Teaching Assistant

Tempest Resourcing Limited; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Graduate Learning Support Assistant for a full-time position in Maidstone, Kent. The role involves providing support to teaching staff and pupils, particularly those with additional needs. Ideal candidates will have a degree, excellent communication skills, and a passion for education. This position offers valuable classroom experience ahead of teacher training, with a supportive environment to enhance your teaching skills.

Benefits

Mentoring and training opportunities

Classroom experience for future teaching careers

Supportive school environment

Qualifications

• Passion for education and working with children.
• Willingness to learn and reflect on practice.
• Eligible to work in the UK and pass DBS checks.

Responsibilities

• Support teaching staff to promote positive learning.
• Provide 1:1 or small group support for pupils.
• Monitor and record pupil progress and engagement.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Proactive time management

Ability to engage with students

Education

Degree (in any subject)

Job description

Graduate Learning Support Assistant (LSA) / Trainee Teacher Support Role

Location: Kent
Contract: Full-time, term-time (with possible training weeks)
Start Date: ASAP

Overview

We are looking for a motivated graduate who is passionate about education, committed to supporting pupil achievement, and eager to gain hands‑on experience in a school setting as preparation for teacher training. This role provides exposure to classroom practice, behaviour management, intervention support and working alongside qualified teachers and the SEND/SEN team.

Key Responsibilities

• Support teaching staff in the classroom to promote positive learning and behaviour.
• Provide 1:1 or small‑group support for pupils (including those with additional learning needs / SEN) to help them access the curriculum.
• Help pupils understand and follow the teacher’s instructions and the learning tasks.
• Assist in preparing and maintaining teaching resources, and help with classroom organisation.
• Monitor and record pupil progress / behaviour / engagement, and feed back to the teacher or SENCo.
• Contribute to intervention sessions, either in class or in a dedicated support setting.
• Promote the inclusion of all pupils, helping boost self‑esteem, independence and social integration.
• Work alongside classroom teachers and the SEN team to adapt materials and differentiate tasks for varying ability levels.
• Participate in professional development and training, particularly with a view to future teacher training.
• Comply with all safeguarding, health & safety, confidentiality and school policies and procedures.

Person Specification / Requirements

Essential:

• Degree (in any subject) – recent graduate.
• A genuine passion for working with children and young people and building a career in education (teacher training, educational psychology, etc).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, confident engaging with pupils, colleagues and parents.
• Ability to work proactively, manage own time and support pupils’ learning.
• Willingness to learn, receive training, reflect on practice and develop professionally.
• Able to commit during term‑time, attend training sessions and act professionally in a school environment.
• Eligible to work in the UK; able to meet DBS / safeguarding checks as required.

Desirable:

• Some prior experience working with children (volunteering, tutoring, summer camps, etc).
• Experience or interest in working with pupils with special educational needs (SEN) or English as an Additional Language (EAL).
• An understanding of or interest in behaviour management, differentiation and inclusion practice.
• Intent to progress into teacher training (PGCE, School Direct, QTS route) in the future.

Working Conditions & Benefits

• Typical hours: circa 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (exact times may vary) during term‑time.
• Daily rate: around £90‑£120 per day.
• Full‑time role in a school environment, alongside experienced teaching staff.
• Excellent preparation for future teacher training: gain solid classroom experience, build relationships with staff, see how lessons are delivered, and start to build a portfolio of practice.
• Supportive, inclusive school environment with opportunities for training, mentoring and progression.

Why This Role is Valuable for Teacher Training

• Gain real classroom experience ahead of applying for teacher training, favourably viewed by training providers.
• Develop skills in classroom management, differentiation, intervention, monitoring pupil progress and working with SEN/EAL pupils – all key to effective teaching.
• Bridge into teaching, enabling you to test your commitment and build your network and references within a school.
• Many schools highlight graduate LSA roles as ideal for those "considering a career in education, psychology, social work or youth mentoring."

Job Type

Full‑time

Work Location

In person