Teaching Assistant (EYFS)

Rydon Primary School; Highweek; On-site; GBP 11,000 - 14,000; Full time

Job summary

Rydon Primary School is seeking a caring Teaching Assistant to support our EYFS team. You will help children access learning, foster positive relationships and support development across all areas.

Working with teachers and the SENDCo, you will contribute to a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child can thrive, participate in transitions and educational visits, and help reflect progress.

Qualifications

• Experience in EYFS settings is essential.
• Patience, empathy and nurturing approach.
• Strong understanding of child development and EYFS.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work well in a team.
• Commitment to inclusive practice and meeting diverse needs.
• Demonstrates initiative and willingness to learn.
• Positive, proactive attitude to help children reach potential.

Responsibilities

• Support children within the EYFS classroom and outdoor learning environment.
• Assist children to access learning activities across the EYFS curriculum.
• Support children with learning, communication, social and developmental needs.
• Adapt and reinforce teacher-directed activities as appropriate.
• Promote independence, confidence and resilience.
• Encourage positive behaviour and implement agreed strategies.
• Observe, monitor and record progress, provide feedback to teachers.
• Collaborate with teaching staff, support staff and external professionals.
• Support children during transitions, lunchtimes, visits and other activities.
• Contribute to a safe, inclusive and stimulating learning environment.

Skills

EYFS experience

Patience

Empathy

Communication skills

Teamwork

Inclusive practice

Initiative

Adaptability

Job description

Teaching Assistant (EYFS)

Grade: Teaching assistant scale (Support C)
Hours: 26.25 hours per week, 39 weeks per year (term time only)
Start Date: October 2026
Contract Type: Fixed Term

About the Role

Rydon Primary School is seeking to appoint a caring, committed and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) team.

The successful candidate will support a range of children within the EYFS environment, helping them to access learning opportunities, develop positive relationships and make progress across all areas of development. Working closely with teachers, support staff and the SENDCo, you will play a vital role in creating a nurturing, inclusive and engaging learning environment where all children can thrive.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about early childhood education and committed to helping children achieve their full potential.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Support children within the EYFS classroom and outdoor learning environment.
• Assist children to access learning activities across all areas of the EYFS curriculum.
• Support children with a range of learning, communication, social, emotional and developmental needs.
• Adapt and reinforce teacher-directed learning activities as appropriate.
• Promote children's independence, confidence and resilience.
• Encourage positive behaviour and support the implementation of agreed strategies.
• Observe, monitor and record children's progress, providing feedback to teachers and the SENDCo.
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff, support staff and external professionals where appropriate.
• Support children during transitions, lunchtimes, educational visits and other school activities as required.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe, inclusive and stimulating learning environment.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience of working with young children, preferably within an EYFS setting.
• Demonstrate patience, empathy and a nurturing approach.
• Have a good understanding of child development and the Early Years Foundation Stage.
• Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Be able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Be committed to inclusive practice and supporting children with a range of needs.
• Show initiative, flexibility and a willingness to learn.
• Have a positive, proactive attitude and a commitment to helping children achieve their full potential.

We Can Offer

• A welcoming, friendly and supportive school community.
• Dedicated support from experienced colleagues and school leaders.
• Opportunities for high-quality professional development and training.
• A strong commitment to staff wellbeing.
• The opportunity to play a key role in supporting children's early learning and development.

Contract Information

This post is offered on a fixed term basis linked to the support of children.

Education South West is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post. This includes checks with past employers, an online check of publicly available information, including social media, and an enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service