Teaching Assistant KS1

Polruan Primary Academy; Polruan; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Polruan Primary Academy is seeking an experienced Teaching Assistant to join our small, caring school community. We require EYFS knowledge and extensive experience supporting children with SEND.

The successful candidate will be proactive, patient and calm, committed to helping every child thrive. The role includes 27.5 hours as TA and 2.5 hours as Lunchtime Supervisor, 39 teaching weeks per year, with an FTE salary of £25,948.96 and actual salary £17,632.55.

Qualifications

• EYFS knowledge and SEND experience are required.
• Experience using Read Write Inc. or other systematic phonics programmes.

Responsibilities

• Support high-quality teaching and learning across the classroom.
• Provide targeted support to pupils with SEND as required.
• Use Read Write Inc. and other phonics programmes to help children read, write and spell.
• Work with class teachers and the wider school team to create a positive learning environment.

Skills

EYFS knowledge

SEND support

Phonics instruction

Calm demeanor

Job description

Polruan Primary Academy

About Our School

Polruan Primary Academy is a small, happy and vibrant school situated at the very top of the village, with fantastic views of the Fowey Estuary. Our school currently has two classes: Canute Class (Key Stage 1) and Tregeagle Class (Key Stage 2), both inhabiting spacious, welcoming classrooms with access to outdoor learning spaces. We also have a pre-school nursery provision embedded within our KS1 classroom, providing a seamless transition from pre-school to school.

Children at our school develop a love for learning through the coastal and rural environment that surrounds us, using this rich setting to explore both national and global issues.

We pride ourselves on our inclusive, supportive ethos and high expectations for all. Our dedicated and highly skilled staff work tirelessly to ensure every pupil achieves their very best during their time with us.

As an integral part of the village community, we enjoy strong local links and work closely with neighbouring schools and the wider network of Bridge Schools Trust.

Role Overview

We are seeking to appoint an experienced Teaching Assistant to join our small, caring school community.

We are looking for a practitioner with strong Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) knowledge and extensive experience of supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The successful candidate will be proactive, patient and calm, with a commitment to helping every child thrive.

We are proud to be a creative, nurturing and supportive school where children have a genuine desire to learn and where mutually respectful relationships exist between adults and children.

Contract type: Fixed Term

Contract end date if applicable: 23/07/2027

Contract terms: 27.5 Hours Teaching Assistant & 2.5 Hours Lunchtime Supervisor

Working weeks: 39 weeks per year (term time only)

Paid weeks: 43.699 per year (includes holiday entitlement)

Working Days: Monday - Friday

Shift Times: 8:45-12:00, 13:00-15:15. With 30 minutes lunch cover.

Total Hours per week: 30

Payscale: Bridge 2

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) salary: £25,948.96

Actual Salary: £17632.55

Closing date: 03/12/2026

Interview date: 08/12/2026

Target start date: 04/01/2027

About the Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in:

• Supporting high-quality teaching and learning across the classroom.
• Providing targeted support to pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) as required.
• Using Read Write Inc. and other systematic phonics programmes to help children learn to read, write and spell fluently and confidently.
• Working closely with class teachers and the wider school team to create a calm, positive, supportive and engaging learning environment.

We Are Looking For

We are seeking a successful Teaching Assistant who can raise and sustain high standards.

The successful candidate will:

• Be a reflective practitioner with a good sense of humour and a strong understanding of emotional intelligence.
• Have the ability to enthuse, inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential.
• Be supportive of and sympathetic to the ethos and values of the school.
• Be committed to inclusive practice and understand that inclusion does not mean everyone doing the same thing, at the same time, in the same way.
• Demonstrate patience, flexibility and a child-centred approach to supporting learning and wellbeing.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, parents and the wider school community to achieve the very best outcomes for children.

We Can Offer

• A supportive school where children are firmly at the heart of everything we do.
• A happy, friendly and dedicated team committed to continual school improvement and ensuring children enjoy their school experience.
• Motivated and enthusiastic children who are keen to learn and actively engage in school life.
• A warm, caring and welcoming working environment with dynamic, knowledgeable and passionate colleagues.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities to support and challenge you throughout your career.
• The opportunity to be part of a wider network of schools within Bridge Schools Trust, where collaboration and professional growth are encouraged.

For further information about the role, please refer to the attached Job Description.

About Bridge Schools Trust

Bridge Schools Trust is a family of schools across Cornwall, built on dedication and trust and united by a shared commitment to putting learning first.

Our values guide everything we do:

• Creative in our approach to teaching and problem-solving.
• Curious, always innovating and learning.
• Responsible, accountable to our communities.
• Enthusiastic, bringing energy and passion to every endeavour.
• Excellent in our expectations and delivery.
• Determined, rallying together to overcome challenges.

By joining us, you will become part of a collaborative, supportive and forward-thinking Trust where staff are valued, wellbeing is prioritised and professional development is encouraged.

If you have the drive and determination to enable every child to succeed, and wish to be part of a Trust that values creativity, collaboration and continuous improvement, we would love to hear from you.

Safeguarding

Bridge Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

The successful applicant will be subject to:

• An Enhanced DBS check.
• Online and social media checks.
• Satisfactory references.

Equal Opportunities

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

Bridge Schools Trust is committed to creating a diverse workforce and an inclusive working environment where everyone feels valued and respected.