Elaine

My Requirements

We are looking for a kind, calm and reliable Personal Assistant / Support Worker to support our two neurodivergent boys (aged 12 and 8) to access activities in the community and build confidence outside the home. This will typically be between 2-6 hours per week, mainly weekends, with occasional after-school hours, but some flexibility to ‘bank and combine’ hours is preferable.
This role is funded through Direct Payments / Short Breaks and is not a typical childcare role. It would suit someone interested in SEND, psychology, education, youth work, or support work.
Support would usually be 1:1 with one child, mainly at weekends, with occasional after-school sessions if available. In some situations, you may support both boys together for outings or activities.

About the children
Both boys are autistic with anxiety and sensory processing differences. They are bright, funny and kind children who need low-demand, calm, understanding support rather than discipline or behaviour management.
They do best with adults who are:
• Calm and patient
• Flexible and creative
• Not overly directive
• Good at building trust
• Happy to follow the child’s interests

Activities might include:
• Parks and outdoor spaces
• Cafes
• Swimming
• Lego, gaming, creative activities
• Theme park trips such as Alton Towers
• Just getting out of the house and building confidence
The aim is to build confidence, independence and positive experiences in the community, while also giving parents a short break from caring responsibilities.

The kind of person we are looking for
This role would suit someone who:
• Has experience with children or young people
• Has an interest in autism / ADHD / anxiety / SEND
• Is calm, patient and emotionally warm
• Is reliable and organised
• Can work independently
• Is willing to learn about PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance)
• Is looking for a meaningful part-time role

This role would particularly suit:
• Teaching assistants
• Psychology or education students
• Youth workers
• Support workers
• SEN students
• Occupational therapy / speech therapy students
• Anyone interested in working with neurodivergent children and an interest in gaming

Important information
This role will be paid through Direct Payments, so the successful applicant will need:
• DBS check (can be arranged)
• References
• To be paid through payroll
Please send a message telling us:
• About yourself
• Any experience with children or SEND
• Your availability (especially weekends / after school)
• Why you are interested in this role
We are looking for someone kind, flexible and understanding who would like to make a real difference to two lovely children’s lives.