Teaching Assistant

Blenheim Schools; Essex; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Blenheim Schools is seeking a Teaching Assistant at Oakfields Preparatory School in Upminster. You will support students, including those with SEN, and collaborate with the class teacher to deliver engaging learning experiences in a nurturing Early Years/Lower School setting.

Ideal candidates hold NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and GCSEs, with strong communication, teamwork and safeguarding commitment to help every child flourish.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 qualification in Childcare.
• GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, parents and colleagues at all levels.
• Caring, patient and adaptable approach to supporting students.
• Commitment to safeguarding, student wellbeing and professional standards.

Responsibilities

• Support students in accessing learning activities, including those with SEN.
• Work alongside the class teacher to deliver high-quality learning experiences.
• Encourage students to develop confidence, independence and positive relationships.
• Monitor students' progress and provide regular feedback to staff.
• Uphold safeguarding and health and safety procedures.
• Create and maintain a safe, stimulating classroom environment.
• Support children during group activities and 1:1 learning.

Skills

Excellent communication

Teamwork

IT skills (MS Office)

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Childcare

GCSE English & Maths (C/4+)

Job description

Lead the Past. Influence the Future

Job Title: Teaching Assistant
Location: Oakfields Prep, Harwood Hall Lane, RM14 2YG
Salary: £20,000.00 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent Term Time

About the School

Oakfields Preparatory School is an independent day school located in Upminster, where tradition meets dynamism, creating an extraordinary pathway of opportunities for students aged 3 to 11.

At Oakfields, we prioritise small class sizes and provide a nurturing and stimulating environment. We are dedicated to delivering a bespoke and enriched curriculum tailored to each student's needs. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond academics; we prioritise the holistic development of each student, fostering their caring nature and building confidence.

We offer an energetic and diverse range of extra-curricular activities and enrichment programmes aimed at increasing learning opportunities for all students, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Nursery Assistant Practitioner to join our fantastic team.

Role Purpose

This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate Teaching Assistant to play a key role in supporting students' learning, development and wellbeing. Working closely with teachers and the wider Early Years/Lower School team, you will help create a positive, nurturing and engaging learning environment where every child can thrive.

In this role, you will:

• Support students in accessing learning activities, including those with Special Educational Needs.
• Work alongside the class teacher to deliver high-quality learning experiences and support the planning and assessment process.
• Encourage students to develop confidence, independence and positive relationships with others.
• Monitor students' progress, adapting support where appropriate and providing regular feedback to teaching staff.
• Act as a positive role model, promoting high expectations for behaviour and learning.
• Create and maintain a purposeful, safe and stimulating classroom environment.
• Support children during group activities and one-to-one learning opportunities.
• Contribute to the planning, assessment and delivery of learning in line with the EYFS and Lower School curriculum.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure strong communication and smooth transitions for students.
• Uphold safeguarding, health and safety, and wellbeing procedures at all times.

About You

We are looking for a caring, enthusiastic and dedicated individual who is passionate about helping children achieve their full potential. You will enjoy building positive relationships with students and colleagues and be committed to supporting both learning and personal development.

You will have:

• An NVQ Level 3 qualification in Childcare (or equivalent).
• GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above, or equivalent qualifications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• The ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
• Good IT skills, including competence in Microsoft Office applications.
• The ability to communicate effectively with children, parents and colleagues at all levels.
• A caring, patient and adaptable approach to supporting students.
• The confidence to use your initiative while working collaboratively with teaching staff.
• A commitment to safeguarding, student wellbeing and maintaining the highest professional standards.

Above all, you will be passionate about making a positive difference to children's educational journeys and helping to create an environment where every student feels supported, valued and inspired to succeed.

About Blenheim Schools

Blenheim Schools is a growing family of innovative, high-quality independent schools committed to enabling outstanding futures for every student. Our ethos centres on truly understanding each child, their talents, character and aspirations by providing a personalised, ambitious education that helps every child to thrive.

We deliver a broad, enriching curriculum supported by tailored teaching and exceptional pastoral care. We celebrate individuality, nurture confidence and champion every learner so they can discover their strengths and achieve their potential.

Joining Blenheim Schools means becoming part of a collaborative, forward-thinking community that values creativity, inclusion and professional growth. Our teams are united by a shared belief in the power of education to transform lives and by a commitment to delivering outstanding experiences for students and families.

We are proud to be part of OFG Education, which in 2025 was officially certified as a Great Place to Work for the sixth consecutive year.

OFG Education is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, OFG Education does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.