Teaching Assistant (Early Years)

Teaching Assistant (Early Years) Gidea Park Preparatory School Employment: Full Time, Permanent (38 hours per week, term time only. Working hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm) Start date: September 2026 Address: 2 Balgores Lane, Romford, Essex RM2 5JR Website: https://gideaparkprep.co.uk/ Salary: £28,016 FTE (£21,012 actual salary, pro rata for term-time only working) Gidea Park Prep seeks to appoint a committed and enthusiastic Early Years Teaching Assistant. This is an exciting time to join the school, as pupil numbers have risen dramatically in recent years and the school's future is bright. Gidea Park Preparatory School and Nursery is an independent, co-educational day school for children aged 6 months to 11. Our mission statement says a lot about our school: To give pupils the skills and knowledge they need to get to the schools they want to go to, and the experiences and confidence they need to thrive when they get there. To achieve this, the school has 3 aims which run through everything that we do:

• We are a happy community
• We are fearlessly curious
• We are proud of our learning

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support children during a range of Early Years learning experiences and activities, helping them stay engaged, settled and confident in their development and learning.
• Lead or assist with small group activities and targeted support programmes to help children achieve their developmental and early learning goals.
• Provide calm, nurturing support to children who need help with routines, focus, emotional regulation or learning.
• Promote positive behaviour, independence and good learning habits across the nursery and school day.
• Support children with SEND by following individual plans and using appropriate adaptations and support strategies.
• Assist with classroom organisation, preparing resources, setting up activities and maintaining a safe, tidy and stimulating Early Years learning environment.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and other staff to support children's academic, social and emotional development.
• Supervise children during classroom activities, outdoor learning, educational visits, breaktimes or other school activities as required.

Person Specification – Essential Qualities

• A warm, nurturing approach to supporting young children and helping them achieve their full potential.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, staff and parents.
• Patience, consistency and a calm manner when supporting children with learning, behaviour and daily routines.
• The ability to encourage independence, confidence and positive attitudes towards learning.
• A reliable, organised and proactive attitude, with a strong commitment to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team while using initiative when appropriate.
• A flexible and adaptable approach to meeting the needs of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Desirable Experience or Qualifications

• Experience working with children in an Early Years, nursery or educational setting.
• A recognised Teaching Assistant or Early Years qualification (e.g. Level 2 or Level 3).
• Understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and effective classroom support strategies.
• Experience supporting children with SEND and implementing appropriate support approaches.
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and child development.
• Experience delivering interventions or supporting small groups of children.

What do you get in return for your hard work?

• A commitment to professional and career development
• School fee discount
• Pension scheme
• Refer a friend scheme up to £750
• Health plan that provides significant coverage such as optical, dental, dental accident, chiropody, therapy treatments and health club concession
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Westfield rewards (discounts from various high street and online outlets)

Gidea Park Preparatory School and Nursery is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children & young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, as all new staff will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance, identity checks, qualification checks and employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps within employment, two satisfactory references and registration with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).