EYFS Teaching Assistant

St Mary's Catholic Primary School; Chippenham; On-site; GBP 7,000 - 9,000; Part time

Job summary

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Chippenham is seeking an EYFS Teaching Assistant to work across our Reception and Pre-school Nursery. The role starts in the pre-school classroom and supports in early years development with a caring, attentive approach.

The ideal candidate is a warm, patient and enthusiastic team member who fosters inclusive, supportive practice and helps children build confidence as they begin their learning journey.

Qualifications

• Caring and enthusiastic Early Years assistant.

Responsibilities

• Support in EYFS across Reception and Pre-school Nursery, starting in pre-school classroom.
• Be a positive role model creating a safe, caring and stimulating environment for each child.
• Support children’s learning through play, interaction and purposeful activities.
• Bring warmth, patience, creativity and enthusiasm to the role.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Support children’s emotional wellbeing and development.
• Encourage independence and celebrate each child’s unique achievements.
• Be reflective, motivated and keen to develop practice as part of a team.

Job description

EYFS Teaching Assistant - St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Chippenham

Salary: £7,675 (Actual)

Hours: 12.5 hours per week, 12.30-3pm Monday to Friday

Permanent, Term time only

Behind every confident child in the early years is a caring adult who believes in them from the very beginning - someone who offers gentle encouragement at just the right moment, celebrates every small achievement, and supports the routines and relationships that help each child feel safe, secure and ready to thrive.

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School is a warm, nurturing and ambitious setting where happy children develop a love of learning through play, exploration and meaningful experiences. Guided by our mission and values, we support every child to become curious, confident and independent. Our youngest learners are encouraged to build positive relationships, develop resilience, and grow in confidence as they begin their learning journey.

We are looking for a caring, enthusiastic and dedicated Early Years Teaching Assistant to work across our EYFS unit (Reception and Pre‑school Nursery), supporting in our pre‑school classroom in the first instance, who is passionate about giving children the very best start and who will play a key role in supporting their development within a friendly, supportive and inclusive team. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a real difference at a crucial stage in a child’s development and to be part of a caring and committed early years team.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is a positive role model who creates a safe, caring and stimulating environment for every child
• Supports children’s learning through play, interaction and purposeful activities
• Brings warmth, patience, creativity and enthusiasm to their role
• Builds strong, trusting relationships with children, families and colleagues
• Understands the importance of supporting children’s emotional well‑being and development
• Encourages independence and celebrates each child’s unique achievements
• Is reflective, motivated and keen to develop their practice
• Works well as part of a team and contributes positively to the wider setting
• Has a genuine passion for working with young children
• Understands that supporting early learning requires kindness, patience, flexibility and a nurturing approach

At our school, you will find:

• Children who are enthusiastic, kind and eager to learn
• A genuinely supportive and collaborative staff team
• A school where wellbeing and professional trust are valued
• Opportunities for training, development and growing your expertise
• A strong sense of community where every member is known and valued

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School is proud to be part of The Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust, offering excellent professional development and collaboration across a family of schools throughout the South West.

Closing date: 9am, Monday 7th September 2026

Interview date: TBC

Please note applications may be reviewed on receipt, and we may close the role early.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, this role involves directly working with children and significant contact with children, and therefore we expect all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Please ensure a full work history is completed in your application form including any gaps of employment. Applicants will be required to complete satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check for this post prior to commencement. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. The Trust is an equal opportunities employer.

If successfully shortlisted the HR Department will also be conducting an individual online search including social media platforms of your ‘name, education and employment’, to demonstrate due diligence following ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ guidance. The search will not form part of the actual shortlisting process and any concerns arising from the search will be discussed directly with you.