Early Years Teaching Assistant

eTeach UK Limited; Loughborough; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 17,000; Part time

Job summary

Long Whatton C of E Primary School is seeking a caring and enthusiastic Part-time Teaching Assistant to support our Reception class of around 15 pupils. The role runs 30 hours per week, 8:30am–3:15pm, helping children build confidence and independence in a safe, stimulating environment.

You will assist with learning activities, support social and emotional wellbeing, and work closely with staff to ensure every child makes progress from their own starting point.

Qualifications

• Experience with young children is advantageous.
• Enthusiastic, nurturing and passionate about helping children start their learning journey.
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues and contribute to a team.

Responsibilities

• Support children’s learning and development in Reception.
• Encourage social and emotional wellbeing and a positive classroom environment.
• Contribute to a classroom where every child progresses from their starting point.

Skills

Strong English

Mathematics

Communication

Job description

Help little learners take their first big steps! Hours: Part-time, 30 hours per week

Working pattern: 8.30am–3.15pm

Class: Reception (15 pupils) Are you passionate about helping young children learn, grow and thrive? Do you love seeing those magical moments when a child masters something new, grows in confidence or discovers a love of learning? At Long Whatton C of E Primary School, we are looking for a caring, enthusiastic and committed Teaching Assistant to join our friendly team and work in our Reception class of just 15 wonderful children. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a meaningful role in the early years of a child’s school journey. You will help create a safe, happy and stimulating environment where children feel valued, develop independence, build friendships and discover the joy of learning. We welcome applications from experienced teaching assistants and those with experience of working with young children in other settings. Above all, we are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, nurturing and passionate about giving every child the best possible start.

What will you bring to our classroom?

• Puts children first – building warm, positive relationships and helping every child feel safe, confident and ready to learn.


• Loves early years learning – embracing the importance of play, exploration, curiosity and practical experiences in helping young children develop.


• Knows how to encourage and inspire – celebrating small steps, nurturing independence and helping children believe in themselves.


• Is proactive and adaptable – using initiative, responding to children’s needs and contributing positively to the busy, ever-changing life of a Reception classroom.


• Communicates well – with strong spoken and written English, good mathematical skills and the ability to communicate effectively with children and adults.


• Works brilliantly as part of a team – sharing ideas, supporting colleagues and contributing to a collaborative, forward-thinking teaching team.


• Is organised and enthusiastic – bringing energy, flexibility and a positive attitude to every school day.

You will help support children’s learning and development, encourage their social and emotional wellbeing, and contribute to a classroom where every child is supported to make progress from their own starting point. Previous experience in an early years setting would be an advantage, but we are equally interested in people who can demonstrate the right attitude, initiative and genuine passion for working with young children.

Why choose Long Whatton?

We are a small, welcoming Christian school with a big heart. Our family ethos, strong community connections and commitment to nurturing the whole child make us a special place to work and learn. With just 15 children in our Reception class, you will have the opportunity to get to know each child as an individual, understand their interests and needs, and play an important part in their development during these crucial early years. At Long Whatton, children are at the heart of everything we do. We combine high expectations for learning with a strong commitment to helping children develop the confidence, kindness, resilience and social skills they need to flourish.

There is plenty to inspire you, including:

• A beautiful outdoor learning environment where children can explore, investigate and learn through first‑hand experiences.


• A well‑established Forest School, offering exciting opportunities for outdoor learning, discovery and developing independence.


• A warm, family‑centred ethos where relationships matter and every member of our school community is valued.


• A strong Christian foundation, with close links to our village community and local church.


• Wonderful pupils who are curious, eager to learn and proud of their achievements. Their behaviour has been described as ‘impeccable’ in a recent Ofsted report.


• Specialist teaching in music and PE, enriching children’s experiences and broadening their opportunities to learn.

We believe that happy, confident children are well placed to succeed. Our aim is to provide an environment in which children feel secure enough to take risks, curious enough to ask questions and confident enough to have a go.

Could you be the person we are looking for?

If you are passionate about early childhood development, believe every child deserves the very best start and would love to help our youngest learners flourish, we would be delighted to hear from you. You do not need to have all the answers. What matters is that you care about children, enjoy helping them learn and are ready to bring your enthusiasm, patience and initiative to our classroom.

Come and see what makes Long Whatton special!