Early Years Learning Support Assistant

St Josephs; Castle Point; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

St Joseph's is a Catholic school seeking an enthusiastic EYFS Learning Support Assistant to join its Early Years team, supporting Reception, Nursery and SEND provision. The role focuses on creating a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child thrives, under the direction of the EYFS Lead and class teachers.

You will support high-quality learning, build warm relationships with children and families, and contribute to observations and assessments while upholding the school ethos.

Qualifications

• Experience in an Early Years environment is essential.
• Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Support EYFS learning experiences across Nursery and Reception.
• Work with individuals and small groups to reinforce teaching.
• Support children's development and wellbeing and inclusive practices.
• Prepare and organise resources for learning activities.
• Contribute to observations and assessments under teacher direction.
• Collaborate with teachers and families, upholding Catholic ethos.

Skills

EYFS experience

Communication skills

Teamwork

Safeguarding

Observation & assessment

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated and experienced EYFS Learning Support Assistant to join our vibrant school Early Years team of Reception, Nursery and SEND provision. This is an exciting opportunity for a practitioner who is passionate about early childhood education and ready to take the next step in their career. The successful candidate will be part of high-quality provision within our EYFS - including Reception, Nursery and Special Educational Needs Hub provision, ensuring a warm, nurturing, and stimulating environment where every child can thrive., The EYFS Learning Support Assistant supports high-quality teaching and learning across the Early Years Foundation Stage, including Nursery, Reception and the SEND Hub. The role ensures that all children experience a warm, nurturing, stimulating environment rooted in the Catholic ethos of St Joseph's, where every child is valued and able to thrive. The postholder works under the direction of the EYFS Lead and class teachers, supporting children's learning, wellbeing, safety and inclusion.

Supporting Teaching & Learning

• Support high-quality learning experiences aligned with the EYFS curriculum.
• Work with individuals and small groups to reinforce teaching, extend learning and promote independence.
• Use high-quality interactions, modelling and open-ended questioning.
• Support children's engagement in continuous provision indoors and outdoors.
• Prepare, organise and maintain resources to support learning.
• Contribute to observations and assessments under teacher direction.

Supporting Children's Development & Wellbeing

• Build warm, trusting relationships with children and families.
• Promote the Characteristics of Effective Learning.
• Support children's personal, social and emotional development.
• Help children develop communication, language and early literacy skills.
• Encourage independence in self-care, routines and transitions.

Inclusion, SEND & Pastoral Support

• Work closely with the SENDCo to implement strategies for children with SEND.
• Support One Plans, EHCP targets and Early Help processes.
• Make reasonable adjustments to activities and environments.
• Provide calm, consistent support for children with SEMH needs.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold safeguarding responsibilities at all times.

Safeguarding, Welfare & Health and Safety

• Follow all safeguarding procedures and report concerns immediately.
• Support safe supervision of children across EYFS, including outdoor learning.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene, safety and risk assessment.
• Record accidents and incidents following school policy.
• Support children with medical needs in line with training and care plans.

Communication & Teamwork

• Work collaboratively with teachers, EYFS colleagues and wider school staff.
• Communicate professionally with parents and carers.
• Contribute to team meetings, planning discussions and reflective practice.
• Uphold the Catholic ethos and values of the school.

Professional Development

• Engage in ongoing CPD, including EYFS training and Trust-wide development.
• Reflect on practice and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of EYFS reforms, Ofsted expectations and best practice.
• Has strong knowledge and hands-on experience of working with children in an Early Years environment.
• Holds a minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification and is committed to ongoing professional development
• Has high expectations for children's learning, behaviour, and inclusion
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues
• Is committed to safeguarding, equality, and maintaining confidentiality
• Supports and promotes the Catholic ethos and values of our school (applications from non-Catholics who support our ethos are warmly welcomed)

We can offer you:

• Wonderful children who are eager to learn
• A dedicated, supportive and motivated staff team
• A forward-thinking, inclusive school community, Strong knowledge of the EYFS and child development.
• Experience working in an early years setting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team with professionalism and warmth.
• Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and confidentiality.
• Ability to follow teacher direction and use initiative appropriately.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage routines.
• Paediatric First Aid (or willingness to train).

Desirable

• Experience in a school-based EYFS setting.
• Experience supporting children with SEND.
• Knowledge of Tapestry or similar assessment platforms.
• Understanding of Birth to Five guidance.
• Experience delivering small-group interventions.

St Joseph's is part of the Assisi Catholic Trust of schools. At St Joseph's, our core values - Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence, guide everything we do. We believe that every child is created in the image of God and deserves to be loved, known and supported to achieve their very best. As a Catholic school, showing love through all our actions is at the centre of our mission, shaping the way we learn, play, collaborate and care for one another.

We are proud of our strong academic outcomes, which exceed national averages and continue to improve year-on-year. These achievements reflect the dedication of our talented staff, the curiosity and enthusiasm of our pupils, and the wonderful partnership we share with parents and our parish community. Our extensive, beautiful grounds, along with our school swimming pool, provide a unique setting for learning and play. They offer space for exploration, reflection and discovery-supporting children's wellbeing and enriching their learning experiences across the curriculum. St Joseph's is a joyful, vibrant and welcoming place where children thrive academically, spiritually and personally.

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.

Salary and Contract

Salary: NJC Point 4 (£21,954.52) - paid 44 weeks per year

Contract: Part-time, Permanent, Term-time only

Hours: 37 hours per week Hours of work: Monday to Friday 8:30am - 3:30pm (with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break each working day)

Additional Room Leader Responsibility: Fixed-term (reviewed annually). Details will be discussed at interview (NJC Point 12-14).