Cover Assistant

Shorefields; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Cash Plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted gym memberships

Blue Light Card

Job summary

The Stanway School in Colchester is seeking dedicated Cover Assistants to join our community. You will support teachers, help create a positive learning environment, and contribute to high standards of pupil progress.

This part-time role offers 37 hours per week across 39 weeks per year (term time plus non-pupil days) with an immediate start for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Experience of working in a school setting (primary or secondary).
• Ability to use your own initiative to resolve routine problems independently.
• Commitment to getting the best outcomes for all pupils.
• A passion for working with children and helping them succeed.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, equal opportunities, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.
• Be aware of and support differences and ensure all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop.
• Participate in training and other learning activities as required.
• Provide objective and accurate feedback to the teacher on the conduct of the lesson.
• Act as a role model and set high expectations of conduct and behaviour.

Skills

School experience

Initiative

Pupil outcomes

Children-focused

Communication & teamwork

Job description

Job Ref No. ECC5462-389S Position Type: Teaching/Child Support Pay Range: LGPS 6, Point 14-18 (Actual Salary from £26,160)

Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Part-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 16/11/2026 Midday Date of Interviews: w/c Monday 23rd November 2026

Be a Part of the Stanway Standard at The Stanway School

Are you a determined professional who holds high expectations of yourself and others? Do you want to be part of a community that promotes kindness and celebrates success for all?

At The Stanway School, we are proud to be a trusted and respected member of the local community and that works exceptionally hard to provide the very best start for our young people, through outstanding teaching and the highest quality guidance and support. We believe in fostering a culture of respect, kindness, and hard work. We're looking for dedicated Cover Assistants to become a vital part of our community and help us create a positive and stimulating learning environment where every child can flourish.

Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your career, we offer a diverse and vibrant environment where you can truly thrive.

The successful candidate will work 37 hours per week, 39 weeks per year (term time, plus non pupil days)

A Day in the Life:

You’ll be responsible for bringing your passion and expertise to the following areas:

• Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, equal opportunities, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.
• Be aware of and support differences and ensure all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop.
• Participate in training and other learning activities as required.
• Provide objective and accurate feedback to the teacher on the conduct of the lesson.
• Act as a role model and set high expectations of conduct and behaviour.

(Full details can be found in the Job Applicant Information Pack)

What We're Looking For:
You are the perfect fit for our team if you have:

• Experience of working in a school setting (primary or secondary)
• The ability to use your own initiative to resolve routine problems independently
• A commitment to getting the best outcomes for all pupils
• A passion for working with children and helping them succeed
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills

Why Choose The Sigma Trust?
We believe in investing in our staff and fostering a culture of collaboration. We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive package designed to support your professional and personal life.

Professional Development:

• A robust CPD training program that empowers you to flourish.
• Unrivalled opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the Trust, sharing ideas and building strong professional relationships.

Employee Benefits:

• A competitive salary and excellent pension scheme.
• A Health Cash Plan and Employee Assistance Programme for your well-being.
• Exclusive perks like the Cycle to Work scheme, discounted gym memberships, cinema tickets, and eligibility for a Blue Light Card.

Commitment to Safeguarding & Diversity

The Sigma Trust is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to safer recruitment processes, including the disclosure of criminal records, online checks and other vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practice across our schools.

The Sigma Trust is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of any protected characteristics. This is embedded in our vision 'To Be Greater Than The Sum Of Its Parts', where we believe we are strong and more successful working together, creating a workplace which celebrates diversity.

Shortlisting will take place on w/c 17th November 2026

This interviews will take place week commencing Monday 23rd November 2026

Please note that only fully completed application forms will be accepted and we reserve the right to close this advert early should we receive an overwhelming response. Candidates may be invited to interview prior to the closing date, so an early application is advised.

We are unable to provide sponsorship for this position, so please ensure you have the right to work in the UK before you apply.

Information about the School

About The Stanway SchoolThe Stanway School is a heavily over-subscribed 11-16 comprehensive school with over 1,300 students currently on roll, the vast majority of whom live in Stanway and the surrounding villages to the west of Colchester. The school is a specialist school in Humanities and Maths & Computing. We have undertaken a huge rebuilding programme and the Creative Arts block, the latest phase of our expansion project, opened in September 2018. By 2021, all year groups will be full with 280 students following this expansion of the school buildings. This is an exciting time to join an already successful school that is looking to continually improve practice: staff are enthusiastic and many take part in voluntary research groups into key areas of school life; students are well-behaved and achieve results above expectation; the culture of the school is calm and purposeful.In March 2012 The Stanway School converted to an academy and in September 2016 joined the newly formed Sigma Trust, a partnership of schools located in North East Essex covering both Colchester and Tendring.

John PlayerHeadteacherThe Stanway School

SafeguardingThe Sigma Trust is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records, online checks and other vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practice across our schools.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

Documents

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Sigma Trust HR Team
The Stanway School
Winstree Road
Stanway, Colchester