Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant

Southend-on-Sea Full-Time 16052 - 16052 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support young children's learning in reading, writing, and maths while fostering social skills.
  • Company: Join Churchwood Primary Academy, a nurturing school dedicated to inspiring children aged 2-11.
  • Benefits: Enjoy automatic pay increments, generous pension, 27 days holiday, and health & wellbeing support.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives in a creative and supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience with children is essential; empathy and enthusiasm are key traits we seek.
  • Other info: This role is term-time only, offering a great work-life balance.

The predicted salary is between 16052 - 16052 £ per year.

Contract: Until April 2026 and possibly longer

Working Pattern: Term time only (39 weeks)

Hours: 27.5 hours per week, 9am-3pm Monday–Friday

Actual Starting Salary (calculated pro rata): £16,052 per annum

Salaries are paid in 12 equal monthly instalments.

We believe all children deserve the very best early start in life. Do you? Are you passionate and committed to supporting young children with their learning and personal development? If you have answered 'yes' to both the above questions, please continue reading.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, flexible and committed Teaching Assistant, to join us. In a mainly classroom based role, you will work with colleagues to support core learning including: reading, writing, and mathematics. You will also provide support in the playground encouraging the children's development of positive social friendships and play skills.

You will have:

  • Experience of establishing positive relationships with young children and the ability to empathise with their needs
  • A strong commitment to supporting children's learning
  • A patient, resourceful, enthusiastic and flexible approach
  • Experience of working with/caring for children, have your own children, or have worked with children in a voluntary capacity
  • A keen interest in social and emotional needs

Churchwood Primary Academy is a one-form entry school situated in the picturesque setting of Church Wood in St Leonards, where children aged two to eleven discover the joy of learning through creativity and inspiration. Our motto, "At Churchwood everyone can - everyone can read; everyone can write; everyone can be numerate," drives our high expectations for each child's success. With a nurturing ethos, we respect and guide every individual toward their full potential, encouraging independence and ambition.

The academy has a total capacity of 250 pupils; this includes a special educational needs facility for eight Key Stage 2 pupils with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder combined with speech and language communication difficulties. The academy also hosts a nursery for children aged from 2 years.

We truly value the experience, dedication, and commitment of all our employees and believe in the power of motivated and happy staff. This is why we seek to enrich and reward our employees wherever we can, by offering a wide range of exciting and useful employee benefits. These include:

  • Automatic annual pay increments: Pay progression is not linked to performance and all our staff benefit from automatic pay progression (subject to the maximum salary for the role). Cost of living awards are also reviewed annually.
  • Generous Pension: Safeguard your future with financial security throughout your retirement. Employer contribution rate of 18.9%.
  • Holiday Entitlement: Take advantage of 27 days annual leave per annum (FTE), plus statutory Bank Holidays.
  • Health and Wellbeing: A strong commitment to your health and wellbeing including; onsite Wellbeing Champions, designated Mental Health Ambassadors and an annual day devoted to your health and wellbeing.
  • Personal Development Day: One day annually dedicated to your personal development which could include volunteering, training or a seminar (self-funded).
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to free and confidential counselling services, providing support for both work and personal issues.
  • Cycle to Work: Build exercise into your commute, with our cycle-to-work programme, offering a £2K loan to purchase a bicycle.
  • Retail Discount: Savings with hundreds of retailers including gym, private medical, dental and online GP service, as well as eligibility for the Blue Light Discount Scheme.

Our commitment: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check. This role is considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013, 2020 and 2023. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

We welcome applications from all members of the community. The Trust is proud to be part of the government's Disability Confident scheme which underpins our staff and volunteer recruitment practices. If you would like any support or assistance at any stage of the recruitment process please let us know.

Key dates:

  • Closing date: 6 July 2025
  • Interview date: By arrangement
  • Proposed start date: September 2025

Teaching Assistant employer: University of Brighton Academies Trust

Churchwood Primary Academy is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff. With a nurturing work culture, automatic pay progression, generous holiday entitlement, and a strong commitment to health and wellbeing, employees are supported in their roles while making a meaningful impact on young children's lives. Located in the picturesque setting of St Leonards, the academy fosters a collaborative environment where every team member can thrive and contribute to the joy of learning.
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Contact Detail:

University of Brighton Academies Trust Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Churchwood Primary Academy's ethos and values. Understanding their commitment to nurturing children's development will help you align your responses during interviews and discussions, showcasing your passion for supporting young learners.

✨Tip Number 2

Engage with the local community and any relevant groups focused on early childhood education. Networking with professionals in this field can provide insights into the role and may even lead to recommendations or referrals.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your ability to build positive relationships with children. Highlighting your empathy and understanding of their social and emotional needs will resonate well with the hiring team.

✨Tip Number 4

Consider visiting Churchwood Primary Academy if possible, or reach out for an informal chat about the role. This shows initiative and genuine interest, plus it gives you a chance to ask questions and learn more about their approach to teaching.

We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant

Experience with young children
Empathy and understanding of children's needs
Strong communication skills
Ability to establish positive relationships
Patience and resourcefulness
Enthusiastic and flexible approach
Knowledge of early childhood education principles
Support for social and emotional development
Teamwork and collaboration skills
Behaviour management techniques
Creativity in engaging children
Commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare
Adaptability to different learning environments

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Teaching Assistant position. Highlight key skills such as empathy, patience, and commitment to children's learning.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your experience with children, whether through work, volunteering, or personal experience. Emphasise any relevant qualifications or training that align with the role.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting young children. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet the criteria outlined in the job description.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

How to prepare for a job interview at University of Brighton Academies Trust

✨Show Your Passion for Education

Make sure to express your enthusiasm for supporting young children's learning and development. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children's lives in previous roles or experiences.

✨Demonstrate Empathy and Understanding

Prepare to discuss how you establish positive relationships with children. Highlight your ability to empathise with their needs and provide examples of how you've supported children emotionally and socially.

✨Highlight Relevant Experience

Be ready to talk about your experience working with children, whether through paid roles, volunteering, or personal experiences. Tailor your examples to show how they align with the responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's ethos, teaching methods, and support for staff development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.

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