At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teachers and lead engaging learning experiences for young children in EYFS.
- Company: Join a vibrant primary school within a successful learning trust in Sheffield.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and able to inspire young learners.
- Other info: Flexible start date and commitment to safeguarding and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 28000 £ per year.
Employer Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Salary: Grade 5 £30,024 to £32,597 FTE
Posted: 11th February 2026
Start Date: As Soon As Possible
Expires: 1st March 2026 11:59 PM
Actual salary: £25,824 to £28,037 (with under five years' service)
Contract term: 37 hours per week, 39 weeks per year, permanent
Closing date: Midnight Sunday 1 March 2026
Mercia Learning Trust
Mercia Learning Trust is a successful partnership of four primary and three secondary schools located in the south-west of Sheffield. Established in 2012, with one secondary school, our trust has grown to serving over 5000 pupils, with 650 staff.
- To empower everyone in our communities, especially the most disadvantaged, to succeed.
- We are kind - showing care and supporting each other.
- We have integrity - doing the right thing and always putting children first.
- We work with diligence - overcoming obstacles and having no excuses.
- We run schools that focus on academic excellence, cultural capital and the development of character.
- A culture of excellence – high standards shaped by clarity, not control.
- Academic focus – empowering all children through an exceptional curriculum.
- Purposeful collaboration – relationships built on trust, reducing sub-optimisation and driving collective success.
Our staff are a crucial part of our trust, just like our pupils. We are devoted to recruiting, training, retaining and taking good care of our highly skilled and dedicated team.
Woodlands Primary School
Woodlands Primary School is a 2-form entry primary and nursery for children aged 2-11 in a vibrant South Sheffield community. This popular and over-subscribed school has around 500 pupils. In February 2022, Ofsted graded our school as strongly Good.
The role
We are seeking to appoint a highly skilled HLTA to join our hardworking and supportive team. The successful candidate’s role will be based in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The role will be varied and will also include supporting teachers within a classroom and leading interventions.
The candidate
The successful candidate should be enthusiastic and knowledgeable, keen to work in partnership with current staff and able to work under instruction as well as having the ability to use their initiative. They will challenge and excite our children and have the ability to consistently deliver high quality learning experiences. Imaginative and committed, they should have passion for the role, high standards of professionalism and high expectations of the children. They will have the vision, enthusiasm, and drive to build on the strong foundations that already exist within the school.
Safeguarding Statement:
Woodlands Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant (EYFS) in Sheffield employer: Merciatrust
Contact Detail:
Merciatrust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher Level Teaching Assistant (EYFS) in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Mercia Learning Trust or Woodlands Primary School. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research the school’s values and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly fits their culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when it’s your turn to shine in front of the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Higher Level Teaching Assistant (EYFS) in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Higher Level Teaching Assistant in EYFS. We want to see your passion for early years education shine through!
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t hold back on sharing your relevant experience! Whether it’s working with children or leading interventions, we love to see examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver high-quality learning experiences.
Be Authentic: Let your personality come through in your application. We value authenticity and want to know what makes you tick as an educator. Share your vision and enthusiasm for supporting children’s development!
Apply Through Our Website: For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merciatrust
✨Know Your EYFS Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Understand its principles and how they apply to your teaching methods. Being able to discuss specific strategies for engaging young learners will show that you're not just knowledgeable, but passionate about early education.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key in this role, be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively with teachers and other staff in the past. Highlight any experiences where you’ve led interventions or supported classroom activities, as this will demonstrate your ability to contribute positively to the team.
✨Bring Your Imagination
Prepare to discuss creative ideas for lessons or activities that excite children. Think about how you can challenge them while making learning fun. This will not only showcase your enthusiasm but also your commitment to delivering high-quality learning experiences.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the values of Mercia Learning Trust and Woodlands Primary School. Be ready to explain how your personal teaching philosophy aligns with their focus on integrity, diligence, and academic excellence. This will show that you’re a good fit for their culture and mission.