At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils in their learning and development across all age ranges.
- Company: Wansdyke School, a vibrant primary school in Devizes.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, supportive environment, training opportunities, and career progression.
- Other info: Join a friendly team dedicated to excellence in education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting children's learning and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 26016 - 26016 € per year.
Wansdyke School is looking for an enthusiastic and caring Teaching Assistant to join its friendly team on a maternity cover contract and provide support to pupils, starting from September 2026.
Working Hours: Part-time (31.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 38 weeks per year, term-time only). Contract: Maternity Cover (effective from September 2026).
We are a vibrant non-denominational single form entry primary school, educating children between the ages of 4 and 11. Located in the market town of Devizes, Wiltshire, we are proud to have very incredible children, who show exceptional behaviour and attitude to learning. We have a supportive parent body and a 28 place Complex Needs Resource Base, which supports children with additional needs from across the county. Our passionate staff are committed to raising standards and achieving excellence and, in 2021, we retained our ‘Good’ Ofsted rating and were praised for providing a purposeful and engaging curriculum, which allows pupils to flourish personally and academically. We are part of Acorn Education Trust, which provides exciting opportunities to improve local education and draw on collective experience.
As a Teaching Assistant, you must be able to work across all age ranges and be prepared to work flexibly to support children of all abilities, including those requiring SEND support.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has a passion for delivering high quality and exciting opportunities for children;
- Has strong interpersonal and communication skills and is able to work with a variety of pupils, staff and parents;
- Has superb attention to detail and organisational skills;
- Is self-motivated, dedicated and consistent;
- Has the ability to deal with new challenging situations;
- Is a strong team player, who can use their own initiative;
- Understands and is sympathetic to the needs of young people, including their social and emotional wellbeing;
- Has a positive and flexible attitude;
- Has experience of supporting children’s learning.
We can offer the successful candidate:
- An ambitious and vibrant place to work, with enthusiastic children and staff who are passionate about learning;
- A workplace where everyone feels valued and supported;
- Opportunities for training and progression;
- The support of Acorn Education Trust, with excellent opportunities to work with experienced colleagues;
- A supportive and clearly defined induction procedure.
For information about this role, including a full Job Description and Person Specification, please read our Applicant Information Pack. If you have any additional questions, please contact our school admin office on: 01380-725 234.
Closing Date: Monday 1st June 2026 at 12pm
Interview Date: TBC
Please note: while the closing date for applications has been set, we reserve the right to interview and appoint a suitable candidate upon receipt of an exceptional application. Therefore, we would encourage prompt application for this position.
Safeguarding Statement: Acorn Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. If successful in obtaining this post you will be subject to a Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and health screening. We are an equal opportunities employer. As part of our safer recruitment processes, if you are shortlisted for the post, we will carry out a social media account search.
Teaching Assistant (Maternity cover) employer: Acorn Education Trust
Wansdyke School is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work environment in the heart of Devizes, Wiltshire. With a strong commitment to staff development and a focus on providing high-quality education, employees benefit from opportunities for training and progression within the Acorn Education Trust. The school prides itself on fostering a culture where every team member feels valued, ensuring that both staff and pupils thrive together.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant (Maternity cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Wansdyke School and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how your skills match the job description. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported children's learning in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Wansdyke School.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant (Maternity cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through in your application. We want to see how much you care about delivering exciting learning opportunities and supporting young people in their development.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Mention specific examples of how you've supported children's learning, especially those with additional needs, as this is key for us.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well so we can easily see your qualifications and what makes you a great fit for our team.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might interview and hire someone before the closing date if we find an exceptional candidate, so get your application in through our website as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorn Education Trust
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to research Wansdyke School and its values. Understanding their commitment to providing a supportive environment for children will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with children, especially those with additional needs. Prepare specific examples that highlight your ability to support diverse learners and demonstrate your passion for education.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of thoughtful questions to ask about the role, the team, and the school’s approach to supporting children’s social and emotional wellbeing. This shows your genuine interest in the position.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
As a Teaching Assistant, teamwork is crucial. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated with teachers, parents, and other staff members. Highlight your flexibility and willingness to adapt to new challenges.
