Job Description

Teaching Assistant - Parley First School

31.25hrs per week (8.30am-3.15pm Monday-Friday), Term time only, Fixed term until 31st August 2027

Grade D, 25,583 - 25,989 (actual salary for part-time, term time only working 17,992 - 18,278), plus generous sick pay and eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme

Do you believe that a kind word, a patient moment, or a quiet bit of encouragement can change a child's whole day? Do you want a job where the smiles, breakthroughs, and "I did it!" moments truly matter? If so, Parley First School would love to hear from you.

We are looking for a Teaching Assistant to join our caring, close-knit team. This role would be ideal for someone with a genuine interest in supporting children of all kinds (including those with SEND) and helping every child feel understood, valued, and capable.

At Parley, Teaching Assistants are at the very heart of what we do. You'll be there for the small moments that make the biggest difference - calming worries, celebrating progress, and helping children believe in themselves.

What you'll do:

Support teachers to deliver engaging, inclusive lessons where every child can succeed Work alongside children in class, in small groups, and sometimes one-to-one Provide gentle, tailored support for pupils with additional needs Create a warm, safe, and nurturing environment where children feel confident to try Encourage independence, resilience, and a love of learning Share in the laughter, creativity, and wonderful unpredictability of school life

Who you are:

A kind-hearted, enthusiastic, and dependable person who truly enjoys being with children Someone patient, empathetic, and emotionally attuned, with an interest in SEND Strong communication skills, and good literacy and numeracy A sense of humour, flexibility, and the ability to see potential in every child A team player who understands that sometimes the smallest support means the world No experience? No problem. If you have the right attitude, warmth, and willingness to learn, we'll support you every step of the way.

Why join us?

The chance to make a real difference in children's lives, celebrating every small step and shared success along the way. It's a job with heart - we're not just about learning outcomes, we're about building confidence, nurturing wellbeing, and helping children believe in themselves. You'll be part of a supportive, down-to-earth team who genuinely have your back through the great days, the tricky days, and the "you won't believe what just happened" moments. A comprehensive induction, training, and ongoing professional development package - because we're committed to helping you grow, learn, and thrive in your role. Free access to the Employee Assistance Programme and our Cycle to Work Scheme. The opportunity to develop your career in a School, and within the Southern Education Trust - a growing Trust where our mission is "making lives better*".

About us:

Parley First School is a welcoming, inclusive primary academy where children aged 4-9 learn, grow, and are supported to fulfil their potential in a happy, safe environment. We pride ourselves on nurturing respectful, confident learners and have strong inclusive values, celebrating diversity and ensuring every child feels valued and supported, including those with additional needs.

Set in extensive grounds with playgrounds, gardens and outdoor spaces, we strive to make education engaging and enjoyable for all, with caring staff, strong community links and a shared commitment to helping every pupil thrive and be ready for their next steps.

If you're ready to be part of something meaningful - where your care, patience, and compassion truly count - this could be the role for you.

(Click apply to be taken to our website, where links to all of the below documents can be found)

Become part of our journey, by completing our

Support Staff Application Form

and returning it to

recruitment@southern.education

if you would like to apply. See our

Teaching Assistant

for further details on the role and our

Safeguarding Children Policy

Closing date: 27th February 2026

Interview date: 11th March 2026

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, this role involves directly working with children and significant contact with children, and therefore we expect all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Please ensure a full work history is completed in your application form including any gaps of employment. Applicants will be required to complete satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check for this post prior to commencement. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. The Trust is an equal opportunities employer.

If successfully shortlisted the HR Department will also be conducting an individual online search including social media platforms of your 'name, education and employment', to demonstrate due diligence following 'Keeping Children Safe in Education' guidance. The search will not form part of the actual shortlisting process and any concerns arising from the search will be discussed directly with you.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 16 months

Pay: 17,992.00-18,278.00 per year

Expected hours: 31.25 per week

Benefits:

Cycle to work scheme Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Referral programme Sick pay
Work Location: In person