Job Description

Reception Teaching Assistant

We are looking for a compassionate, dedicated Reception Teaching Assistant to join a vibrant specialist school and provide tailored support to a child with additional needs. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a nurturing, play-based environment, where children learn predominantly through exploration, creativity, and continuous provision.

What You Will Do:

As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a crucial role in supporting the early development of students. You'll have the chance to create a safe, supportive, and enriching space where the children can grow emotionally, socially, and academically. You'll work closely with a passionate team of teachers and staff, ensuring that every moment in the classroom is meaningful and that the children feel confident and empowered to reach their full potential.

Provide Targeted Support

: Work 1-1 or in small groups, providing personalised support to help them engage with their peers and thrive in the classroom. You'll implement bespoke strategies to manage any challenging behaviour, drawing on your understanding of ACEs and trauma-informed practices.

Foster a Play-Based Learning Environment

: The classroom is rich with opportunities for play-based learning. Your role will be to encourage children to engage in continuous provision, helping them learn through exploration, imagination, and hands-on experiences. You'll guide them as they interact with resources, develop problem-solving skills, and build confidence in a joyful, playful setting.

Track and Celebrate Progress

: Recording and reporting progress will be an essential part of the role. You'll work with the team to monitor and document the child's growth, providing insights that will shape their individual learning journey. Your observations will help guide future planning and ensure that the child's needs are consistently met.

Collaborate and Inspire

: You will be an integral part of the wider teaching team, working together to deliver creative, inclusive, and engaging learning experiences. You'll liaise with parents and guardians to ensure that we are providing the best possible support both inside and outside the classroom.

What We Are Looking For:

Experience with ACEs

: You will have a strong understanding of working with children who have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences, and will be familiar with strategies to support emotional and behavioural needs.

Behaviour Management Expertise

: You will have excellent skills in managing behaviour, using positive reinforcement and tailored approaches to create a calm, structured, and supportive environment.

A Commitment to Play-Based Learning

: You should have a genuine passion for learning through play and will understand the benefits of child-led exploration in a Reception setting.

Strong Communication and Teamwork

: Your ability to communicate clearly with both children and adults will be essential, as you work closely with teachers, parents, and other staff to ensure the child's needs are met. You will be a collaborative team player, always ready to share ideas and contribute to the success of the class.

Patience and Empathy

: Above all, you will possess a patient, empathetic, and nurturing approach, helping to create an environment where every child feels valued and supported.

Hours:

8.30-3.30 Monday to Friday. Both Part time and Full time applications welcomed.

This is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to positively impact a child's life and lay the foundation for their future success. If you are ready to join a passionate, supportive team and make a difference through your work, we would love to hear from you!

Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temp to perm

Pay: 91.00-105.00 per day

Schedule:

Monday to Friday No weekends
Work Location: In person