Job Description

Teaching Assistant (EYFS)

Lift Shafton

High Street, Barnsley, S72 8QA

United Kingdom

Salary:

NJC 3-5 15,135 - 15,374 (Actual) 24,027 - 24,790(FTE) well-being cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits

Hours:

27.5 hours per week - 38 weeks per year

Contract type:

Permanent

Start date:

September/ early October 2025

Are you ready to make a positive difference at Lift Shafton's outstanding, warm and inclusive primary school setting?

We are seeking a dedicated early years Teaching Assistant to support children across the EYFS phase. We welcome applications from individuals who are passionate about shaping the very start of a child's learning journey, supporting them with the energy, creativity and commitment they deserve.

About the role

As an Early Years Teaching Assistant, you'll play a vital part in supporting our youngest learners at the very start of their educational journey. Each day brings new discoveries, and your role will be to nurture curiosity, build confidence, and help every child feel secure, valued and ready to learn.


You'll work closely with class teachers and Early Years practitioners to deliver engaging, play-based activities that develop children's communication, physical, social and emotional skills. From storytelling and counting games to outdoor learning and messy play, you'll help children explore the world around them in safe, structured and creative ways.

Your responsibilities will include:

Supporting children one-to-one or in small groups during focused activities Encouraging language development through play, songs and conversation Observing and recording progress, feeding this back to the class teacher Supporting personal care needs with kindness and dignity Helping to create stimulating, well-organised learning spaces Building strong, trusting relationships with children, families and staff Promoting good behaviour, emotional wellbeing and a sense of belonging

Skills and Experience we would like to see:

Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification Experience supporting early years aged children (up to 5 years old) Familiarity with phonics programmes such as Read Write Inc Understanding of child development and how children learn A flexible, proactive approach and a genuine passion for primary education UK right to work, as this role is not eligible for sponsorship.
We value the skills and dedication of our teaching assistants. To support the best outcomes for our students, we require applicants to hold at least a Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification; ideally Level 3. If you're working towards a level 3 qualification, we'll support your journey through our Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Programme, helping you develop the skills and confidence to make an even greater impact.

About Lift Shafton

Lift Shafton is a happy, warm and nurturing environment for all within it and every member of our team is striving towards creating the outstanding school that our families deserve. Lift Shafton is a very special learning community, filled with dedicated and talented staff, where all students, whatever their ability and background, will flourish.


We are proudly welcoming a new nursery provision to our school from January 2026.

Who is Lift Schools?

We're a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child - in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 57 schools. As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they've ever had.


We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone here in making this an incredible organisation.

We offer you:

Comprehensive training

: Access a wide range of developmental training to boost your career.

Generous benefits

: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.

Lifestyle perks

: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.

Closing date: 4th September

Interviews: 11th or 12th September

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.
Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.


Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.


We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.


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Lift Schools is recruiting for Teacher Training placements. Please click here to view the website for further details.