Personal Assistant required to support an 8 year old female in the Bowburn area (DH6) - Durham - DH6

Position: Personal Assistant / Support Worker

Location: Bowburn area (DH6)

Client: 8-year-old female

Pay Rate: £13.50 per hour + mileage allowance (£0.45 per mile)

Hours: Up to 4 hours per week during Term Time / Up to 8 hours per week during School Holidays
(flexible arrangement based on family needs and mutual agreement; support may not be required every single week)

Our daughter is 8 years old and has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Global Developmental Delay, and sensory processing needs. She is bilingual (native language Russian, learning English) with delayed speech. She is a cheerful girl who loves outdoor play, swings, and rich sensory activities (e.g., water play, sensory bins with grains/sand, playing with freshly cut grass). She requires 1-to-1 continuous supervision for safety, personal care, and sensory support.

 

1. Sensory & Interactive Play at Home:
Creating, organizing, and supervising engaging sensory play activities at home and in the garden (e.g., sensory trays, water/sand play) while parents are away.

2. Safety & Supervision during Play:
Maintaining constant 1-to-1 vigilance to ensure she does not put non-edible sensory items/objects in her mouth (mouthing supervision).

3. Outings & Community Access:
Taking the child to local parks, play areas, and her favourite swings (using PA’s car or walking).

4. Physical Safety Outdoors:
Ensuring total physical safety at all times (traffic/danger awareness, firm hand-holding, and physical restraint near roads).

5. Sensory Regulation:
Assisting with sensory regulation and providing a calm, reassuring environment during transitions.

6. Personal Care & Hygiene Support:
Continuous supervision around the home, including prompting and assistance with toilet routines (reminding and helping with wiping, flushing, and thorough hand washing), as well as supervision and assistance during mealtimes.

 

1. Experience with Autism (ASD) / SEN / Sensory Needs is ESSENTIAL.

2. Creativity in inventing sensory activities and strong safety awareness regarding mouthing risks.

3. High level of patience, energy, and a calm, playful approach.

4. Full UK Driving Licence and access to own vehicle preferred.

5. Experience or understanding of Gestalt Language Processing (GLP), speech delay, or bilingual communication is an advantage.

References: Two satisfactory professional or character references will be required.

DBS: Enhanced DBS check required (employer will cover the cost).