Teaching and Learning Assistant - East Preston Infant School

EMEA3 Recruitment; Angmering on Sea; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

East Preston Infant School seeks a dedicated Teaching and Learning Assistant to support children's learning, confidence and wellbeing in a nurturing environment. This vibrant, three-form entry school is part of a warm community guided by a whole-school Therapeutic Thinking approach and a commitment to staff well-being.

The position is fixed-term, Monday–Friday 8.45–3.15 during term time, with interviews on 22nd October 2026 and start date on 4th November (flexible for the right candidate).

Qualifications

• Have a passion for working with children and building positive relationships with both children and adults.
• Demonstrate a positive, optimistic, flexible and solution-focused approach, remaining calm, caring and professional at all times.
• Be confident in supporting children with additional needs, including 1:1 support, and in working with young people with disabilities, learning and behavioural needs to develop effective strategies that enable success.
• Have experience managing a range of challenging behaviours, ideally using therapeutic thinking approaches.
• Possess good literacy and numeracy skills (GCSE level or above) and relevant experience, ideally within Early Years or Key Stage 1.
• Work effectively as part of a team while maintaining confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Support children's learning, confidence and wellbeing in a nurturing environment within East Preston Infant School.
• Provide 1:1 support for children with additional needs and collaborate with colleagues to develop effective strategies.
• Assist with maintaining positive behaviour and a therapeutic approach to classroom routines when appropriate.

Skills

Passion for children

Positive & adaptable mindset

1:1 support for additional needs

Therapeutic thinking approaches

Literacy and numeracy (GCSE+)

Teamwork & confidentiality

Education

GCSEs or equivalent

Job description

About Us

Are you passionate about helping children succeed?

We are looking for an enthusiastic Teaching and Learning Assistant to join our friendly and dedicated team at East Preston Infant School. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting children's learning, confidence and wellbeing within a school where every child is encouraged to flourish.

At East Preston Infant School, children come first. You will help to maintain a nurturing environment where every child feels happy, secure and valued, enabling them to achieve their full potential and develop a lifelong love of learning. We are seeking someone who is passionate about supporting children's learning, promoting independence and making a positive difference to young lives.

In return, you will join a warm, inclusive and welcoming school community where staff are valued, supported and encouraged to grow professionally. East Preston Infant School is a popular three-form entry school at the heart of the local community. Guided by our vision, "Learning, playing and laughing together to be the best that we can be", we are proud to be a Gold Rights Respecting School and use a whole-school Therapeutic Thinking approach to promote positive behaviour and support all children to thrive.

Our June 2025 Ofsted report highlighted that "Staff well-being and ongoing training for staff are high priorities for leaders. Staff are valued members of this close-knit community."

Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to interview and appoint before the closing date.

For more information about the school, visit www.epinf.co.uk

Job Details

Salary: Grade 3-4 dependent on experience £25,941 - £26, 769 FTE.

Actual: £17,716- £18,282

Contract Type: Fixed Term, initially

Working Pattern: Monday - Friday 8.45-3.15 (30-minute lunch break), term time only

Interviews: 22nd October 2026

Start date: 4th November (flexible for the right candidate)

What You Need to Succeed

• Have a passion for working with children and building positive relationships with both children and adults.
• Demonstrate a positive, optimistic, flexible and solution-focused approach, remaining calm, caring and professional at all times.
• Be confident in supporting children with additional needs, including 1:1 support, and in working with young people with disabilities, learning and behavioural needs to develop effective strategies that enable success.
• Have experience managing a range of challenging behaviours, ideally using therapeutic thinking approaches.
• Possess good literacy and numeracy skills (GCSE level or above) and relevant experience, ideally within Early Years or Key Stage 1.
• Work effectively as part of a team while maintaining confidentiality.

Further Information

East Preston Infant School and West Sussex County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service check along with other relevant employment checks, including satisfactory references.