Lauren

My Requirements

# SEN Childcare & Support Worker – Part-Time

**Location:** [Your location]
**Hours:** Minimum 6 hours per week during term time, minimum 10 hours per week during school holidays/non-term time
**Pay:** Paid via Direct Payments, with additional hours/top-ups paid privately by us
**Start date:** [Insert start date]

We are looking for a **caring, experienced and reliable SEN-supporting childcare professional** to support our two boys, aged **8 and 5**.

This role would be ideally suited to someone who genuinely enjoys working with children with additional needs and has experience supporting **ADHD, autism, anxiety and emotional regulation**.

We are looking for someone who can become a trusted and consistent person in our children's lives — someone who is calm, patient, nurturing and confident when things don't always go to plan.

## About the children

Our eldest son, **Freddie (8)**, has diagnoses of **ADHD and ASD** and can experience anxiety and periods of emotional dysregulation.

During these times, he may need calm, patient and skilled support to help him feel safe and regulated again. He benefits from **consistent structure, clear communication, predictable routines and an adult who is confident supporting him through periods of dysregulation and meltdowns**.

Freddie can need additional time and patience with everyday tasks, particularly during transitions, evenings and bedtime. We are looking for someone who understands that things may sometimes need to happen at his pace and is comfortable allowing him the time he needs without adding pressure.

Our youngest son, **Leo (5)**, is energetic, affectionate and loves age-appropriate play, attention and spending time with adults who will engage with him.

## The role

The role will include:

* School pick-ups for both children, although these will be relatively rare
* After-school care in our home
* Preparing and serving dinner
* Supporting evening routines, including bath and bedtime
* Supporting the children with transitions and routines
* Providing calm and consistent support during periods of anxiety or dysregulation
* Using appropriate emotional regulation and de-escalation strategies
* Engaging the children in structured and play-based activities
* Supporting the children to have enjoyable, positive experiences
* During school holidays, bringing your **own ideas and plans for activities and days out/activities at home**, rather than simply supervising the children

We would particularly value someone who is proactive and enjoys planning activities around the children's interests and abilities.

## Additional occasional support

There may also be occasions when we require additional support due to special circumstances, such as **family travel or events**.

For example, during a family wedding abroad this year, we may need morning support for Freddie to:

* Help him get ready for school
* Support his morning routine
* Ensure he is dressed and prepared
* Help him become regulated and ready for the day
* Complete the school drop-off

During this particular situation, my mum would also be present to support our younger son, Leo, so the main focus would be on Freddie.

Mornings can be particularly challenging for Freddie as his ADHD medication is still taking effect, meaning he can be very energetic and dysregulated before it has fully kicked in. A calm, consistent and experienced approach is therefore particularly important.

## Hours & flexibility

We are looking for a minimum commitment of:

**Term time:** Minimum **6 hours per week**
**School holidays/non-term time:** Minimum **10 hours per week**

There is potential for additional hours depending on family needs and funding availability.

Hours may include:

* Weekday after-school care
* Evenings
* Weekends when required
* Daytime support during school holidays and half terms
* Occasional additional support for special circumstances, travel or events

**Flexibility is important**, as the exact hours may vary depending on our family's needs and our Direct Payment funding allocation.

Payment will be made through **Direct Payments**, with any agreed additional hours/top-ups paid privately by us.

## About you

We are looking for someone who has:

* Experience working with children with SEN, particularly **ADHD and ASD**
* Experience supporting children with anxiety or emotional dysregulation
* Confidence supporting children through meltdowns or challenging periods
* A calm, patient and consistent approach
* A good understanding of boundaries, routines and emotional regulation
* The ability to remain calm and reassuring when a child is dysregulated
* A nurturing, reliable and trustworthy manner
* Good communication skills
* A genuine interest in supporting children with additional needs
* The confidence to work independently and use their own initiative

Experience in **childcare, education, SEN support, youth work or a similar role** would be beneficial.

A relevant qualification would be an advantage, although **strong hands-on experience and the right attitude are equally important to us**.

## Additional requirements

* Enhanced DBS check required, or willingness to complete one
* References required
* First Aid training preferred
* Experience with SEN children strongly preferred

## Most importantly...

We are looking for someone who will become a **trusted, positive and consistent part of our children's lives**.

The right person will understand that supporting a child with additional needs isn't always about getting from A to B as quickly as possible. Sometimes it means slowing down, giving them extra time, recognising when they're becoming overwhelmed and knowing how to help them feel safe and regulated.

If you are someone who genuinely enjoys working with children with additional needs, is patient and compassionate, and can provide a **calm, structured and caring presence**, we would love to hear from you.

Please get in touch with some information about yourself, your experience and your availability.