Job Description

Join Our Team at Sevenoaks Preparatory School

About Us

Sevenoaks Preparatory School is a co-educational, day Prep school for boys and girls aged 2 to 13, located in Sevenoaks, Kent. We place great value on giving pupils the opportunity to flourish in all areas of school life. They achieve excellent academic results in 11+ and 13+ examinations and scholarships, yet we are much more than a place of preparation for examinations to destination schools. We provide a nurturing environment in which children can discover and develop their talents.

Underpinning the school's success is our 'Way of Life' - an ethos that encourages pupils to be responsible, kind and empathetic.

We are currently seeking dedicated individuals to join our team in the following roles:

Position 1: Early Years Practitioner

Working with children aged 2-4 years

Overview:

We are looking for a passionate Early Years Practitioner to join our Early Years team. The successful candidate will work either in our Nursery classroom (ages 2-3) or our Kindergarten classroom (ages 3-4), depending on experience and suitability.

Key Responsibilities:

Plan and implement engaging, age-appropriate activities in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Foster a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment that promotes the physical, emotional and cognitive development of each child. Observe, assess, and record each child's progress and share findings with parents and colleagues. Collaborate with colleagues to ensure a cohesive and supportive team environment. Maintain a clean, safe and organised classroom environment. Communicate effectively with parents and carers, providing regular updates on their child's development via Tapestry. Attend and contribute to staff meetings, training sessions, and school events as required.

Requirements:

Minimum Level 3 qualification in childcare or early years education. Hold a valid Paediatric First Aid certificate or be willing to complete the course prior to joining. Demonstrated experience working with children in the 2-4 age range. Strong understanding of the EYFS framework and child development principles. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team. Commitment to continuous professional development.

Position 2: Key Stage 1 Teaching Assistant

Supporting children in Years 1 and 2

Overview:

We are seeking a dedicated Key Stage 1 Teaching Assistant to support our teachers and pupils within this age group. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, patient and committed to fostering a positive learning environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Assist the class teacher in delivering engaging and effective lessons. Provide one-on-one or small group support to pupils, including those with additional needs. Help prepare classroom materials and resources. Support pupils' social and emotional development. Supervise pupils during break times, outings, and other activities as required. Maintain accurate records of pupil progress and communicate effectively with parents and staff. Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and school events.

Requirements:

Relevant qualification or experience in supporting teaching and learning in a primary school setting. Strong understanding of the Key Stage 1 curriculum. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work collaboratively with teachers, parents, and other staff members. Patience, empathy, and a genuine passion for working with young children. Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Person Specification for Both Roles:

Essential:

Demonstrated experience working with children in the relevant age group. Strong understanding of child development and educational frameworks (EYFS for Early Years Practitioner; Key Stage 1 curriculum for Teaching Assistant). Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively as part of a team. Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic school environment.

Desirable:

Additional qualifications or training related to child development, special educational needs, or classroom support. Experience in a similar role within an independent school setting. Proficiency in using educational technology and tools.

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

Sevenoaks Preparatory School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adhere to the statutory guidance outlined in the Department for Education's "Keeping Children Safe in Education" and the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) standards. Our recruitment process includes:

Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. Verification of identity, qualifications and employment history. Obtaining at least two references, including one from the most recent employer. Conducting online searches as part of due diligence. Ensuring all staff complete safeguarding training upon induction and at regular intervals thereafter.
All appointments are subject to satisfactory completion of these checks and procedures.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 25,000.00-26,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Discounted or free food On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:

Sevenoaks TN15 0JU: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:

Teaching Assistants: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 02/06/2025
Expected start date: 01/09/2025