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- Tasks: Support a child in Reception with tailored 1:1 assistance and engagement.
- Company: Join a welcoming primary school that values innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, dedicated consultant support, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to holistic child development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's life while enjoying a supportive school environment.
- Qualifications: Level 2 qualification in Childcare and experience with children with SEN preferred.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Smile Education is recruiting on behalf of a welcoming and inclusive mainstream primary school in Burton upon Trent, part of the Endeavour Multi Academy Trust. This is a full‑time, long‑term opportunity for a dedicated and compassionate Reception Teaching Assistant to support a child on a 1:1 basis, starting as soon as possible.
You will be working closely with a child in Reception who requires consistent, structured support throughout the school day:
- Supporting the child in following their individual timetable
- Using objects of reference to aid communication (the child uses very little verbal speech)
- Providing intensive interaction and engagement to support learning and development
- Building a trusting, supportive relationship to help the child feel safe and understood
- Managing behaviour effectively and de‑escalating situations when necessary
- Working collaboratively as part of a large, supportive school team
- Fully immersing yourself in school life and contributing to a positive learning environment
The school prides itself on innovation and collaboration. It holds a strong ethos around holistic development, believing in nurturing a love for learning while fostering a connection to nature. The dedicated team is committed to providing a rich and inspiring curriculum that supports every child's development.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
- A minimum Level 2 qualification in Childcare, Education, or a related field
- Experience or confidence working with children with SEN, particularly on a 1:1 basis
- A calm, patient, and positive approach
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- The ability to take direction and adapt to the child’s needs
- Confidence in managing behaviour and de‑escalating challenging situations
- A proactive attitude and willingness to engage fully in school life
Requirements:
- An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply for one through Smile Education
Why Join Smile Education?
- Dedicated consultant support
- Access to a wide range of opportunities
- Competitive rates of pay
- Ongoing professional development
We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications.
Reception Teaching Assistant employer: Smile Education
Contact Detail:
Smile Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Reception Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the school and its values. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses! Think about the specific skills and experiences you have that relate to supporting children with SEN. Prepare examples that highlight your calm and patient approach, as well as your teamwork skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for education! During your interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Talk about why you love helping kids learn and grow, especially those who need a bit more support.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to find and apply for roles like this one. Plus, our dedicated consultants are here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out!
We think you need these skills to ace Reception Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that match the role of a Reception Teaching Assistant. We want to see how your background aligns with supporting children, especially those with SEN.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through in your written application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about fostering a positive learning environment and nurturing a love for learning.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences, so we can easily see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you started on this rewarding journey with Smile Education.
How to prepare for a job interview at Smile Education
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Reception Teaching Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with SEN and how to support them effectively. This will show your potential employer that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be working closely with a child who has limited verbal communication, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. Prepare examples of how you've used different methods to engage with children in the past, such as using objects of reference or visual aids.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
This role involves collaborating with a supportive school team, so be ready to discuss your previous experiences working in a team environment. Share specific instances where you contributed positively to a group dynamic or helped resolve conflicts.
✨Prepare for Behaviour Management Scenarios
Expect questions about managing behaviour and de-escalating challenging situations. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully handled difficult moments with children. This will demonstrate your calm and patient approach, which is essential for this role.