Teaching Assistant

The Appointment

We are seeking a caring, enthusiastic, and reliable Nursery Practitioner and Teaching Assistant to work across both Explorers' Corner Nursery and Pre-School and the wider school (Reception to Year 8) as a Teaching Assistant. This varied role will involve supporting the learning, development, and wellbeing of children in the early years setting, as well as assisting pupils and teaching staff within the school environment as required.

The successful candidate will work closely with colleagues to provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment that enables children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who is passionate about supporting young children at all stages of their educational journey and who enjoys working as part of a collaborative and dedicated team.

Job Title: Teaching Assistant
Reporting to : Head

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• To undertake administrative tasks efficiently and to a high standard.

• To take responsibility for a class for short periods of time with pre-arranged educational activities.

• To work with groups of children or individuals to support the class teachers in specific lessons.

• To manage day-to-day routine tasks independently and effectively.

• To supervise pupils at lunch and at playtime as part of the staff duty rota.

• To run one after school club (4.15pm to 5.15pm) per week.

• To support busy periods in the Nursery and Pre-School including wrapround on occasion.

• To ensure a safe and secure environment enabling pupils to feel relaxed and happy.

• To be available to undertake any reasonable task that the Teachers or Senior Leadership Team may from time to time require.

• To support the supervision, behaviour management and wellbeing of pupils in the classroom, during lunchtime and throughout the school environment, including the playground.

Skills and Qualifications:

Essential

• Educated to GCSE level (or equivalent).

• Hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification (suitable for Early Years Foundation Stage ratio requirements) or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and contribute positively to a collaborative working environment.

• Ability to build and maintain positive professional relationships with pupils, colleagues and parents.

• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

• Understanding of the importance of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

• Ability to support the delivery of high-quality learning and care for children.

• Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Reliable, conscientious and punctual, with a warm and professional manner.

• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a busy school environment.

• Resourceful and proactive in approach to work.

• Enthusiastic about supporting children's learning, development and wellbeing.

• Commitment to the values and ethos of the School.

• Willingness to contribute fully to the wider life of the School.

Desirable

• Relevant training in Early Years education, child development, first aid, or safeguarding.

• Previous experience of working in a nursery, pre-school, primary school, or similar educational setting.

• Experience of supporting children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

• Knowledge of EYFS principles and practices.

• Experience of supporting children's learning, development and play through age-appropriate activities.

• A positive, enthusiastic and solution-focused approach to work.

• Willingness to undertake further professional development and training as required.

Application Procedure:

Applications should be made using the application form.

A full curriculum vitae and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of a minimum of two referees, one of whom should be the candidate’s current or most recent employer should be included with the application.

Applications will be reviewed on receipt, and candidates may be invited to interview before the closing date. Early application is therefore advised.