Teaching Assistant

St Bernard's Preparatory School; Slough; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

St Bernard’s Preparatory School in Slough is seeking a full-time Teaching Assistant to support learning across Key Stage 1 and 2. The role requires prior TA experience, with SEN experience highly desirable, and a warm, proactive approach to help every child reach their potential.

You will work closely with class teachers, contribute to phonics sessions and pastoral care, and be part of a supportive, ambitious school community. January 2027 start date.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Teaching Assistant is essential.
• Experience supporting children with SEN is highly desirable.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Warm, proactive and adaptable to individual pupil needs.

Responsibilities

• Support teaching and learning across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
• Deliver small-group phonics sessions and support early reading development.
• Provide attentive pastoral care and support individual or group needs.
• Work with Class Teachers to plan, monitor and adapt activities.
• Maintain records and communicate progress and wellbeing to parents through established channels.

Job description

Are you passionate about helping children thrive, discover their potential and develop a lifelong love of learning?

St Bernard’s Prep is seeking to appoint a caring, enthusiastic and committed Full-Time Teaching Assistant to join our friendly and dedicated team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about education and wants to make a genuine difference to the lives of children within a supportive and ambitious school community. Please note a job share would be considered.

The successful candidate will work across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, supporting children’s academic progress, personal development and wellbeing. Previous experience working as a Teaching Assistant is essential, with experience supporting children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) being highly desirable.

We are looking for someone who brings energy, initiative and a positive approach to the classroom; someone who understands that every child learns differently and is committed to helping each pupil reach their full potential.

At St Bernard’s Prep, we pride ourselves on providing a warm, nurturing and inclusive learning environment where children are encouraged to grow in confidence, develop independence and achieve their best. The successful candidate will play an important role in supporting this ethos and contributing to the continued development of our school.

The Role and Responsibilities

Working closely with Class Teachers and other members of staff, the Teaching Assistant will:

Supporting Teaching and Learning

• Support teaching and learning across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, helping to create an engaging, stimulating and inclusive classroom environment.
• Work collaboratively with Class Teachers to maximise learning opportunities and ensure children are supported and appropriately challenged.
• Provide targeted support to individuals and small groups, adapting activities and resources to meet childrens’ varying abilities and learning needs.
• Deliver small-group phonics sessions and support the development of early reading skills.
• Encourage independence, resilience, curiosity and positive learning behaviours.
• Promote a love of learning and help children develop confidence in their own abilities.
• Support the implementation of the school’s curriculum, policies and teaching and learning practices.

Supporting Children’s Development and Wellbeing

• Provide attentive and nurturing pastoral care, ensuring children feel safe, valued and supported.
• Recognise and respond sensitively to children’s individual needs, including those with additional learning requirements.
• Work closely with Class Teachers and relevant staff to identify and support children who may need additional help or challenge.
• Contribute to the effective communication of relevant information regarding childrens’ academic progress, achievements and wellbeing.
• Build positive relationships with children, colleagues and parents, supporting effective communication between school and home where appropriate.

Working as Part of the School Team

• Work collaboratively with Class Teachers, Curriculum Leaders, the Deputy Head and Headteacher, following guidance and established school procedures.
• Attend meetings as required.
• Participate in staff training, professional development days and other relevant opportunities to develop professional knowledge and skills.
• Maintain accurate and appropriate records and ensure that communications from parents are passed on through the school’s established channels.
• Follow the school’s Staff Handbook, policies, procedures and professional expectations.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues regarding important events, updates, deadlines and matters affecting the day-to-day running of the school.
• Contribute positively to the wider life of the school, including its co-curricular activities and community events.

Safeguarding and School Ethos

• Uphold the school’s safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all pupils.
• Promote the Catholic ethos of the school, supporting the spiritual, intellectual, moral, cultural, physical and social development of every child.
• Demonstrate professionalism, discretion and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of conduct.
• Contribute to a positive, respectful and inclusive school community.

The Ideal Candidate

• Is warm, caring, enthusiastic and passionate about working with children.
• Has previous experience as a Teaching Assistant, ideally within a primary school setting.
• Has experience supporting children with SEN, or a genuine interest in developing their skills in this area.
• Has a good understanding of how children learn and develop.
• Can adapt learning activities and resources to meet individual needs.
• Is confident supporting small groups and delivering structured learning activities, including phonics.
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Can build positive, trusting relationships with children, colleagues and parents.
• Is proactive, flexible and able to use their initiative while working as part of a team.
• Is committed to their own professional development and willing to learn new skills.
• Shares our commitment to providing a nurturing, inclusive and inspiring learning environment.

Co-Curricular Commitment

St Bernard’s Prep offers a broad and enriching curriculum, alongside a wide range of co-curricular opportunities in sport, music, drama and art. The successful candidate will be encouraged to contribute positively to the wider life of the school and support the many opportunities available to our pupils.

Salary and Appointment

• Position: Full-time, Monday to Friday term time only + support staff inset days.
• Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8.00am-5pm or 7.30am–1.00pm/1.00pm-6pm.
• Salary: Dependent upon experience.
• Start date: January 2027.

What we offer:

• Benefits include school fee remission, life assurance, salary sacrifice pension scheme & GP24hr service
• Wellbeing benefits include free annual eye test, annual flu vaccination and access to our Employee Assistance programme.
• An additional Wellbeing Day off.
• Free staff lunch is provided during term time.
• Car parking onsite.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a welcoming school community and play a meaningful role in shaping children’s learning experiences and future success.

Further Information

If you have any questions regarding the role, please contact our Office Manager, Mrs Bally Buttar, on 01753 521821, extension 202.

We look forward to hearing from enthusiastic and committed candidates who share our passion for helping children flourish.