Pre School Teaching Assistant - Term Time in Bridgwater

Otterhampton Primary School and Pre-School is a small, welcoming village school in the heart of Combwich, providing a caring and secure family environment where every child is known, valued and supported. Committed to helping pupils develop a love of learning and reach their full potential, the school places children at the centre of everything it does, fostering confidence, independence and strong community relationships.

We are seeking a caring, enthusiastic and committed Pre-School Teaching Assistant to join our Early Years team. In this rewarding role, you will support the learning, development and wellbeing of young children, helping to create a safe, inclusive and stimulating environment where every child can thrive. You will work closely with children, families and colleagues to deliver high-quality early years provision in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.

Key responsibilities include:

• Acting as a key person for a designated group of children, supporting their individual learning and development needs.
• Helping to deliver engaging learning opportunities and play-based activities in line with the EYFS framework.
• Building positive relationships with children, parents/carers and colleagues.
• Supporting children's social, emotional, physical and educational development.
• Assisting with observations, assessments and progress monitoring.
• Promoting inclusion, independence, confidence and positive behaviour.
• Preparing and maintaining learning environments, resources and displays.
• Ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding, health and safety, and child wellbeing.

What We Offer:

• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions of over 19%.
• Employee Reward Scheme, including high street discounts and access to a staff wellbeing centre.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to on-site gym facilities at selected locations.
• The opportunity to work in a friendly, supportive and close-knit school community.

Closing date for applications: 19th November 2026 at 11:59pm. Anticipated interview date: 27th November 2026.

We believe in hiring for potential and this means that we value individuals for the knowledge skills and experience that they have developed in every aspect of their lives. If you don’t feel that you meet all of the criteria listed in the person specification, we would still encourage you to apply.

We care about our staff and provide a number of benefits in addition to salary including a positive and supportive working environment, generous employer pension contribution, generous annual leave entitlement for all-year round staff, on-site gyms, free parking, access to a retail discounts platform and Employee Assistance Programme. Helping you achieve a good work life balance is important to us. Lots of our colleagues work flexibly including part time hours and/or job shares and we are happy to discuss these opportunities with you.

We truly believe that diversity of thought, culture, background and perspective secure the best outcomes for our students. We strive to build teams that represent our local communities and welcome applications from individuals who identify as members of an under-represented group and in particular individuals who identify as BAME, disabled or LGBT. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Safeguarding Statement: Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share its commitment. Our mission is that all children achieve. This post is exempt from Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). A comprehensive screening process will be undertaken on all applicants, which will include a check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).