Early Years Teaching Assistant

Wakefield Council; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Wakefield Council is seeking a committed Teaching Assistant to join the Early Years team at The Castle Nursery School. The role requires a qualified practitioner who can provide high-quality support to children in a nurturing educational environment, contributing to their growth and development while working collaboratively with a dedicated team.

Benefits

Continuous Professional Development opportunities

Qualifications

• Qualified early years practitioner with Level 3 or above.
• Experience working in Early Years is essential.
• Good understanding of SEND.

Responsibilities

• Monitor needs of key children and provide support.
• Develop stimulating activities to enhance children’s growth.
• Engage in continuous professional development.

Skills

Communication

Team Player

Understanding of Early Years practice

Experience with SEND

Education

Level 3 qualification or above in Early Years

Job description

Job reference 243426 Date posted 25/06/2025 Application closing date 07/07/2025 Location The Castle Nursery School, 255a Barnsley Road, Wakefield WF1 5NU Salary £24,790 - £25,183 (G4) FTE. Salary will be Pro Rata for Term, Time Only (£17,507 - £17,785) (Pay award pending) Package 31.25 hours per week 08:45 to 15:30 Mon-Fri Contractual hours 31.25 Basis Full time Job category/type Permanent, School, School Support, Term time Job Specification and Supporting Information Teaching Assistant Job Description.doc App Form DBS Required Feb 24.doc Job description

The Federation of Crigglestone and The Castle Nursery Schools are Curiosity Approach settings. We have high aspirations for all of our children. We provide children with safe, secure and nurturing environments which enable them to become ‘thinkers and doers’ of the future. We aim to spark curiosity, awe, wonder and a love of learning for all of our children, giving them the firm foundations to develop as successful lifelong learners.

We have a celebratory approach to SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and strongly believes that all Teaching Staff are Teachers of SEND. Our team is committed to inclusive education, ensuring that all children’s needs are met.

“Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential.” - The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework

We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated and committed Teaching Assistants to join our dedicated Early Years team.

What we are looking for:

• Qualified early years practitioners with an approved Level 3 or above qualification
• Previous experience of working in Early Years is essential
• Knowledge of the Curiosity Approach is desirable but not essential
• Good oral and written communication skills
• A thorough understanding of good Early Years practice, with the passion and enthusiasm to ensure that all children make the best possible progress in a stimulating and nurturing environment.
• A team player
• Experience of working with children with SEND
• Experience of working with children with SEND, in a more specialist type of environment, in the Early Years is desirable but not essential

The role will involve:

• Taking responsibility for the observation and monitoring of the needs of their key children.
• Thinking educationally & creatively to provide a full range of stimulating activities to develop their physical, intellectual, emotional and social development, in line with The Curiosity Approach.
• Working as part of a dynamic team providing support for all the children in the setting.
• Facilitating and enabling the children by providing appropriate levels of support and interaction in their self chosen play.
• Prioritising the health, welfare and the safety of the children.
• Engaging in regular continuous professional development, linked to school development priorities

The successful applicants will join a caring and committed federation staff team who create an inclusive, happy and successful learning environment for our children.

Every child and adult is valued at our schools, and we provide good opportunities for CPD.

The positions are subject to a DBS Disclosure check, completion of a medical check and references will be sought. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and expect all members of staff to share this commitment.

These are federation Teaching Assistant posts, so will be based at either school depending on the numbers of children and level of need.

Application forms can be sent to: Crigglestone Nursery School, High Street, Crigglestone, WF4 3EB or emailed to [e-mail]

The successful applicants will be required to complete a Disclosure Application Form and provide criminal conviction information.

Visits to either of our schools will be warmly welcomed. Please contact us to arrange a visit.

This post is 31.25 hours per week.

Pay Range:

£24,790 - £25,183 (G4) – Full Time Equivalent

Actual Pay: £17,507 - £17,785 Pro-rata (Pay Award pending)

Starting pay depends on experience

Start Date: 1st September 2025

Closing Date: Monday 7th July 2025 at 12:00pm

Interviews: Week Commencing 14th July 2025

Wakefield Council, Wakefield One, PO Box 700, Wakefield,WF1 2EB
Tel. [phone]