Teaching Assistant

First Recruitment Services; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Beautiful rural location

Professional development

Supportive team

Engaged pupils

Job summary

First Recruitment Services, partnering with a highly reputable education client, is recruiting a Teaching Assistant to join KS1 on a maternity cover contract starting October 2026.

Based around the Haywards Heath area, the role is term-time only (41.25 hours/week) with a salary of £22,199. A driving license and own transport are essential due to rural location, and DBS screening applies.

Qualifications

• Qualified to Level 3 or above in a relevant childcare or education qualification.
• Experienced working with primary-aged children, ideally within Key Stage 1.
• Passionate about supporting children's learning and wellbeing.
• Creative, enthusiastic and energetic.
• Flexible, adaptable and highly organised.
• An excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
• Able to work effectively as part of a professional and supportive team.
• Driver with own transport essential due to rural workplace location.

Responsibilities

• Support teaching and learning within Key Stage 1 classrooms.
• Assist pupils with activities, learning interventions and classroom tasks.
• Encourage confidence, independence and positive behaviour.
• Help create an engaging and stimulating learning environment.
• Support children's social, emotional and educational development.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, colleagues and parents.
• Assist with after-school activities and wrap-around care provision.
• Provide support during occasional school holiday childcare sessions.

Skills

Energy and enthusiasm

Excellent communication

Flexible and well-organised

Driver with own transport

Education

Level 3 childcare qualification

Job description

We are very pleased to be working alongside our highly reputable education client as they seek to recruit a Teaching Assistant to join them in October 2026. This is a 12 month maternity leave cover contract which could extend or be made permanent.

Teaching Assistant - KS1 (qualified to level 3) - maternity cover contract

Workplace based around 7 miles north of Haywards Heath.

12 month contract role - Term time only. Mon, Wed, Thu (Apply online only) plus Tue and Fri (Apply online only). Total hours per week 41.25 term time only

Salary - £22199 per year for 41.25 hours per week, working term times only.

The job holder will need to drive and have their own transport due to rural workplace location. Role is subject to successful DBS screening.

Along with the above salary and hours, this role also offers:

• The opportunity to join a respected and highly regarded school
• Beautiful rural working environment
• Supportive and professional team culture
• Engaged, enthusiastic pupils who love learning
• A rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference
• Opportunities for professional development

The role - Teaching Assistant - KS1

This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate education professional who enjoys supporting young children in their learning journey and helping them reach their full potential within a nurturing, inspiring and innovative school environment.

As a Key Stage 1 Teaching Assistant, you will provide valuable classroom support, helping pupils to engage, develop and succeed in their learning. You will work closely with teaching staff to create a positive and stimulating learning environment while supporting children's academic, social and emotional development.

The role also includes supporting the After-School Provision and assisting with occasional holiday care throughout the academic year (around 10 days across the academic year)

Duties and responsibilities include -

• Support teaching and learning within Key Stage 1 classrooms
• Assist pupils with activities, learning interventions and classroom tasks
• Encourage confidence, independence and positive behaviour
• Help create an engaging and stimulating learning environment
• Support children's social, emotional and educational development
• Work collaboratively with teachers, colleagues and parents
• Assist with after-school activities and wrap-around care provision
• Provide support during occasional school holiday childcare sessions

Experience, skills and competencies required:

We're seeking a motivated and caring Early Years professional who brings energy, creativity and enthusiasm.

Essential Requirements

• Qualified to Level 3 or above in a relevant childcare or education qualification
• Experienced working with primary-aged children, ideally within Key Stage 1
• Passionate about supporting children's learning and wellbeing
• Creative, enthusiastic and energetic
• Flexible, adaptable and highly organised
• An excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills
• Able to work effectively as part of a professional and supportive team
• Driver with own transport essential due to rural workplace location

Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and ability to perform the duties of the job