EYFS Teaching Assistant

eTeach UK Limited; Leeds; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Clapgate Primary School in Leeds is seeking a dedicated EYFS Teaching Assistant to join our outstanding early years team. You will support the class teachers, help deliver EYFS activities, and contribute to children’s social, emotional and academic development in a nurturing environment.

The role involves working with individuals and small groups, promoting literacy and communication, and assisting with planning and continuous provision.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with young children
• Secure literacy and numeracy skills
• Level 2 or Level 3 full and relevant Early Years qualification (desirable but not essential)

Responsibilities

• Support the class teacher in delivering high-quality EYFS learning experiences.
• Work with individuals and small groups to reinforce learning and promote independence.
• Help maintain a nurturing, stimulating environment indoors and outdoors.
• Promote children’s communication, language, and early literacy through high-quality interactions.
• Support children’s personal, social, and emotional development and manage behaviour effectively.
• Observe learning and play, sharing key information and next steps with the class teacher.
• Prepare and organise resources and contribute to high-quality continuous provision.
• Provide intimate care where required, including toileting and personal hygiene.
• Work collaboratively with the EYFS team to support planning and reflective practice.
• Safeguard and protect all pupils, following school policies and reporting any concerns promptly and appropriately.

Skills

Experience with young children

Education

Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification (desirable)

Job description

Job Vacancy: EYFS Teaching Assistant Location: Clapgate Primary SchoolContract: Permanent, Full Time Hours: 33.5 hours per week - Mon to Fri 8.30am - 3.30pm (30 mins lunch) - Weekly staff CPD session 3.30-4.30pm (Wednesday)Salary: B1 points 4 - 6 (pro rata)Start Date: A.S.A. PReports To: EYFS Leader / Senior Leadership TeamEnhanced DBS Check Required- YES

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join our outstanding Early Years Foundation Stage team. As an Early Years Teaching Assistant at Clapgate, you will help create a nurturing and engaging environment for our youngest learners. Working closely with the class teachers, you will support children’s early learning, deliver individual and small group teaching, and contribute to their social, emotional, and academic development. This role is ideal for someone who is caring, enthusiastic, and passionate about helping young children thrive. To find out more about our Early Years at Clapgate Primary School, please visit our EYFS page on the school website.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the class teacher in delivering high-quality EYFS learning experiences.
• Work with individuals and small groups to reinforce learning and promote independence.
• Help maintain a nurturing, stimulating environment indoors and outdoors.
• Promote children’s communication, language, and early literacy through high-quality interactions.
• Support children’s personal, social, and emotional development and manage behaviour effectively.
• Observe learning and play, sharing key information and next steps with the class teacher.
• Prepare and organise resources and contribute to high-quality continuous provision.
• Provide intimate care where required, including toileting and personal hygiene.
• Work collaboratively with the EYFS team to support planning and reflective practice.
• Safeguard and protect all pupils, following school policies and reporting any concerns promptly and appropriately.

Other Duties:

• Comply with all school policies including safeguarding, health and safety, and confidentiality.
• Participate in weekly professional development and training.
• Complete a Pediatric First Aid training course once appointed.
• Be willing to spend a large amount time outdoors during children’s play.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Experience of working with young children
• Secure literacy and numeracy skills
• Level 2 or Level 3 full and relevant Early Years qualification (desirable but not essential)

The Ideal Candidate

• Creative, enthusiastic, and committed to supporting young children’s communication, learning, and development
• Confident in EYFS curriculum content and how young children learn
• Able to engage children as active, independent learners
• Skilled in behaviour management and able to maintain a calm, nurturing learning environment
• Empathetic, patient, and responsive to individual needs, building strong and trusting relationships
• Collaborative, flexible, and proactive in professional development
• Reflective and observant, able to provide clear feedback on children’s progress and any misconceptions
• Passionate about outdoor learning and the positive impact it has on children’s development
• Brings energy, vision, and enthusiasm to the school community
• Promotes high-quality oracy and confident communication
• Takes a creative, adaptable approach to supporting learning

Why Join Clapgate Primary School?

At Clapgate, we value the vital role teaching assistants play in helping pupils become confident, independent learners. Our most recent Ofsted inspection (July 2024) recognised our outstanding personal development and Early Years provision, highlighting our welcoming community and high ambitions for every pupil, including those with SEND. Our latest Ofsted report (July 2024) made the following comments: ‘Everyone is welcome and made to feel special at Clapgate Primary School’‘Pupils celebrate and value each other and the adults who work with them’‘Adults have the highest ambition for every pupil including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)’‘The school has created a harmonious atmosphere where pupils behave consistently well’‘The school has successfully created a culture of care, compassion and high expectation’. Please view our full Ofsted report via the link in the vacancy information.

We Can Offer...

• A happy, motivated, and friendly staff team
• Enthusiastic pupils who are eager to learn
• A vibrant, creative atmosphere that celebrates innovation
• Supportive senior leadership committed to raising standards and improving children’s lives
• A rich, creative curriculum with distinctive golden threads
• Outstanding school grounds, including vast playing fields, a nature area, campfire circle, animals, and allotments
• Our much-loved therapy dog, Rufus
• A dedicated art room to support creative learning
• A clear and consistent approach to behaviour, supported by our therapeutic team
• A strong respect for work-life balance

Early Years Excellence

• The opportunity to work in an outstanding Early Years setting
• A highly effective, collaborative EYFS team
• Calm, inviting learning spaces designed to spark curiosity and creativity
• A well-structured and carefully sequenced EYFS curriculum that builds strong foundational knowledge and skills
• An oracy-centred environment where high-quality interactions underpin all learning
• A play-based approach blending adult guided and child-initiated experiences
• Excellent continuous provision, both indoors and outdoors

Professional Development

• Ongoing Early Years professional development to support your growth and progression
• A comprehensive TA training programme
• Weekly dedicated time to meet with the class teacher
• A robust appraisal process to support professional growth

Application Information

Closing date: 9am - Monday 30th November 2026

Interviews: Monday 7th December 2026

Visits to our school are strongly encouraged and welcomed. Please contact the school to arrange an appointment.

Safeguarding and Equality

Clapgate Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all children, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts at the school are classed as regulated activity and therefore require an Enhanced DBS check with a barred list check. If shortlisted, applicants will be asked to disclose relevant information regarding their criminal history, and an online search will be conducted using only publicly available information. This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement Scheme, or through another relevant visa route. If you do not currently have the right to work in the UK and the role is not eligible for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the criteria to apply. We welcome applications from all groups and particularly encourage those from underrepresented backgrounds, including ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, and religion. We value diversity and aim for a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Appointments are subject to satisfactory references, medical clearance, and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. All appointments include a six-month probationary period (if applicable)