Teaching Assistant (Preparatory Divisions) (Term Time) in Chelmsford

We are seeking to appoint a Teaching Assistant (Preparatory Divisions) to provide support to pupils from Reception to Year 1 at New Hall School. The Preparatory Divisions offer a vibrant and academically ambitious environment where exceptional teaching, character formation and service to others are central to School life. This full-time, term-time only role provides high-quality support for pupils with a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The role includes one-to-one support, small group intervention, and in-class assistance to help pupils engage fully in learning and achieve their potential. The Teaching Assistant will also supervise classes when required and contribute positively to the wider life of the Preparatory Divisions.

Key responsibilities:

• To provide in-class support in the Pre-Prep Division, helping pupils access the curriculum under the direction of the Class Teacher or specialist teacher.
• To contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of pupils’ learning and progress, including explaining tasks and exercises clearly to support understanding.
• To attend to pupils’ personal, social, welfare and health needs, fostering independence in their daily routines.
• To assist in creating and maintaining an engaging and stimulating learning environment, including preparing, organising and maintaining teaching materials and resources.
• To escort pupils safely around the School site and support a range of activities, including outdoor learning experiences and educational visits.
• To supervise whole classes during teacher absence, ensuring pupils remain engaged with set work and maintaining a positive learning environment.
• To supervise pupils before School, during break and lunch times, and after School in line with the duty rota, including supporting after-school care provision.
• To uphold and reinforce high standards of behaviour and uniform across the School, promoting positive conduct and pupil wellbeing.
• To run or support after-school activities and assist with the Preparatory Division’s holiday activity programmes as required.

The successful candidate will be expected:

• To have a clear understanding of, and commitment to, the aims and ethos of a Catholic independent boarding and day school.
• To be educated to A Level standard (or equivalent).
• To have previous experience of working in a School or similar educational environment.
• To be able to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• To demonstrate a high level of accuracy, discretion, and attention to detail.
• To demonstrate the ability to build positive and professional relationships with pupils, parents and staff.
• To demonstrate a patient, nurturing and empathetic approach to supporting pupils with a range of learning needs.
• To show enthusiasm for supporting pupils’ reading and literacy development.
• To have a clear understanding of the importance of promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children.
• To be proactive, flexible and able to manage a varied workload, prioritise effectively and work under pressure.
• To be approachable, confident and personable, with excellent spoken English.

What New Hall offers:

• 35 days’ holiday (including bank holidays).
• Excellent benefits & CPD.
• Lunch without charge in term time.
• Discounted annual membership for New Hall Sport Club.
• Complimentary staff membership to Beaulieu Padel.

New Hall School offers an exceptional working environment. The main campus occupies the stunning Grade I listed former Tudor palace of Beaulieu. The School’s conference and events venue is at the Grade I listed Boreham House, one mile away. New Hall is a warm, welcoming, and supportive community, with a staff of around 300. Beaulieu Park railway station is at the entrance to New Hall’s Avenue: 30 minutes to Stratford and 38 minutes to London Liverpool Street. The Elizabeth Line at Shenfield (13 minutes by train) terminates at Heathrow airport. There are nearby airports: London Stansted, London Southend and London City.

All adults employed by the New Hall School have a responsibility for data protection and have a duty to observe and follow the principles of the GDPR Regulations. All applicants must be able to provide evidence of their Right to Work in the UK prior to commencement of employment. As part of our need to comply with UK immigration rules, you will be required to provide Home Office stipulated documentation prior to interview. As well as verification of identity, we ask all successful candidates to undertake an enhanced DBS disclosure. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance, we may also conduct an online search about any shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence to identify any matters that might relate directly to our legal duty to meet safeguarding duties, in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). New Hall School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

SAFEGUARDING AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Due to the nature of this role, it will be necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record disclosure to be undertaken. In making your application, it is essential you disclose whether you have any pending charges, convictions, bind-overs or cautions and, if so, for which offences. This post will be exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Therefore, applicants are not entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are ‘spent’ under the provision of the Act, and, in the event of the employment being taken up; any failure to disclose such convictions will result in dismissal or disciplinary action. The fact that a pending charge, conviction, bind-over or caution has been recorded against you will not necessarily debar you from consideration for this appointment.