Teaching Assistant - initially in EY

Durham County Council; North East; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

A local education authority is seeking a passionate Teaching Assistant for Early Years to support children in a primary school. The successful candidate will work part-time during term time, with the expectation to engage actively in school life. This role requires flexibility and a commitment to high teaching standards. If you are motivated to make a difference in children's education and well-being, we look forward to your application.

Qualifications

• Exceptional, motivated, and skillful person passionate about early years education.
• Ability to demonstrate high standards of teaching and learning.
• Willingness to fully participate in all aspects of school life.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals and small groups in Early Years Foundation Stage throughout the day.
• Participate actively in school initiatives.
• Converse in accurate spoken English with parents and children.

Skills

Excellent classroom practice

Ability to work as part of a team

Flexibility

Good sense of humour

Passion for teaching

Job description

Teaching Assistant (initially in Early Years)

Grade 3 £25,185 – £25,989 (pro rata)

Temporary, Term time only plus 2 weeks

Part time, 9.00am – 3.30pm, 30 hours per week. Required from January 2026 until 31 August 2026. Required for January 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter).

We are looking to appoint an outstanding Teaching Assistant to join our teaching team in EYFS to support individuals and possibly small groups where required throughout the day.

We are looking to appoint someone who:

• Is an exceptional, motivated and skillful person who is passionate and reflective about their work
• Can demonstrate excellent classroom practice with high standards of teaching and learning which values all children
• Has very high expectations of all children and themselves
• Is able to work well as part of a team
• Is willing to participate fully in all aspects of school life
• Is quick to take on new initiatives
• Is flexible and has a good sense of humour.

The post is open to those newly qualifying, as well as those with more experience. Please make special reference to any skills or qualities you have which you would deem particularly relevant to an inclusive school. If you are this kind of person we would like to hear from you.

Visits to the school are most welcome – telephone the Head Teacher or Deputy Head Teacher on 01833 660334.

In line with the County Council’s Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Any information provided on CVs will not be considered for short‑listing purposes.

Durham County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We want to develop a more diverse workforce, and we positively welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Applicants with disabilities will be invited for interview if the essential job criteria are met.

The Governing Body is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS / CRB Enhanced Disclosure.

This post is open to job share.

Calculation of term time only plus two weeks’ pay:

• Number of ‘teaching’ weeks – 38 weeks; plus
• Public (bank) holidays – 1.6 weeks (8 days); plus
• Two additional weeks, inclusive of CPD – 2 weeks; plus
• Individual leave entitlement – 5.4 weeks (27 days) or 6.4 weeks (32 days)

For example, for employees with less than 5 years’ service: 40 weeks (term time plus 2) + 27 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 47 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments.

For employees with more than 5 years’ service: 40 weeks (term time plus 2) + 32 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 48 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments.

The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and, if successful, you will need to apply for an enhanced DBS disclosure.

As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions and making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required.

Closing date: 7 January 2026

Interview date: W/C 15 January 2026

Staindrop Church of England Primary School
Black Swan Wynd
Staindrop
Co Durham
DL2 3NL

Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]