Job Description

INTRODUCTION

Palmers Green High School (PGHS) seeks to appoint a well-qualified, caring and enthusiastic teaching assistant to work across the Lower School (predominantly in Reception to Year 2).

This is an exciting opportunity for an empathetic and talented teaching assistant to join a school that works collaboratively to get the very best from all pupils. The successful postholder will complement the professional work of teachers. Experience working with children is essential.

Applicants are asked to complete the TES online Application Form. The closing date for applications is Wednesday 3rd December at 12 noon. The school reserves the right to interview suitable candidates before the closing date so early applications are encouraged.

THE SCHOOL

Founded in 1905 by Miss Alice Hum, a Quaker, Palmers Green High School is unique in the North London area because it is a small selective school providing challenging and stimulating educational opportunities for approximately 250 girls aged 4-16 from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds.

The school's motto "By Love Serve One Another" was set by its founder and, whilst Miss Hum was a Quaker, the school has no o?cial religious a?liation, although it celebrates Founder's Day and Christmas with services held at the church of St John The Evangelist on Bourne Hill, where some PGHS lessons were taught during World War II when Keble Preparatory School for Boys had to share the main PGHS site in Hoppers Road.

Girls from Reception to Year 11 are taught on the main school site, situated in a residential road in Winchmore Hill.

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

You will be supporting bright, interested and hard-working pupils in small classes in an academically selective girls' independent school.

In March 2025, ISI carried out an inspection. The inspection confirmed that PGHS complies with all statutory regulations (The Independent School Standard Regulations). In addition, the provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) was recognised as a significant strength. The school has an outstanding record of academic success in public examinations. In 2025, the school's overall percentage of GCSEs 9/8 grades was a magnificent 46% and 9 to 7 a fantastic 72%, placing our pupils amongst the top performers in the country.

JOB DESCRIPTION: LOWER SCHOOL TEACHING ASSISTANT

Purpose of the Job:

To work alongside the Lower School Class Teachers to support and develop pupils' learning and wellbeing and to be an effective member of staff in accordance with school policy and relevant government guidance.

Accountability:

The Head via Assistant Head (Lower School) and Deputy Head

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Teaching and Learning Activities

to communicate effectively and sensitively with pupils to support their learning:

to promote and support the inclusion of all pupils in learning activities:

to advance pupils' learning in a range of settings under the supervision and direction of the Class Teachers and Assistant Head (Lower School);

assist with the supervision of and encourage good behaviour amongst pupils; and

to organise and safely manage learning activities, the teaching space and resources.

2. Monitoring, Assessment, Recording and Reporting

to assist the Lower School Class Teachers in evaluating pupils' progress;

to assess, record and report on the development, progress and attainment of pupils by:

o monitoring pupils' responses to learning tasks and their participation and progress in activities;

o providing constructive and appropriate feedback to pupils and supporting them as they learn;

o when appropriate, formally recording pupils' responses to tasks, their participation in activities and communicating these with other staff and / or parents; and

o contributing to the maintenance of records of pupils' progress both for internal and external purposes e.g. written reports to parents.

3. Planning and Expectations

to prepare the classroom as directed by the Lower School Class Teachers and clear away afterwards;

to assist in the display of pupils' work;

to support the Lower School Class Teachers in photocopying and other administrative tasks to support teaching;

to contribute to the planning of opportunities for pupils to learn, which may include off site activities;

to assist the Lower School Class Teachers in the planning and development of schemes of work, activities and support programmes for pupils;

to assist in the preparation of teaching resources/materials;

to read and understand lesson plans prior to lessons;

to help to implement daily planning; and

to provide constructive feedback to the pupil and Lower School Class Teachers - both written and oral.

4. Professional Values and Practice

to have high expectations of pupils and promote and reinforce pupils' self-esteem;

to respect pupils' social, cultural, linguistic, religious and ethnic backgrounds;

to be committed to raising the educational achievement of pupils;

to build and maintain successful relationships with pupils, treating them consistently with respect and consideration and to be concerned for their development as learners;

to demonstrate and promote the same positive values, attitudes and behaviour that are expected from pupils;

to work collaboratively with colleagues to meet the needs of all pupils;

to carry out all aspects of the role effectively and to seek help and advice when necessary;

to continually seek to improve own practice, through observation, self-evaluation and discussion with colleagues and seek advice or guidance as necessary; and

to work closely with other adults in the School to ensure that all policies and procedures are consistently implemented.

5. General

to contribute to a warm, welcoming and safe environment - maintaining a high quality of physical, emotional, social, and intellectual provision for pupils in the Lower School;

to maintain a safe environment for pupils, staff and visitors to the School;

to meet and communicate with parents as necessary;

to supervise pupils off site on school trips and other external trips as required;

to undertake break and lunchtime supervision for the Lower School as required; and

to undertake any other duties which reasonably fall within the purpose of the post and which may be allocated by the Assistant Head (Lower School), Deputy Head or Head.

The successful candidate will be a team player with a positive approach. They will be able to establish a good rapport with pupils in order to support their learning. A high level of personal organisation and ICT skills are essential in order to build and maintain excellent relationships with pupils, staff and parents. All staff members are ambassadors for the school and their department, both within the school itself and in the wider community, and the successful candidate will need to support the PGHS ethos which is epitomised in its motto, "By Love Serve One Another".

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 19,014.00 per year

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

Company pension Discounted or free food
Work Location: In person