:1 support.
• Experience working alongside outside agencies or implementing support plans.
• Experience supporting school-age or primary-aged children.
• Understanding of additional needs including communication, sensory, emotional, or behavioural differences.
• Knowledge of inclusive practice and supporting children’s emotional wellbeing.
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Ability to remain calm, patient, and consistent in a busy environment.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and professionals.
• Commitment to inclusion, equality, and child-centred practice.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training where required.

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Desirable

• Relevant childcare, SEND, education, or support work qualification.
• First Aid and/or Safeguarding training.
• Knowledge of play-based approaches and child-led learning.

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Personal Qualities

• Warm, caring, and approachable
• Patient, calm, and resilient
• Reliable and well organised
• Flexible and proactive
• Positive and nurturing in approach
• Able to work sensitively and professionally with families
• Passionate about supporting children with additional needs

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Additional Information

• This post will involve supporting the child during outdoor play and transitions to and from school where required.
• Duties may vary depending on the child’s changing needs and the day-to-day operation of the Playcentre.

DBS & Safeguarding

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Fiveways Playcentre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.