Early Years Teaching Assisstant

Putnoe Primary School; Bedford; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Putnoe Primary School in Bedford is seeking a dedicated Early Years Teaching Assistant to support our 4-year-olds under a temporary Spring and Summer term contract.

You will work with the Early Years Teacher delivering creative, play-based activities under EYFS, supporting routines, observing progress, and promoting wellbeing among our youngest learners.

Qualifications

• Qualified to at least Level 3 in Early Years or a related field.
• Experience working with 4-year-olds in school or nursery.
• Must have safeguarding commitment and an enhanced DBS check.

Responsibilities

• Support classroom learning with play-based activities aligned to EYFS.
• Nurture development in 4-year-olds through communication, social, early literacy/numeracy.
• Prepare indoor and outdoor learning environments with safe, accessible resources.
• Observe and record progress, sharing observations with the teacher to inform next steps.
• Provide pastoral care including lunchtime supervision and promoting independence.

Skills

Communication skills

Play-based learning

Patience

Enthusiastic

Education

Level 3 EY qualification

GCSE English and Maths

Job description

Putnoe Primary School in Bedford is seeking a dedicated and caring Early Years Teaching Assistant to join our team for a temporary contract covering the Spring and Summer terms 2027.

You will work closely with our Early Years Teacher in a vibrant class of 4-year-olds, playing a vital role in supporting the daily learning, well-being, and development of our youngest pupils during their first experience of school life.

Key Information

• Position: Early Years Teaching Assistant (Aged 4)
• Contract Type: Temporary (Full-Time or Part-Time options considered)
• Duration: Spring and Summer Terms 2027 (January 2027 - July 2027)
• Location: Putnoe Primary School, Bedford, UK

Main Responsibilities

• Support Classroom Learning: Assist the class teacher in delivering creative, play-based activities that align with the EYFS framework.
• Nurture Child Development: Work with individuals or small groups of 4-year-olds to boost their communication, social skills, and early literacy/numeracy.
• Prepare the Environment: Help set up engaging indoor and outdoor learning zones, ensuring resources are safe, clean, and accessible.
• Observe & Record: Help monitor children's progress by sharing observations with the teacher to help plan their next steps.
• Provide Pastoral Care: Assist with practical daily routines, including lunchtime supervision, promoting independence, and managing personal care needs.

Candidate Requirements

• Qualifications: A full and relevant Level 3, or above, qualification, in line with DfE requirements - Early years qualification requirements and standards. GCSE or equivalent qualification at a pass mark in both English and Mathematics.
• Experience: Previous experience working with early years children, ideally aged 4, in a school or nursery setting.
• Skills: A warm, patient, and enthusiastic approach with excellent communication skills and a good understanding of how young children learn through play.
• Safeguarding: A strict commitment to safeguarding and promoting child welfare. An enhanced DBS check is required.

What We Offer

• Outstanding behaviour and attitudes
• Outstanding personal development
• Outstanding leadership and management
• A welcoming, collaborative early years team.
• A vibrant, well-resourced learning environment.
• The chance to make a real difference in children's early school experiences.