Child Buddy

Child Buddy – Primary SEND School

Location: Haywards Heath
Travel: Must be able to drive
Pay: £360 - £460 per week
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Hours: Monday - Friday (Full-Time)
DBS Requirement: Enhanced Child Workforce DBS
Experience: Previous SEND experience preferred

Child Buddy – Haywards Heath

Teaching Personnel is working in partnership with a welcoming Primary Special Educational Needs (SEND) school in the Haywards Heath area to recruit a compassionate and energetic Child Buddy to join their dedicated team on a full-time, temporary-to-permanent basis.

This is a highly rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys building meaningful relationships with children and is passionate about making a positive difference every day. As a Child Buddy, you will provide dedicated 1:1 support to primary-aged boys with Autism (ASC), ADHD, and additional behavioural needs, helping them to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

The pupils you'll be supporting are energetic, enjoy being active, and particularly love Physical Education, including football and outdoor activities. Your role will be to channel their enthusiasm in a positive way while providing consistent guidance, encouragement, and emotional support throughout the school day.

The Role

As a Child Buddy, you will become a trusted and positive role model for your allocated pupil, providing tailored support that promotes learning, confidence, and emotional regulation. Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing dedicated 1:1 support to primary-aged boys with Autism, ADHD, and additional behavioural needs.

• Building strong, trusting relationships that help pupils feel safe, understood, and motivated.

• Supporting pupils academically within the classroom, adapting your approach to suit individual learning styles.

• Encouraging positive behaviour through patience, consistency, and effective de-escalation strategies.

• Supporting pupils during transitions around the school and throughout the school day.

• Taking an active role in Physical Education lessons, including football, team games, and outdoor learning activities, helping pupils participate safely and confidently.

• Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and support staff to ensure every child receives the best possible support.

• Acting as a positive role model by promoting resilience, teamwork, confidence, and respectful behaviour.

The Ideal Candidate

We're looking for someone who:

• Has previous experience supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), particularly Autism and ADHD.

• Is patient, resilient, empathetic, and able to remain calm in challenging situations.

• Can build genuine rapport with primary-aged children through consistency, encouragement, and positivity.

• Enjoys being active and is confident participating in Physical Education lessons and outdoor activities.

• Has a proactive and nurturing approach to supporting children with challenging behaviours.

• Holds (or is willing to obtain) an Enhanced Child Workforce DBS.

• Can commit to working Monday to Friday on a full-time basis.

• Holds a full UK driving licence and has access to a vehicle due to the school's location.

What We Offer

• Competitive weekly pay of £360 - £460.

• Opportunity to secure a permanent position following a successful temporary placement.

• Ongoing support from your dedicated Teaching Personnel consultant.

• Access to specialist SEND training and continuous professional development.

• The opportunity to make a genuine, lasting impact on the lives of children with additional needs while building a rewarding career in education.

If you're an enthusiastic, patient, and caring individual who wants to inspire young people and become a positive role model in their lives, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and begin your journey as a Child Buddy with Teaching Personnel.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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