Learning Support Assistant (Reception Class)

St Joseph's; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Paid DBS check

Job summary

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Bristol is seeking a Learning Support Assistant to join our friendly Reception team on a fixed term contract until 31 August 2027. The role is term time only plus 5 inset days, 31.25 hours per week, 8:15 am to 3:30 pm, with an hour unpaid lunch.

You will support pupils with the national curriculum, particularly Early Years provision, help access learning, observe progress, and contribute to planning in a nurturing Christian environment.

Qualifications

• Experience working with primary age children in both key stages.
• Knowledge of the national curriculum, especially Early Years Provision, assessment processes and observing learning.
• Ability to support pupils to access the full curriculum while promoting independent learning.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils in accessing the curriculum and promoting independent learning.
• Observe pupil progress and provide feedback to the class teacher.
• Contribute to planning and evaluating learning activities for individuals and groups.
• Maintain engaging, orderly environments for learning both inside and outside.

Skills

Experience with primary age children

Knowledge of national curriculum

Phonics / Read Write Inc training

Good communication skills

Teamwork

Job description

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School is a one form entry Catholic Primary School in Fishponds, Bristol. St Joseph's is a successful school, with an excellent reputation, because we recognise that happiness and learning go hand in hand.

It is our aim that every child enjoys their individual learning journey, supported by our culture of nurture and care, enabling them to be successful. We relish and embrace the opportunities and challenges of the modern world whilst fostering traditional attitudes of courtesy, thoughtfulness and responsibility. We are looking to appoint a Learning Support Assistant, to start as soon as possible, to join our highly motivated, dedicated team on a fixed term contract until 31st August 2027. Based in the Reception class, the role is term time only plus 5 inset days for 31.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8.15 am - 3:30 pm including an hour unpaid lunch break. Actual annual salary in the range £19,829-£24,188 (BG6-BG8) and will depend on qualifications and experience.

The ideal candidate will need to:

• have experience working with primary age children in both key stages
• have a good knowledge of the national curriculum, especially Early Years Provision, assessment process and experience of observing children’s learning
• help pupils to access the full curriculum, at the same time promoting independent learning both inside and outside as well as self-reliance and interdependence
• Experience supporting the social and emotional development of the children and young people they are working with (e.g. Thrive trained)
• have a good understanding of phonics and experience of or be willing to be trained to deliver Read Write Inc (RWI)
• support individual children and groups, under the direction of the class teacher introducing activities and using a range of strategies to support all children in their learning
• observe pupils' performance and engagement, using the systems in place in the class to provide the teacher with feedback on pupil progress and learning
• help to maintain individual and group records where asked to by the class teacher
• contribute to the planning and evaluation of learning activities for individuals and groups
• help prepare and maintain an engaging, purposeful, orderly and supportive environment for learning both inside and outside
• have excellent communication skills and an understanding of speech and language development
• have high expectations for pupil learning, personal development and behaviour
• be able to work effectively as a team and develop working relationships with all members of the school community
• support class teachers to plan and set up appropriate activities to promote curiosity and independent thinking skills
• above all be kind, caring and enthusiastic

In return for your hard work we offer:

• highly motivated and well behaved pupils
• the support of an experienced and dedicated team
• a caring Christian ethos
• a commitment to professional development for all staff
• a modern, well-resourced environment
• a Pension Scheme and access to a cycle to work scheme
• a paid for DBS check

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed where you can meet the headteacher and ask any questions you may have. Please phone the school office on 0117-377-2160 to make an appointment.

Closing date for applications

9am on Friday 20th November 2026 or when the post is filled

Interviews will be held

When we receive sufficient applications