Teaching Assistant Level 3 with one day planned PPA cover

Job Description

The postholder will work under the direction of teaching and senior staff to support the planning, delivery, and evaluation of high-quality teaching and learning for individuals and groups of pupils, including those with additional physical, emotional, and educational needs.

The role involves active participation in the full learning cycle, including planning, delivering, assessing, and reviewing learning experiences to ensure progress and positive outcomes for all pupils. The postholder will support the classroom teacher in the delivery of educational programmes and contribute to the development of pupils’ intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development.

We are looking to appoint an exceptional teaching assistant to cover class teachers in case of absence and to teach 1 day per week planned PPA cover; it is expected the post will initially be in Key Stage 2.

The start date is tbc.

30.25 hours-

Grade 3- 23 hours.

Grade 4- PPA cover- 7.25 hours

The postholder may also be required to support, mentor, or coordinate the work of other teaching assistants, and contribute to induction, coaching, and support activities as appropriate to the role and experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the planning, preparation, and evaluation of teaching and learning activities

• Participate fully in the planning cycle, including planning, delivery, assessment, intervention, and recording of pupil progress

• Assist in the delivery of educational programmes and activities planned by the class teacher

• Support the organisation and management of learning experiences in and out of the classroom

• Carry out pupil assessments and record progress, achievements, and development needs

• Provide feedback to teachers on pupil progress, challenges, and next steps

• Work with individuals and groups of pupils to support learning, development, and engagement

• Supervise and support pupils to ensure their safety and wellbeing at all times

• Use specialist skills to support the physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development of pupils, including those with additional needs

• Foster inclusion, independence, and positive learning behaviours

• Support pupils with special educational needs, using appropriate strategies to meet their learning and developmental requirements

• Contribute to raising standards of achievement for all pupils

• Assist in the delivery of work programmes and learning activities under the direction of teaching staff

• Contribute to the planning of work programmes for individuals and groups of pupils

• Occasionally supervise whole classes during short-term teacher absence (cover supervision), ensuring pupils remain on task with pre-set work

• Maintain good order in the classroom and respond to pupil questions within agreed guidance

• Implement agreed work programmes during cover supervision sessions

• Monitor, record, and report on pupil progress, achievement, and development needs to the class teacher or designated staff member

• Communicate effectively with pupils individually and in groups to support learning and engagement

• Where required, support, mentor, and coach other teaching assistants and contribute to induction and training activities

• Assist with the coordination of work for other support staff as appropriate to experience and responsibility level

• Carry out duties in line with the School’s Equal Opportunities Policy and Code of Conduct, promoting equality, dignity, and respect for all

• Work flexibly and undertake additional duties appropriate to the level of the post, as reasonably requested by the Headteacher

• The job description may be reviewed and amended following consultation

Person Specification

Experience and Education

• Experience of working with groups of children to deliver high quality interventions and support
• Excellent classroom practitioner and commitment to make learning engaging
• Experience in working alongside class teachers
• Experience of working with children with EAL
• Experience of working with in Early Years
• Experience of Phonics- ReadWrite Inc
• Experience of British Sign Language
• Education and qualifications
• Maths & English GCSE qualifications at Grade C
• Qualified Status- relevant professional qualification at Level 3
• 3years experience of working in the care of children

Skills and Attributes

• Ability to work with mixed ability groups.
• Supporting the policies, practices and ethos of the school
• Understanding of behaviour management techniques for groups and individuals
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise
• Have a passion for learning and for enabling pupils to develop as enthusiastic learners
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
• Flexible/resilient and able to respond with good humour to the unpredictable
• Ability to make positive and professional relationships with all members of the school community
• Ability to meet deadlines and respond positively to high expectations
• A friendly and approachable style, while maintaining professional boundaries
• Excellent organisation skills but the ability to be adaptable and flexible
• Ability to be calm and resilient when under pressure
• Excellent time-keeping

Personal Qualities

• Ability to perform a role that involves constant contact with children
• Ability to perform a role that requires engagement in regulated activity relevant to children.

Safer Recruitment

Mercian Educational Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

All positions are subject to child protection screening appropriate to the post, which will include an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for the children's workforce and a Children's Barred List check

This post requires the ability to perform a role that involves frequent contact with children

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020

Why Choose MET?

Mercian Educational Trust is a connected family of schools, united by collaboration, professional trust, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement.

Our approach is built around three core beliefs: Working together, Working to grow, and Working well.

Working together means strong professional networks across our schools, combined with genuine autonomy that enables staff to shape practice in response to their pupils and context.

Working to grow reflects our commitment to development for everyone at every stage, with clear career pathways, high-quality CPD, and opportunities to progress across the trust.

Working well ensures that wellbeing and workload sustainability are embedded in how we operate, with systems, expectations, and support designed to help staff thrive in their roles.

Across all three, our aim is simple: to create an environment where colleagues are supported to thrive, empowered in their work, and prepared for long‑term success.

For more information about working with us, please visit our careers page. For further details about the individual school, please visit the school's careers page.