Primary Teaching Assistant. Job in Thornton Heath Education & Training Jobs

Long Term Futures Ltd; City Of London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable educational staffing agency is searching for a Primary Teaching Assistant for immediate short-term cover in January at a school in Thornton Heath. The role requires flexibility and proactivity to support a Year 1 class. Candidates should have prior experience in a Teaching Assistant role, knowledge of Key Stage 1, and excellent communication skills. Offering competitive daily pay and personalized support, this position presents an opportunity for immediate work within a supportive primary school environment.

Benefits

Competitive daily pay

Access to free CPD courses

Rapid trial half-day opportunity

Qualifications

• Must have previous experience in a Teaching Assistant capacity, especially in Key Stage 1.
• Knowledge of the Key Stage 1 curriculum is essential.
• Requires a patient and nurturing personality for working with young children.
• Immediate availability for the entire month of January 2026 is crucial.

Responsibilities

• Deliver support within the Year 1 classroom and lead small intervention groups.
• Maintain a positive learning environment and model good social skills.
• Provide general classroom assistance and help manage children’s routines.

Skills

Flexible

Adaptable

Proactive

Excellent communication skills

Education

Experience as Teaching Assistant or similar child-focused role

Job description

Primary Teaching Assistant - Thornton Heath, Year 1 Cover (Short-Term)

Location: Thornton Heath, South London (Croydon Borough)
Pay: 100- 120 per day (Reflecting need for immediate, short-term commitment) Contract: Temporary Cover
Start Date: Immediate Start in January 2026
Duration: Short-Term Cover (January only)
Hours: 08:30 - 16:30, Monday to Friday (Term Time Only)
Commutable From: Croydon, Norbury, Mitcham, Streatham, Purley, Beckenham

Long Term Futures is urgently seeking a highly flexible, adaptable, and proactive Primary Teaching Assistant to provide essential short-term cover for the month of January within a supportive primary school community in the heart of Thornton Heath. This role is primarily focused on supporting a Year 1 class.

We are specialising in finding proactive support staff who can seamlessly step into a classroom and make an immediate impact on the academic and social development of younger pupils, specifically within Key Stage 1 (KS1). Our focus for this role is securing an experienced candidate for a stable, defined temporary placement to cover an absence.

To make the process smoother and faster for this immediate need, we will prioritise candidates available for a rapid, paid trial half-day rather than a formal, lengthy interview.

The Role

• Deliver vital support within the Year 1 classroom and confidently lead small intervention groups focused on early literacy (e.g., phonics) and numeracy.

• Foster a positive learning environment and model good social skills, particularly during structured tasks and independent learning.

• Be flexible and adaptable to the changing daily needs of the classroom and the teacher's instructions.

• Be proactive in identifying pupils who require additional assistance and stepping in without being prompted.

• Provide general classroom assistance, which may involve helping the class teacher with tasks such as marking pupil work, preparing resources, and setting up activities.

• Help maintain pupil confidence and routine during a period of staff cover.

• Work in close partnership with the class teacher to assist with day-to-day lesson delivery and classroom management.

What We Are Looking For

• Previous experience in a Teaching Assistant capacity or a similar child-focused support role is essential, with specific experience in Key Stage 1 (Year 1 is highly desirable).

• Solid knowledge of the Key Stage 1 curriculum.

• A patient, adaptable, and nurturing personality suitable for working with 5-6-year-old children.

• A proactive work ethic and the ability to manage tasks independently.

• Excellent communication skills to build rapport quickly with pupils, colleagues, and parents.

• Crucially, immediate and confirmed availability for the entire month of January 2026.

What We Offer

• Immediate, consistent, short-term work for January.

• Competitive daily pay reflecting the urgency and commitment required.

• Personalised support from a dedicated specialist consultant.

• Access to free Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses, such as phonics training and speech and language support.

• The opportunity for a rapid, paid trial half-day to bypass the standard interview pressure.

How to Apply

1. Send in your up-to-date CV.

2. Have a friendly initial chat with Jack at Long Term Futures.

3. Complete the necessary compliance checks (Right to Work, DBS, and professional references).

4. Undertake a brief video interview regarding safeguarding procedures.

5. Attend a rapid trial half-day at the school.

6. Start your new role in January!

If you are interested in this position for short-term Year 1 cover in January or would like to hear about other education vacancies in Thornton Heath and the surrounding areas, please contact Jack at Long Term Futures today.

Please note: To be considered for a trial day, you must hold a valid, up-to-date DBS certificate and be able to provide two professional references.