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 resilience.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, supportive environment, and the chance to inspire young minds.
- Other info: Join a passionate team focused on personalised learning and child development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying a fun, nature-based learning approach.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification and experience in EYFS settings required.
The predicted salary is between 14 - 15 € per hour.
Early Years (EYFS) Reception Teaching Assistant
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.
Reception Teaching Assistant in Preston employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Our school offers a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child is celebrated for their uniqueness, making it an excellent employer for those passionate about early years education. Located in the picturesque village of Warton, we provide a supportive work culture that values creativity and personal growth, with opportunities to engage in outdoor Forest School activities that inspire both staff and students alike. Join us to make a meaningful impact on young learners' lives while enjoying a flexible, term-time only contract that allows for a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Reception Teaching Assistant in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, do a bit of research about the school’s ethos and values. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or family member. Focus on how your experience aligns with the role of a Reception Teaching Assistant, especially your EYFS knowledge and outdoor learning skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for early years education! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've supported children’s learning in the past. Highlight your nurturing approach and adaptability, as these are key traits for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that can set you apart from other candidates and shows your enthusiasm for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Reception Teaching Assistant in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with EYFS and how it aligns with our school's values. We want to see how you can contribute to our nurturing environment!
Show Your Passion for Outdoor Learning:Since we’re a dedicated Forest School, let us know about your love for nature-based learning! Share any relevant experiences that showcase your enthusiasm for outdoor activities and how they benefit young learners.
Highlight Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification or any equivalent credentials. We’re keen to see how your qualifications fit into the role and support our Reception class.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tradewind Recruitment
✨Know Your EYFS Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Be ready to discuss how you can support children's learning in reading, writing, and maths, as well as your experience with phonics delivery. This shows you're not just familiar with the curriculum but also passionate about it!
✨Show Your Nurturing Side
During the interview, highlight your warm and patient approach to working with young children. Share specific examples of how you've created a safe and inclusive environment in previous roles. This will help the interviewers see that you truly care about the well-being of every child.
✨Embrace Outdoor Learning
Since this role involves outdoor Forest School activities, be prepared to talk about your experience with nature-based learning. Discuss any creative ideas you have for engaging children in outdoor play and how you can incorporate the natural environment into their learning.
✨Be Ready to Adapt
As this is an ad-hoc position, demonstrate your adaptability and proactive attitude. Share examples of times when you've had to think on your feet or adjust your approach to meet the needs of different learners. This will show that you're ready to hit the ground running!
