At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young learners in a vibrant Reception class and assist with outdoor Forest School activities.
- Company: A caring school in a beautiful village, dedicated to nurturing creativity and learning.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a Sunday Times Top 100 Employer committed to staff well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying a fun and engaging work atmosphere.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification and experience in EYFS settings.
The predicted salary is between 15 - 15 € per hour.
Location: Warton (PR4 area)
Contract Type: Temporary / Term-Time Only / Ad-hoc basis
Duration: 8th June 2026 - 24th July 2026 (Summer Term)
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30 - 15:30
Pay Rate: £14.24 - £15.24 per hour
About Our School
Situated in a beautiful village setting, our school is a happy, caring, and inclusive environment where children truly enjoy learning and playing together. As a dedicated Forest School, we take pride in utilising our unique outdoor environment to inspire creativity, resilience, and a love for learning. We recognise that every child is unique, and our staff team works tirelessly to ensure that each individual reaches their full potential in all aspects of school life. Learning is highly personalised to meet the diverse needs of our pupils. We are passionately dedicated to ensuring that all children leave our school equipped with the vital basic skills required for further learning, placing a strong emphasis on developing excellent reading, writing, and mathematical skills.
The Role
We are seeking an enthusiastic, adaptable, and nurturing Teaching Assistant to join our Early Years team for the remainder of the summer term. In this general Reception TA role, you will be working on an ad-hoc, temporary basis within our vibrant Reception class. You will play a key part in supporting our youngest learners as they complete their milestone first year of primary school, assisting with both structured indoor learning and our bespoke outdoor Forest School activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the class teacher in delivering a personalised EYFS curriculum, with a focus on embedding essential reading, writing, and maths skills.
- Assist in creating a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment that celebrates the uniqueness of every child.
- Engage with and support children during outdoor play and Forest School sessions, embracing nature-based learning.
- Provide small group and 1:1 support to guide children through play-based and structured activities.
- Collaborate with the wider Early Years team to ensure the well-being and academic progress of all pupils.
Candidate Requirements
- Qualifications: Minimum Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent Early Years / Childcare qualification).
- Essential EYFS Experience: Proven experience working within an EYFS framework, specifically within a school Reception or Nursery class setting.
- Curriculum Knowledge: A strong, practical understanding of the EYFS statutory framework, including phonics delivery (e.g., Read Write Inc. or similar) and early maths concepts.
- Specialist Skills: Experience tracking early development milestones and an active passion for outdoor, student-led Forest School learning.
- Attributes: A warm, patient, and nurturing approach. You must be adaptable, proactive, and ready to hit the ground running in an ad-hoc capacity.
- Vetting: Possession of an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service (or a willingness to undergo a new check) is mandatory.
Why Choose Tradewind Recruitment?
- Sunday Times Top 100 Employer: We are the only education recruitment agency to be recognised for four consecutive years for our unwavering commitment to staff well-being.
- Premium CPD: Gain complimentary access to 2,500+ accredited courses via The National College, allowing you to add specialised certifications to your CV ahead of the autumn interview season.
- Local Expertise: Your dedicated consultant, Kara, is an education market specialist, providing bespoke interview preparation and professional CV polishing.
Reception Teaching Assistant in Kirkham employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Tradewind Recruitment is an exceptional employer, recognised as a Sunday Times Top 100 Employer for four consecutive years, showcasing our commitment to staff well-being. Our vibrant work culture fosters professional growth through access to over 2,500 accredited CPD courses, while our dedicated consultants provide tailored support to ensure your success in the education sector. Join us in Warton, where you can make a meaningful impact in a nurturing environment that celebrates creativity and outdoor learning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Reception Teaching Assistant in Kirkham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, join local teaching assistant groups on social media, and attend community events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the school and its ethos, especially their approach to EYFS and Forest School activities. Be ready to share how your experience aligns with their values and how you can contribute to their nurturing environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Bring along examples of your work or ideas for engaging activities that fit into their curriculum. This will demonstrate your proactive attitude and creativity, making you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so let’s land that Teaching Assistant role together!
We think you need these skills to ace Reception Teaching Assistant in Kirkham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Early Years:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with young children shine through. Share specific examples of how you've supported children's learning and development in previous roles, especially in an EYFS setting.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. Mention your qualifications and any specific EYFS frameworks you’re familiar with, like phonics or early maths concepts.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. Highlight your key achievements and experiences that relate directly to the role of a Reception Teaching Assistant.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tradewind Recruitment
✨Know Your EYFS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Understand how it applies to reading, writing, and maths skills, as well as how to create a stimulating learning environment. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your passion for early years education.
✨Showcase Your Outdoor Learning Passion
Since this role involves outdoor Forest School activities, be prepared to discuss your experience with nature-based learning. Share specific examples of how you've engaged children in outdoor play and how it supports their development. This will demonstrate your fit for the school's unique approach.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
As the position is ad-hoc, it's crucial to convey your adaptability and readiness to jump in where needed. Prepare examples of times when you've had to adjust quickly to new situations or support different learning needs. This will reassure the interviewers that you're the right person for the job.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street, so think of thoughtful questions to ask about the school’s approach to teaching and how they support their staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.
