Teaching Assistant Employer: Eccleston C.E Primary School Reference: P/26/340882 in Cheshire

Reception – Early Years/Key Stage One Teaching Assistant – Grade 4 – 30 hours a week – 38 weeks a year required for 1st September 2026.

Our popular, voluntary aided school is set in an attractive village on the outskirts of Chester and within the Eaton Estate. It has strong links with parents/carers, governors, the local church and community, which influence our pupils’ learning and development. We are seeking an enthusiastic, caring and reflective Reception Teaching Assistant to join our Early Years/Year 1 team.

You will work alongside the Reception/Year 1 teacher to deliver an ambitious EYFS/Y1 curriculum in line with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, informed by Development Matters and evidence-informed practice. You will support children to become confident, resilient and independent learners by promoting the Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning: playing and exploring, active learning, and creating and thinking critically. The role will also include helping the class teacher in planning and delivering sessions as well as carrying out small group and one-to-one sessions with the aim of raising attainment, ensuring children achieve their potential and supporting social and emotional growth. There is a possibility of class cover.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support high-quality teaching through purposeful play, adult-led learning and well-planned continuous provision indoors and outdoors.
• Promote children's communication and language through high-quality interactions, sustained shared thinking and rich vocabulary.
• Deliver systematic synthetic phonics and early mathematics.
• Observe, assess and record children's progress using Development Matters to inform next steps in learning.
• Support children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN), SEND and other additional needs, adapting provision appropriately.
• Promote children's independence, self-regulation and school readiness through consistent routines and high expectations.
• Contribute to an enabling learning environment that reflects children's interests and supports all areas of learning.
• Work collaboratively with families and external professionals to support children's development.
• Contribute positively to self-evaluation and continuous improvement, helping maintain high-quality provision.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a secure understanding of the EYFS Framework and Development Matters.
• Understands the Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning and can promote these through high-quality interactions.
• Can confidently support systematic synthetic phonics and early language development.
• Has knowledge of supporting children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).
• Values evidence-informed practice and is committed to continual professional development.
• Has high expectations for every child and is committed to inclusive practice.
• An ELSA qualification would be advantageous but is not essential, as training may be available for the successful candidate.

The post is temporary, for one year in the first instance, with a view to being made permanent. If shortlisted, the interview will consist of an activity with children; a formal interview and an exit task. Through the activity, candidates will have the opportunity to showcase their passion for education; deliver a short yet engaging session, which moves children on in their learning, and demonstrate high expectations. Through interview, candidates will demonstrate a commitment to supporting children and ability to work collaboratively with staff under the supervision of class teachers.

Visits to the school are welcomed and strongly encouraged prior to application. Please telephone 01244 506 560 or email head@ecclestonprimary.cheshire.sch.uk to arrange a visit.

Eccleston Church of England Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and external agencies to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, identity, employment and qualifications checks. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.