At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's education and welfare in a vibrant, nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Cognita, a global leader in independent education with a unique community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, free lunches, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a caring team dedicated to high-quality childcare and learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while enjoying a dynamic school atmosphere.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education and experience in a school setting.
About the School - Little Downsend, Leatherhead
Little Downsend Leatherhead, located just a 5 minute walk from the Junior and Senior School, possesses its own special character, with large bright, well equipped classrooms, brimming with interactive activities. Little Downsend Leatherhead has the largest outdoor area of the three schools, with over an acre of garden space including playgrounds, astro turfed sports area and a magnificent forest school zone. At each of our Little Downsend schools, we instil the same nurture, innovation, love of life, dynamic energy and high standards, supported by experienced and passionate teachers.
About Cognita
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 21 countries – in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East – serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools is proudly unique; however, our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can "Thrive in a rapidly evolving world".
About the Role
- Hours: 21 hours a week, Monday to Wednesday, 8:30 am – 4 pm with a 30 minute unpaid break
- Employment type: Term‑time only, fixed‑term contract, 1.9.2026‑31.8.2027
Our Little Downsend Schools are happy, caring, and energetic environments where every child is encouraged to reach their full potential and develop a lifelong love of learning. We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join our well-qualified team and help deliver the highest quality educational experience. In this role, you will support pupils’ education, welfare, and personal care in line with school policies—including assisting with changing where age‑appropriate—and help maintain a positive, safe, and stimulating classroom environment. You will work closely with teachers in planning and delivering lessons, share responsibility for discipline and pastoral care, and play an active role in safeguarding and promoting children’s wellbeing. The role also involves contributing to school life through break and lunchtime duties, attending staff meetings, INSET days, parents’ events, and open mornings, as well as participating in appraisal processes.
Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for a Teaching Assistant with an NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) or an equivalent Level 3 qualification, alongside GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a school setting, a strong understanding of child development and learning processes, and a commitment to delivering high‑quality childcare and early learning. You should demonstrate a positive approach to inclusive practice, be confident in supporting professional staff to achieve objectives, and have the ability to supervise children while adhering to behaviour management policies. A thorough understanding of child safeguarding arrangements is essential.
Benefits at Cognita
- Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
- Enrolment in our company’s Pension Scheme
- Free lunch provided during Term Time
- School holidays and public holidays
- Free parking on site (subject to availability)
- School fee discount
- Exclusive third-party discounts
- Ongoing professional development
How to Apply
Complete this application before the closing date: Sunday 2nd August 2026. Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance. We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background. Early applications are encouraged; we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.
Early Years Teaching Assistant in Leatherhead employer: Cognita Schools
Cognita Schools in Leatherhead is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises professional growth and collaboration among educators. With a commitment to fostering a love for languages, the school provides competitive salaries, a robust pension scheme, and continuous development opportunities, making it an ideal environment for passionate teachers looking to make a meaningful impact on students' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Teaching Assistant in Leatherhead
✨Get Involved in Online Communities
Dive into online forums and communities centred around digital learning and education, like EdTech chats on Twitter or groups on LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions and sharing your insights can help build your visibility and credibility in the sector.
✨Attend EdTech Meetups and Workshops
Look for local meetups or workshops focused on digital education trends. Not only do they enable us to learn about the latest in the field, but they’re also great networking opportunities to meet potential employers like Cognita Schools or other educators who might know about upcoming part-time roles.
✨Leverage Your University’s Resources
If you’re currently studying, make sure to tap into your university's career services. They often have connections with local businesses in the education space, plus they can help us uncover part-time job openings that aren't widely advertised.
✨Showcase Your Skills through Projects
Create a portfolio showcasing any relevant projects or experiences in digital learning. Whether it's designing a learning module or contributing to an e-learning platform, having tangible examples will catch the eye of hiring managers at Cognita Schools.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Teaching Assistant in Leatherhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Digital Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning like the Early Years Teaching Assistant at Cognita Schools, make sure to showcase any prior experience you have in creating or managing online learning materials. We want to see how you've made an impact in previous roles, so don’t shy away from providing specific examples or projects you’ve worked on.
Showcase Relevant Skills and Tools:Mention any specific platforms or tools you’ve used in the digital learning space. For instance, if you're familiar with LMS (Learning Management Systems) or any authoring tools, include these in your CV. This demonstrates you’re not only passionate but also ready to hit the ground running at Cognita Schools.
Express Your Passion for Education:In your cover letter, we really want to feel your enthusiasm for digital learning. Talk about your motivations for joining Cognita Schools and how you hope to contribute to shaping the future of education. This is a part-time role, so highlighting your commitment and drive will go a long way!
Tailor Your CV to Stand Out:Adapt your CV specifically for the Early Years Teaching Assistant role by aligning your experiences and skills directly with the job description. Use strong action verbs and bullet points, focusing on your contributions in previous roles. We appreciate a clear, concise format that makes it easy for us at Cognita Schools to see why you’re a perfect fit.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognita Schools
✨Showcase Your Digital Savvy
In the digital learning and education space, being tech-savvy is crucial. Make sure to highlight any experience you have with e-learning platforms, learning management systems, or educational software during your interview. Think about specific examples of how you’ve used these tools to enhance learning experiences – this will show Cognita Schools you’re already familiar with the landscape!
✨Prepare to Discuss Educational Theories
Expect questions related to educational methodologies or theories that underpin digital learning. Brush up on concepts like constructivism or blended learning and be ready to discuss how these can apply to real-world scenarios. The interviewers at Cognita Schools will appreciate your understanding of the educational principles that drive effective learning.
✨Flexibility & Adaptability are Key
As this is a part-time role, demonstrate how you can manage your time effectively and adapt to the dynamic demands of the position. Share examples from past experiences where you successfully balanced multiple tasks while contributing to team projects. This will reassure Cognita Schools that you’re not just a candidate but a reliable team member who can juggle responsibilities.
✨Portfolio and Samples Matter
Even for a part-time gig, having a portfolio of your work can really set you apart. If you've designed any e-learning modules, created educational content, or implemented any successful teaching strategies, make sure you can present those. Being ready with tangible examples from your past work will help you make a stronger case to Cognita Schools about what you bring to the table.
