Early Years Teaching Assistant

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

Job summary

Putnoe Primary School in Bedford is seeking a dedicated Early Years Teaching Assistant to join our team for a temporary contract covering Spring and Summer terms 2027. You will work with 4-year-olds, supporting learning, well-being and development in their first experience of school life.

Role involves assisting with play-based EYFS activities, safeguarding, and daily routines, with opportunities to help plan next steps based on observations.

Qualifications

• A warm, patient and enthusiastic approach with excellent communication skills.
• Experience working with early years children, ideally aged 4, in a school or nursery.
• Safeguarding commitment and DBS check may be required.

Responsibilities

• Support Classroom Learning: Assist the class teacher with EYFS play-based activities.
• Boost communication, social skills, and early literacy/numeracy in small groups or individually.
• Prepare the environment with safe, clean and accessible resources for learning.
• Observe and record progress and share observations to plan next steps.
• Provide pastoral care, including lunchtime supervision and daily routines.

Skills

Communication skills

Patience

Enthusiasm

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.