KS1 Teaching Assistant

Teaching Personnel Ltd.; St Helens; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Teaching Personnel is recruiting a KS1 Teaching Assistant for a welcoming mainstream primary school in the WA10 area of St Helens. The role involves supporting pupils in Year 1 and Year 2, with a mix of whole-class, small-group and individual guidance, under the supervision of the class teacher.

You will contribute to phonics and early reading development, help pupils build confidence, and support classroom routines and transitions.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting KS1 learners across Year 1 and Year 2.
• Knowledge of phonics, early reading and early mathematics.
• Ability to support individuals and small groups and reinforce routines.

Responsibilities

• Support learning across Year 1 and Year 2.
• Assist with phonics, reading, writing and early maths.
• Work with small groups to revisit key concepts and provide practice.

Skills

KS1 classroom experience

Phonics support

Behaviour management

Education

Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification

Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification

Job description

Start:2nd November 2026
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday
Location: St Helens, WA10

Would you like to join one primary school permanently rather than move between short-term assignments?Teaching Personnel is recruiting a KS1 Teaching Assistant for a welcoming mainstream primary school in the WA10 area of St Helens. The school is looking for someone reliable, proactive and confident supporting children across Year 1 and Year 2.

This is a permanent position starting in November 2026. You will become part of an established KS1 team, working closely with the class teacher to help pupils build strong foundations in reading, writing, phonics and mathematics.

You will provide a mixture of whole-class, small-group and individual support. Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting learning across Year 1 and Year 2
• Helping pupils with phonics, reading, writing and early mathematics
• Working with small groups to revisit key learning
• Providing additional support to pupils who need more explanation or practice
• Preparing resources and helping to organise the classroom
• Encouraging pupils to stay focused and participate
• Supporting positive behaviour and classroom routines
• Helping children develop confidence and independence
• Observing pupil engagement and feeding back to the class teacher
• Supporting pupils during transitions, breaktimes and lunchtimes
• Contributing to trips, activities and wider school life

This is a general classroom position, but there may also be opportunities to support pupils with SEND or deliver short interventions.

The school would like to meet someone who:

• Holds a Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification, or has strong recent primary school experience
• Understands how children learn within KS1
• Has some knowledge of phonics and early reading
• Can confidently support individuals and small groups
• Uses praise and encouragement appropriately
• Is patient without lowering expectations
• Works well with teachers, support staff and families
• Uses initiative and notices where help is needed
• Is reliable and genuinely interested in a permanent role

Experience within Year 1 or Year 2 would be useful, but applications are also welcome from nursery practitioners ready to move into school, graduates with relevant experience and established Teaching Assistants seeking a permanent position.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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