Graduate Primary Teaching Assistant

Milk Education; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Pathway into teaching

Compliance+ accreditation

Graduate Talent Programme

Priority Partnership network

CPD courses

PSHE resources

Wellbeing resources

School prep packs

Personal consultant 24/7

Job summary

Milk Education is recruiting a Graduate Primary Teaching Assistant to work in welcoming Primary Schools across Washington, starting in September. This role is ideal for recent graduates seeking school-based experience before pursuing teaching or related fields.

You will support pupils academically, socially and emotionally across EYFS, KS1 and KS2, gaining valuable classroom exposure while working with experienced staff.

Qualifications

• Degree obtained within the last five years.
• Experience working with children or young people is advantageous.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• A genuine passion for working with children and supporting their development.
• Proactive, enthusiastic and adaptable approach.
• DBS on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils on a one-to-one, small group and whole-class basis.
• Assist teachers in delivering engaging and effective lessons.
• Deliver targeted interventions in Reading, Writing and Maths.
• Support children with SEND, including Autism, ADHD, Speech and Language needs and SEMH.
• Help pupils develop confidence, independence and positive learning behaviours.
• Assist with classroom preparation and resource organisation.
• Monitor pupil engagement and provide feedback to teaching staff.
• Promote safeguarding, wellbeing and inclusion across the school.
• Build positive relationships with pupils, staff and parents.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Proactive attitude

Education

Bachelor's degree (within last 5 years)

Childhood Studies

Early Years Childhood Studies

Psychology

Criminology

BA Education Primary Education

MA Education

MA Education (SEND and Inclusion)

PGCE

Other related Education/Child Development degrees

Job description

Graduate Primary Teaching Assistant – Washington

About Us

Milk Education is more than a supply partner – we’re a community for educators. Join us and gain access to training, personal development opportunities, and ongoing support.

We’re currently recruiting for a Graduate Primary Teaching Assistant to work within welcoming and supportive Primary Schools across Washington, starting in September.

This opportunity is ideal for recent graduates looking to gain valuable school-based experience before progressing into teaching, educational psychology, SEND support, speech and language therapy, social work or other child-focused professions.

You’ll work alongside experienced teachers and school leaders, supporting pupils academically, socially and emotionally across EYFS, KS1 and KS2.

Your Main Responsibilities

• Support pupils on a one-to-one, small group and whole-class basis.
• Assist teachers in delivering engaging and effective lessons.
• Deliver targeted interventions in Reading, Writing and Maths.
• Support children with SEND, including Autism, ADHD, Speech and Language needs and SEMH.
• Help pupils develop confidence, independence and positive learning behaviours.
• Assist with classroom preparation and resource organisation.
• Monitor pupil engagement and provide feedback to teaching staff.
• Promote safeguarding, wellbeing and inclusion across the school.
• Build positive relationships with pupils, staff and parents.

Eligible Degree Subjects

We welcome applications from graduates who have completed one of the following degrees within the last five years:

• Childhood Studies
• Early Years Childhood Studies
• Psychology
• Criminology
• BA EducationPrimary Education
• MA Education
• MA Education (SEND and Inclusion)
• PGCE
• Other closely related Education or Child Development degrees

Requirements

• Degree obtained within the last five years.
• Professional employment references covering the last two years.
• A genuine passion for working with children and supporting their development.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working with children or young people is advantageous.
• A proactive, enthusiastic and adaptable approach.
• An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one).
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Benefits

• Competitive rates of pay with long-term and temp-to-perm opportunities available.
• Excellent pathway into teaching and other education-based careers.
• Speedy registration process and fast-track compliance – APSCo Compliance+ accredited for the highest safer recruitment standards.
• Access to our Graduate Talent Programme and ongoing support from experienced education consultants.
• Culture-matched placements, ensuring we find schools that fit your values and career aspirations.
• Access to our Priority Partnership school network across Washington and the wider North East.
• 5+ CPD courses completed before placement (including Safeguarding, SEND and Behaviour Management), with ongoing accredited training through Milk Academy.
• FREE PSHE lesson plans and educational resources.
• FREE educator wellbeing resources and access to our community hub.
• School Preparation Packs with handover notes and school insights to help you hit the ground running.
• Dedicated support from your personal consultant, available 24/7 via their work mobile.

Why Join Milk Education?

Many of our Graduate Teaching Assistants go on to secure teacher training placements, school-based trainee teacher roles, permanent Teaching Assistant positions and careers within SEND, pastoral support and educational psychology. This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain meaningful classroom experience while making a real difference to children’s lives.

This role is paid within the advertised pay scale. Your starting rate will be determined by your qualifications, relevant experience and the requirements of the assignment.

Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are APSCo Compliance+ accredited, meeting the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be subject to compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education and APSCo guidelines.