Early Years Teaching Assistant (Phonics Focus)

Vision For Education Ltd.; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive daily rates

PAYE administration

Pension contributions

Social and networking events

Free training and CPD

Dedicated consultant support

Opportunity to support early learning

Job summary

Vision for Education Ltd. is recruiting an Early Years Teaching Assistant for the DL5 area of Darlington, with a January 2027 start. You will support phonics, early years literacy, and play-based learning to help children develop essential reading and writing skills, under the guidance of the class teacher.

The role requires a recognised EYFS qualification and experience with phonics. It offers full-time hours in the DL5 area, with a supportive school environment focused on safeguarding and

Qualifications

• Essential: A relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or recognised equivalent EYFS qualification.
• Essential: Previous experience supporting phonics in an Early Years or primary school setting.
• Experience working as a Teaching Assistant in Nursery, Reception or another Early Years environment.
• A good understanding of the EYFS framework.
• A strong understanding of phonics, early reading and language development.
• Confidence supporting letter sounds, blending, segmenting and early literacy activities.
• A caring, patient, enthusiastic and proactive approach.
• The ability to build positive relationships with young children and school staff.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• The ability to support children with different abilities and developmental needs.
• A genuine passion for helping young children develop and achieve their potential.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
• Availability to work full-time from January 2027.

Responsibilities

• Support the class teacher in delivering engaging and age-appropriate Early Years learning activities.
• Deliver and support phonics activities using appropriate teaching strategies and resources.
• Work with individual children and small groups to develop phonics knowledge, letter recognition and early reading skills.
• Support children with letter sounds, blending, segmenting and early word recognition.
• Help develop children's early literacy, communication, speaking and listening skills.
• Support early writing, mark-making, number recognition and basic mathematical development.
• Encourage children's confidence, independence and positive learning behaviours.
• Provide targeted support for children who require additional help with their learning and development.
• Assist with play-based learning activities that support children's social, emotional, physical and academic development.
• Help prepare classroom resources, displays and learning materials.
• Promote positive behaviour and support consistent classroom routines.
• Create a safe, welcoming, stimulating and inclusive learning environment.
• Work collaboratively with the class teacher and wider school team to monitor children's progress.
• Build positive relationships with children and colleagues.
• Follow the school's safeguarding policies and procedures at all times.

Skills

Phonics

EYFS understanding

Teamwork

Communication

Safeguarding

Patience

Education

Level 3 Early Years / EYFS qualification

Job description

Vision for Education Ltd. is recruiting an Early Years Teaching Assistant for the DL5 area of Darlington, with a January 2027 start. You will support phonics, early years literacy, and play-based learning to help children develop essential reading and writing skills, under the guidance of the class teacher.

The role requires a recognised EYFS qualification and experience with phonics. It offers full-time hours in the DL5 area, with a supportive school environment focused on safeguarding and