Early Years Teaching Assistant (Level 3+)

Smile Education; Greater London; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extra pay for after-school clubs

Holiday club provision

Professional development

Paid breaks

Job summary

Smile Education is seeking a warm, proactive Early Years Teaching Assistant for a well-established independent Pre-Prep and Pre-School in Herne Hill. Start January 2027 with December handover; fixed-term maternity cover through the academic year, with potential to continue into September 2027.

You will support teachers in EYFS, help create a safe, stimulating classroom, and contribute to observations, assessments and resources to support each child’s development.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 Early Years qualification or equivalent; Level 3 is desirable.
• Understanding of the EYFS.
• Genuine passion for working with young children.
• Caring, patient, positive and enthusiastic approach.
• Strong communication, organisation and teamwork.
• Flexible, proactive and creative in supporting learning.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
• Experience in EY or school setting desirable.
• Experience supporting SEN or as key person beneficial.
• Willingness to support after-school clubs and holiday provision welcome.

Responsibilities

• Support classroom teachers in delivering engaging activities.
• Maintain a safe, stimulating and welcoming learning environment.
• Support children's learning, development and emotional wellbeing.
• Encourage independence, confidence, creativity and positive behaviour.
• Adapt activities and resources to support individual needs.
• Build positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues.
• Observe children's progress and provide feedback to teaching staff.
• Assist with classroom records, observations and assessments.
• Promote safeguarding and children's welfare at all times.
• Participate in staff meetings, school events and professional development.
• Work collaboratively to maintain high standards of education and care.

Skills

Caring

Enthusiastic

EYFS knowledge

Communication

Teamwork

Flexible

Proactive

Safeguarding

Observation

Education

NVQ Level 2 EY

Level 3 EY desirable

Job description

Job Description

Qualified Early Years Teaching Assistant - Independent Pre-Prep and Pre-School, Herne Hill

Hourly Rate: £16.42

Job Description:

Start Date: Early December 2026, including a handover period

Contract: Full-time, Fixed-Term Maternity Cover until the end of the academic year *Potential to continue on in September 2027

Location: Herne Hill, South London

Working Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:45pm

*Extra pay for working after school clubs and Holiday clubs

Are you a caring and enthusiastic Qualified Teaching Assistant with a passion for supporting young children's learning and development?

We are working with a well-established independent Pre-Prep and Pre-School in Herne Hill that is seeking a warm, nurturing and proactive Early Years Teaching Assistant to join its friendly team.

Starting in January 2027 (with some handover days in December), you will join a supportive and well-resourced environment dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education.

This is a fixed-term maternity cover position until the end of the academic year, with a six-month probationary period. There may be opportunities for further employment from September 2027.

About the Role

As an Early Years Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with classroom teachers to support engaging learning experiences in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

You will help create a safe, stimulating and welcoming classroom where children feel confident to explore, develop independence and build positive relationships.

Alongside supporting daily activities and routines, you will contribute to observations and assessments, prepare learning resources and support children's individual learning and emotional needs.

This role would suit a patient, creative and enthusiastic practitioner who enjoys working collaboratively and helping young children reach their full potential.

Your Responsibilities

• Support classroom teachers in delivering engaging learning activities.
• Prepare and maintain a safe, stimulating and welcoming learning environment.
• Support children's learning, development and emotional wellbeing.
• Encourage independence, confidence, creativity and positive behaviour.
• Adapt activities and resources to support individual needs.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with children, parents and colleagues.
• Observe children's progress and provide feedback to teaching staff.
• Assist with classroom records, observations and assessments.
• Promote safeguarding and children's welfare at all times.
• Participate in staff meetings, school events and professional development.
• Work collaboratively to maintain high standards of education and care.

What We're Looking For

• An NVQ Level 2 Early Years qualification or equivalent; Level 3 is desirable.
• An understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• A genuine passion for working with young children.
• A caring, patient, positive and enthusiastic approach.
• Strong communication, organisation and teamwork skills.
• A flexible, proactive and creative approach to supporting learning.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
• Previous experience in an Early Years or school setting is desirable.
• Experience supporting children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) or working as a key person would be beneficial.
• Willingness to support after-school clubs and holiday provision would be welcomed.

Why Join This School?

• Supportive school community: Join a friendly team that values collaboration and high-quality Early Years education.
• Well-resourced setting: Help children learn and develop in a stimulating Pre-Prep and Pre-School environment.
• Handover period: Start in early December with time to become familiar with the role and routines.
• Term-time working: Approximately 34-35 working weeks plus opportunities to work in school holiday club provision
• Paid breaks: A 30-minute lunch break and a 15-minute morning break.
• Additional earning opportunities: Enhanced remuneration for supporting after-school clubs until 4:45pm on approximately two to four afternoons per week.
• Optional holiday work: Additional paid work during school holiday provision, with availability for approximately four extra weeks welcomed.
• Professional development: Build your skills within a collaborative school environment.

Safeguarding

Create Education and our partner schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This role requires an enhanced DBS check and full pre-employment screening.

We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications.