At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils' learning and assist during lunchtimes in a vibrant primary school.
- Company: St Michael's Primary School, a caring and supportive community.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, tailored training, and a beautiful village setting.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth and development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Inspire children to love learning and make a real difference in their lives.
- Qualifications: Self-motivated, caring attitude; experience with children is a plus but not required.
Hours of work: Teaching Assistant: 22.5 + MDSA 5 hours per week. Working pattern: Part-time, term-time only (working for 39 weeks per year plus 6.05 weeks annual leave, which will increase after 5 years' continuous service). As the position is part-time, term-time only, the above salary will be pro rata.
Closing date: Monday 15 June 2026, noon. Interview date: w/c 22 June 2026.
Visits to the school are strongly recommended and can be arranged via Ms D Udell on 01892 770307 or by emailing office@st-michaels.e-sussex.sch.uk.
Teaching Assistants play a crucial role in the day-to-day life of the school. The post involves supporting pupils with their learning under the direction of the class teacher or SENCo. Throughout the week you may be working 1:1 with a pupil, with a group of pupils or supporting generally in the classroom. Our TAs also play a crucial role in supporting during lunchtimes and in PPA time providing class cover.
We are looking for a self-motivated, caring TA who believes in supporting children to reach their full potential. If you are able to inspire our pupils to a love of learning and possess the skills and determination to make a difference to individual pupil outcomes, then you may be the candidate we are looking for.
We can offer:
- a small and very supportive staff.
- tailor made training to fit your role.
- wonderful, well-behaved children.
- well-resourced classrooms.
- beautiful village setting with spacious grounds that we use every day.
There will be opportunities for the successful candidate to bring any prior experience or current expertise to the role. If you have no experience of working with children, training and support is available.
St Michael’s Primary School is committed to safeguarding all children. Successful candidates will require a DBS clearance and suitable references before commencing employment. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or age.
This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018. The school will need to ensure that they are not knowingly employing a person who is disqualified under the 2018 Regulations in connection with relevant childcare provision. Accordingly, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate to the school, by completing a self-declaration form as part of the pre-employment checks process, that they have not been disqualified under the 2018 Regulations. If the preferred candidate is found to be disqualified under the 2018 Regulations, the offer of employment will be subject to the application by the preferred candidate to Ofsted for a waiver and the receipt of a waiver from Ofsted.
Teaching Assistant and MDSA (St Michael's Primary School) employer: East Sussex County Council
St Michael's Primary School is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and nurturing environment where every staff member is valued. Located in the beautiful village of Withyham, the school provides tailored training opportunities and a chance to work with well-behaved children in well-resourced classrooms, making it an ideal place for those passionate about education and child development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant and MDSA (St Michael's Primary School)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a stroll around St Michael's Primary School if you can. Familiarising yourself with the environment and the vibe will help you feel more confident and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can inspire children. Reflect on your experiences and be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported learning or made a difference in a child's life. This will demonstrate your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! This is your chance to find out more about the school's culture and what they expect from their Teaching Assistants. It shows you're engaged and keen to understand how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! We want to make the process as smooth as possible for you. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on any other opportunities that might pop up at St Michael's or elsewhere. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant and MDSA (St Michael's Primary School)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us:Before you start your application, take a moment to explore our school’s website. Familiarising yourself with our values and what we stand for will help you tailor your application to show how you fit in with our vibrant community.
Follow the Instructions:Make sure you read the application instructions carefully. We don’t accept CVs, so focus on crafting a strong application letter that highlights your relevant experience and passion for supporting children in their learning journey.
Show Your Personality:We want to see the real you! Use your application to showcase your personality and enthusiasm for the role. Share any experiences that demonstrate your caring nature and ability to inspire children, as this is key to being a successful Teaching Assistant.
Don’t Rush It:Take your time with your application. Make sure to proofread it for any typos or errors before sending it off. A well-presented application shows us that you’re serious about the position and care about making a good impression!
How to prepare for a job interview at East Sussex County Council
✨Know the School Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research St Michael's Primary School. Familiarise yourself with their values, mission, and any recent news or events. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your answers to align with their ethos.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
As a Teaching Assistant, you'll likely face scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations, such as supporting a child with special educational needs or managing classroom behaviour. Practising these responses can give you the confidence to articulate your approach effectively.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Education
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to fostering a love of learning. This will resonate well with the interviewers and demonstrate that you're the caring TA they’re looking for.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, be prepared to ask insightful questions about the role or the school environment. This could include inquiries about training opportunities or how the school supports its staff. It shows that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in becoming part of their team.
