Senior Learning Assistant

St Helens Council; St Helens; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Thatto Heath Community Primary School is seeking an enthusiastic Level 3 Early Years Practitioner to join its EYFS team. You will work in either the 2-year-old provision or Pre-School, leading a room, and ensuring high-quality practice for our youngest learners.

You will collaborate with the EYFS Lead, SENCO and families to meet individual needs, contribute to planning, and support development in a technology-rich environment for 600+ pupils.

Qualifications

• Hold a full and relevant Level 3 EY qualification recognised for EYFS ratios.
• Meet the current DfE requirements for a Level 2 English qualification.
• Paediatric First Aid qualification must be held or obtained within three months.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day organisation of the 2-year-old provision or Pre-School.
• Support planning and delivery of engaging, developmentally appropriate learning.
• Assess and monitor children's development and plan next steps.
• Create a warm, nurturing environment for young children.
• Collaborate with EYFS Lead, SENCO, parents and professionals to meet needs.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Patience

Creativity

Initiative

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

DfE English Level 2 qualification

Paediatric First Aid

Job description

“An Amazing Journey Stars here”

Thatto Heath Community Primary School is a thriving 3-form entry primary school catering for pupils aged 2-11. Thatto Heath is a flagship school for Inclusion, holding the prestigious Inclusion Quality Mark. The school boasts a wide range of curriculum awards, a long-serving headteacher, and a stable, dedicated staff team. Situated on a large site with extensive grounds, including two MUGA pitches, the school provides a cutting-edge, technology-rich learning environment for its 600+ pupils.

We are currently seeking an enthusiastic, experienced and dedicated Level 3 Early Years Practitioner to join our thriving Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) department. The successful candidate will work within either our 2-year-old provision or our Pre-School, depending on experience, strengths and the needs of the setting. You will take a leading role within the room, working closely with our EYFS Lead and wider Early Years team to ensure high-quality provision for our youngest children.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take a leading role in the day-to-day organisation and running of either our 2-year-old provision or Pre-School, helping to ensure consistently high-quality practice.
• Support and guide practitioners within the room and contribute to the planning and delivery of engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
• Contribute to the assessment and monitoring of children's development and progress, identifying appropriate next steps and any additional support required.
• Create a warm, nurturing and stimulating environment in which our youngest children feel safe, happy and confident to learn.
• Work closely with the EYFS Lead, SENCO, parents and other professionals to ensure children's individual needs are met and support plans are implemented effectively.

Requirements:

• Hold a full and relevant Level 3 (or higher) Early Years qualification recognised by the Department for Education for inclusion in EYFS staff:child ratios (for example, an approved Early Years Educator Level 3 qualification). Applicants must also meet the current DfE requirements for a suitable Level 2 English qualification. Where required under the EYFS qualification rules, a suitable Paediatric First Aid qualification must be held or obtained within three months of starting work.
• Experience working with young children in an Early Years setting, with the confidence to take responsibility for leading practice within a room
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues
• Patience, creativity, initiative and a genuine passion for supporting the holistic development of young children

Desirable Qualities:

• Strong knowledge of the EYFS and best practice in early years education
• Experience of supporting children with special educational needs and/or additional needs
• Experience of supporting or leading other practitioners would be advantageous

At Thatto Heath, we believe that happy, motivated staff create the best learning experience. That’s why we prioritize wellbeing, celebrate achievements, and foster a strong sense of belonging.

Come join us — where your passion for education meets a community that truly cares.

Thatto Heath is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Full Job Description & Person Specification Documents are included with this advert.

This is an Enhanced Disclosure post.

We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, who share our values, our commitment to inclusion, and who will help us on our journey to transform our organisation. The Council guarantees an interview to disabled applicants who demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria for the job, as detailed on the Person Specification, and will, for qualifying disabled candidates, make reasonable adjustments within selection.