Nursery Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council; North East; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

A local education authority is seeking a motivated Nursery Teaching Assistant to support children's learning in a nurturing environment. This fixed-term position offers 15 hours per week during term time plus two additional weeks. Ideal candidates should have a strong understanding of children's learning and relevant Early Years qualifications. The role entails supporting children with SEND and maintaining an engaging classroom atmosphere. Opportunities for professional development are also provided.

Qualifications

• Good understanding of children’s learning.
• Sound practical, interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Experience of supporting children with significant SEND needs.
• Experience of working in a maintained Nursery setting.

Responsibilities

• Support children's learning in the Nursery.
• Maintain a happy and caring environment.
• Collaborate with staff and the Governing Body.

Skills

Understanding of children’s learning

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Experience with SEND

Experience in Nursery setting

Education

Early Years qualification meeting 'full and relevant' criteria

Job description

Nursery Teaching Assistant

Grade 3, £25,185 - £25,989 pro rata

Term time only plus 2 weeks

Fixed Term from 26th January 2026 until 31st August 2026

Hours per week 15 hours, 8.45am – 11.45am

The Governors of Wolsingham Primary School wish to appoint a highly motivated and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to work in the Nursery.

We can offer:

• An exciting opportunity to be part of our school which is situated in a rural community presenting huge educational opportunities
• Enthusiastic, hard-working children
• A happy, caring supportive school
• A dedicated staff and a fully committed Governing Body
• Opportunities to further develop as a professional

In return, we are looking for someone who has:

• A good understanding of children’s learning.
• Sound practical, interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Experience of supporting children with significant SEND needs.
• Experience of working in a maintained Nursery setting.

Applicants must hold a qualification that meets the approved ‘full and relevant’ criteria for Early Years qualifications and inclusion in staffing ratios.

The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Visits to our school are welcomed and strongly encouraged and can be arranged by contacting our school office.

Calculation of term time only plus two weeks’ pay

Term time only plus two additional weeks’ pay is calculated on the basis of the following:

• Number of ‘teaching’ weeks – 38 weeks; plus
• Public (bank) holidays – 1.6 weeks (8 days); plus
• Two additional weeks, inclusive of CPD – 2 weeks; plus
• Individual leave entitlement - 5.4 weeks (27 days) or 6.4 weeks (32 days)

Individual leave entitlement is calculated on the length of continuous service. Employees with less than 5 years’ service will receive 27 days annual leave. Employees with more than 5 years’ service will receive 32 days annual leave. For example:

Calculation for employees with less than 5 years’ service:
40 weeks (term time plus 2) + 27 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 47 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments

Calculation for employees with more than 5 years’ service:
40 weeks (term time plus 2) + 32 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 48 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments

This post is not open to job share.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and, if successful, you will need to apply for an enhanced DBS disclosure.

As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required.

Application forms are available from this website and should be returned to the school.

Closing date: 9th January 2026

We anticipate interviews will take place on Friday 16th January 2026.

We look forward to hearing from you and receiving your application.

Wolsingham Primary School
Uppertown
Wolsingham
Bishop Auckland
County Durham
DL13 3ET

Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.wolsingham-pri.durham.sch.uk