EYFS Teaching Assistant Level 2 (Fixed Term Maternity Cover) at Wimborne First School & Nursery

Dorset Council UK; Wimborne Minster; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 20,000; Part time

Job summary

Wimborne First School and Nursery invites applications for a Classroom Teaching Assistant in our EYFS year group. This is an exciting opportunity to join a happy, inclusive school community and support every child to thrive within a dedicated team.

You may work with whole classes, small groups or individual pupils with additional needs, and a 30-minute lunch duty is included. The role is a fixed-term contract until October 2027, starting November 2026.

Qualifications

• Supports the teacher by working with individuals or groups to support learning.
• Has proven experience working with children, including those with additional or special educational needs.
• Demonstrates safeguarding practices and confidentiality.
• Establishes supportive, caring relationships with the child/children, promoting respect, self-esteem and inclusion.
• Contributes to evaluation, review and planning discussions with the teacher, Inclusion Lead and other members of the support team.
• Communicates clearly, calmly and professionally, maintaining composure under pressure.
• Offers a fair and consistent approach to managing behaviour in line with school policies.
• Helps, supports and motivates the children, clarifying instructions and enabling learning targets.

Responsibilities

• Assist the teacher by working with individuals or groups.
• Support children including those with additional needs.
• Maintain safeguarding and confidentiality in all interactions.
• Contribute to assessments and planning with the teaching team.
• Support positive behaviour and inclusivity in the classroom.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and teamwork.

Skills

Support learning

Special needs experience

Safeguarding knowledge

Communication

Team player

Professional development

Job description

Contract

31.25 hours per week, term time only (38 weeks per year)

Monday - Friday 8.30 - 3.15pm with 30 minute unpaid lunch break

Fixed term until October 2027

Salary

From £18,791 - £19,520 per annum (actual)

Grade 5 SCP 5 £26,427 to 6 £26,846 per annum full time equivalent

Application Deadline

Monday 5th October 2026

Interview Date

Friday 9th October 2026

Start Date

November 2026

Wimborne First School and Nursery is an, oversubscribed school in Wimborne, Dorset, ranging from Nursery up to Year 4. We are very proud of our school, the staff and its ethos. In our school you will always find happy, confident and motivated children and approachable, professional and committed staff. We believe in creating a nurturing learning environment where the children are aspirational about their achievements and value responsibility. The whole team are united and dedicated towards ensuring our children have the best learning experience during their time at school.

Our school is a new building, and our outside play environment is a very special part that has been developed to support and inspire learning, with a large playground, extensive playing field and a pond to further enhance outdoor learning.

Through our values: Nurturing, Responsible and Aspirational, we aim to create an environment where children feel safe, valued and empowered to grow through nurturing their hearts and minds. Through trust and guidance, we enable every child to make thoughtful choices and become respectful and responsible citizens within our school and wider community. We believe every child is unique and capable and we promote children’s natural curiosity and inspire them to aim high.

You will be joining a dedicated team that is passionate about making a difference and committed to nurturing the whole child. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to shape learning experiences that are creative, inclusive, and meaningful. We are committed to the professional development and wellbeing of our staff. We offer high-quality training, mentoring, and opportunities for career progression.

Wimborne First School is in the Hillary Partnership of Hamwic Education Trust (HET); a large, fast-paced multi-academy trust with currently 37 schools across the South Coast: Portsmouth, Southampton, Poole and Dorset. The Hillary Partnership is a multi-academy partnership based in Poole and Dorset. The partnership enables local schools to work together to develop a strong education for all our children.

Role Summary

Wimborne First School are seeking to appoint a Classroom Teaching Assistant within our EYFS year group. This is an exciting opportunity to join a happy and inclusive school community, working within a dedicated team committed to supporting every child to thrive.

You may be required to work with whole classes, smaller groups or be assigned to work with particular pupils who may have particular requirements or Statements of their Special Needs. This role includes a 30 minute lunch duty.

We Are Seeking a Professional Individual Who

• Supports the teacher by working with individuals or groups of children to support their learning and development
• Has proven experience working with children, including those with additional or special educational needs
• Demonstrates a good understanding of safeguarding practices and confidentiality
• Establishes supportive, caring and secure relationships with the child/ children, promoting respect, self-esteem and a positive, inclusive whole school ethos
• Contributes to evaluation, review and planning discussions with the teacher, Inclusion Lead and other members of the support team
• Communicates clearly, calmly and professionally, maintaining composure and sound judgement under pressure.
• Offers a fair and consistent approach to managing behaviour and individual needs in line with school policies and procedures
• Helps, supports and motivates the children, clarifying instructions, encouraging independent learning and behaviour and enabling learning targets and outcomes to be achieved
• Is a committed team player, motivated to support children’s independence and engage in ongoing professional development.