At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children’s learning and development in a fun, engaging environment.
- Company: Join a supportive team at South Avenue Primary School.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time hours, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible hours, passionate team, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping young minds and supporting children with special needs.
- Qualifications: Good English/Maths skills and preferably an NVQ 3 or equivalent.
The predicted salary is between 18106 - 18106 £ per year.
Salary: FMAT Band B1 £24,271.00 FTE (pro‑ratio £18,106.63 p.a. for 32.5 hours per week)
Hours: 32.5 hours per week: Monday – Friday 8.30am – 3.30pm to include a daily lunch duty, Term Time only
Contract Status: Permanent
Contract Start Date: As Soon As Possible
Interview Date: 26th November 2025
Closing Date: 20th November 2025
We are looking to appoint an Early Years Teaching Assistant to join our wonderful and supportive team. You should be a positive, enthusiastic person who loves working with children, especially children with Special Educational Needs. Above all, you need to want the very best for our children and be prepared to put their needs first. Children will be at the heart of your work. You must be able to demonstrate that you understand the importance of educating the whole child. It is essential that the applicant has good English/Maths skills and should preferably hold an NVQ 3 or equivalent teaching assistant qualification.
Responsibilities:
- Supporting groups of children, a child 1:1, in achieving the lesson objective, leading groups of children or 1:1 intervention programmes.
- Feeding back to the class teacher, sometimes keeping records of progress and behaviour.
- Working with children to support any social, emotional, behavioural, personal care or medical needs.
Ideal candidate:
- Be passionate and share a commitment to support our children.
- Ideally have some knowledge or experience working with children with SEND.
- Have the enthusiasm to provide personalised learning experiences to children with SEND.
- Have a calm, patient and encouraging manner, with an ability to make learning fun.
- An ability to be self‑motivated and manage time effectively in order to maximise children’s learning time.
- Flexible and willing to support children in a variety of situations.
At South Avenue Primary, we are committed to the highest standards in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children. This post is subject to satisfactory references and Enhanced DBS clearance. We are an equal opportunities employer. In line with KCSIE 2025 guidance, as part of the shortlisting process, the Trust reserves the right to conduct an online search on shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence and any relevant information found concerning a candidate's suitability to work with children will be discussed at interview stage. A completed self-disclosure form will be required at the point of selection for interview.
To apply for this post please complete an application form and email it to headteacher@southavenue.kent.sch.uk. Applications by CV will not be accepted. Please contact Jo Wilson‑Wright in the office if you would like a visit: jwilson‑wright@southavenue.kent.sch.uk. We reserve the right to withdraw the advertisement early and to interview candidates during the advertisement window; candidates are therefore encouraged to apply at their earliest convenience.
Early Years Teaching Assistant - Term Time in Sittingbourne employer: Sandwich Infant
Contact Detail:
Sandwich Infant Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Teaching Assistant - Term Time in Sittingbourne
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research South Avenue Primary and understand their values and approach to education. This will help you tailor your responses during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your answers! Think about common interview questions for teaching assistants, especially around supporting children with SEND. We can even role-play with a friend to boost your confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share specific examples of how you've made learning fun or supported children in the past – this will make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at South Avenue Primary. Don’t wait until the last minute – get your application in early!
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Teaching Assistant - Term Time in Sittingbourne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about their development and well-being, especially for those with Special Educational Needs.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. If you've worked with SEND before or have a teaching assistant qualification, shout about it! We love seeing how your background fits with our needs.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as we might start interviewing candidates before the closing date. Get your application in through our website and show us what you've got!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwich Infant
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of an Early Years Teaching Assistant inside out. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, especially around supporting children with Special Educational Needs. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share specific examples of how you've supported children's learning or well-being in the past. This will demonstrate that you truly care about their development and are committed to making a positive impact.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle various situations involving children, particularly those with SEND. Think about real-life scenarios where you’ve had to be patient, flexible, or creative in your approach. Practising these responses can help you articulate your thoughts clearly during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's approach to supporting children with SEND or how they foster a positive learning environment. This shows that you’re engaged and genuinely interested in being part of their team.