Nursery Teaching Assistant

Lift Schools; Loughborough; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training & development

Pension scheme

Wellbeing cash plan

Discounted gym memberships

Job summary

Lift Beacon in Loughborough is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support our Nursery provision for 2–3 and 3–4 year olds. You will work closely with teachers to nurture learning, wellbeing and social development in a warm, safe environment. If you bring Level 3 Early Years or TA qualification and a passion for early years, you will join a collaborative team with strong Ofsted-style standards, CPD opportunities and a supportive culture.

Qualifications

• Experience in nursery or early years setting is preferred.
• A Level 3 Early Years or Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent is essential.
• Ability to support learning through play and age-appropriate activities.

Responsibilities

• Support children within 2–3 or 3–4 year-old Nursery provision.
• Help deliver engaging, age-appropriate learning and play activities.
• Support children's communication, language and social development.
• Encourage independence, confidence and curiosity in learners.
• Provide individual and small-group support where required.
• Help create a safe, nurturing and stimulating learning environment.
• Build positive relationships with children, colleagues and families.
• Support children with differing needs to participate fully in Nursery life.

Skills

Early years education

Patience

Empathy

Team collaboration

Play-based learning

Education

Level 3 Early Years or Teaching Assistant qualification

Job description

Support. Inspire. Make a difference every day.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join Lift Beacon as a Teaching Assistant working within our Nursery provision, supporting our youngest children at an important stage in their learning and development.

We are looking for someone who understands the importance of those crucial early years and can create a nurturing, engaging and supportive environment where children feel safe, confident and excited to learn.

This would be a particularly exciting opportunity for someone with experience in a nursery or early years environment, including candidates currently working in a private or voluntary nursery who are looking to bring their experience into a school setting.

Your new school

Lift Beacon is a thriving primary school in Loughborough with a specialist resource base supporting 36 pupils with communication and language needs. The school is part of Lift Schools, a national trust comprising 62 schools that offer excellent development opportunities and career pathways.
Recently inspected by Ofsted the school received four strong judgments and three expected judgements highlighting the strength of provision, high standards and school culture. As an IQM Centre of Excellence, inclusion sits at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to ensuring every child feels supported, valued and able to succeed.

Led by Principal Ben Kilgannon, the school has a strong sense of community and a collaborative culture where staff are genuinely valued. With high expectations, a rich curriculum and a focus on personal development, Lift Beacon is a place where both pupils and staff can flourish.

Your new role

As a Teaching Assistant within our Nursery provision, you will work closely with teachers and other early years colleagues to support children's learning, development and wellbeing.

You will:

• Support children within our 2–3 or 3–4-year-old Nursery provision
• Help deliver engaging, age-appropriate learning and play activities
• Support children's communication, language and social development
• Encourage independence, confidence and curiosity
• Provide individual and small-group support where required
• Help create a safe, nurturing and stimulating learning environment
• Build positive relationships with children, colleagues and families
• Support children with differing needs to ensure they can fully participate in Nursery life

This is a hands-on and highly rewarding role where you will have the opportunity to make a genuine difference during some of the most important years of a child's development.

What you'll need to succeed

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about early years education and children's development
• Patient, caring and empathetic
• Able to build warm and positive relationships with young children
• Enthusiastic, engaging and able to support learning through play
• Considerate and responsive to individual children's needs
• A collaborative team player who will contribute positively to our Nursery

Previous experience working within a nursery or early years setting is important, and we would particularly welcome applications from candidates with experience in a private or voluntary nursery environment.

A Level 3 Early Years or Teaching Assistant qualification, or equivalent, is essential.

Why join Lift Schools?

We are committed to supporting your development and wellbeing. You'll benefit from:

• Training & development: Access to high-quality CPD and career progression opportunities across Lift Schools
• Supportive culture: A collaborative, inclusive team where your contribution is valued
• Generous benefits: Pension scheme, wellbeing cash plan and financial support
• Lifestyle perks: Discounted gym memberships, travel deals and more

If you would like a confidential discussion or to arrange a visit, please contact Ben Kilgannon at [e-mail]

We review applications as they are received and encourage early applications.

Closing Date: 21 September 2026

Start Date: As soon as possible

• Safer Recruitment Statement - September 2026.pdf
• Teaching Assistant Job Description and Person Specification (8).pdf