Preschool SEN Teacher / Assistant

About the position

We are looking for a teacher or teaching assistant with qualifications and/or relevant experience in special educational needs to join our Preschool team.

Our approach is centred on inclusion, belonging and the individual child. The SEN Teacher/Assistant works as part of the team around the child, supporting children to access meaningful learning, relationships and participation within everyday Preschool life.

This is a part-time (39%) temporary position , available immediately until August 2027.

The final job title will be determined according to the qualifications of the successful candidate.

About the work

The role includes:

• Providing individualised, inclusive support for children with additional educational needs, helping them to participate, belong, develop and thrive within the Preschool community.
• Supporting children to access and participate in our inquiry-driven, play-based curriculum, integrated with the Norwegian Framework Plan for Kindergartens (Rammeplan for barnehagen).
• Supporting each child to make meaningful progress from their individual starting point.
• Setting appropriate individual goals and monitoring, supporting, assessing, evaluating and reporting on each child’s progress.
• Working collaboratively with class teams, Preschool leadership, families and external professionals to understand each child’s needs and develop appropriate supportive measures.
• Providing support and feedback to parents and contributing to positive, collaborative relationships with families.
• Supporting and guiding Preschool staff to develop confidence, knowledge and consistency in inclusive practice.
• Participating in relevant Preschool events and meetings with external partner organisations.
• Contributing to the continued development of the Preschool’s approach to inclusion and additional educational needs.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Pedagogy, Special Needs Education or another relevant educational field, with HKDir recognition where required, is preferred.
• Relevant experience may compensate for missing formal qualifications in some circumstances.
• Experience working with children with additional educational needs, particularly within an Early Years setting, is desirable.
• Excellent English skills, both written and oral (minimum B2), are required.

Personal qualities

The preferred candidate:

• Has a genuine commitment to inclusion and every child’s right to belong, participate and thrive.
• Understands child development and additional educational needs within the Early Years.
• Is curious and reflective about the reasons behind children’s behaviour, communication and individual needs.
• Can translate knowledge and understanding into practical strategies that support children in everyday Preschool life.
• Is caring, nurturing and able to build positive, trusting relationships with children.
• Works collaboratively and respectfully with families, colleagues, Preschool leadership and external professionals.
• Is reflective, flexible and open-minded, with the confidence to explore new approaches and adapt practice according to the needs of the child.
• Can support and build the confidence of colleagues, contributing to greater knowledge and capacity across the Preschool team.

Personal qualities will be taken into consideration in appointing a candidate for this role.

More information

To support greater gender diversity within Early Years education, we strongly encourage men to apply for this role.

BISS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to a criminal record check.

About BISS Schools

We are a family of not-for-profit learning organisations with a shared vision and a tradition of excellence, dedicated to delivering high quality international education. The British International Schools of Stavanger comprises three schools – BISS Gausel, BISS Sentrum and BISS Preschool.