At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young children in learning and personal development, focusing on reading, writing, and maths.
- Company: Join Churchwood Primary Academy, a nurturing school dedicated to inspiring creativity and ambition in children.
- Benefits: Enjoy automatic pay increments, generous pension, 27 days holiday, and health & wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a supportive and rewarding environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with nursery or reception children and a passion for supporting their learning is essential.
- Other info: This role is term-time only, offering a great work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 17803 - 17803 £ per year.
Contract: FTC until July 2026
Working Pattern: Term time only
Hours: 11 hours per week, 9am-3pm Thursdays and Fridays
Actual Starting Salary (calculated pro rata): £6,506.64 per annum.
Salary paid in 12 equal monthly instalments.
We believe all children deserve the very best early start in life. Do you? Are you passionate and committed to supporting young children with their learning and personal development?
Do you have the enthusiasm to provide a safe and stimulating environment for our pupils?
We are looking for an enthusiastic, flexible and committed Teaching Assistant. As a Teaching Assistant in a mainly classroom based role, you will work with colleagues to support core learning including: reading, writing, and mathematics. You will also provide support in the playground encouraging the children\’s development of positive social friendships and play skills. You will also assist with the organisation of the breakfast club and assist in the provision of quality play opportunities.
The successful candidate will be able to provide a nurturing environment and enjoy working as part of a friendly and dedicated team.
You will have:
- Experience of establishing positive relationships with young children and the ability to empathise with their needs
- A strong commitment to supporting children\’s learning
- A patient, resourceful, enthusiastic and flexible approach
- You will have experience of working with/caring for children, have your own children, or have worked with children in a voluntary capacity
- A keen interest in outdoor learning and making activities engaging and accessible to all
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further details.
About the School
Churchwood Primary Academy is a one-form entry school situated in the picturesque setting of Church Wood in St Leonards, where children aged two to eleven discover the joy of learning through creativity and inspiration. Our motto, “At Churchwood everyone can – everyone can read; everyone can write; everyone can be numerate,” drives our high expectations for each child\’s success. With a nurturing ethos, we respect and guide every individual toward their full potential, encouraging independence and ambition.
The academy has a total capacity of 250 pupils; this includes a special educational needs facility for eight Key Stage 2 pupils with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder combined with speech and language communication difficulties. The academy also hosts a nursery for children aged from 2 years.
Visit us: Home – Churchwood Primary Academy
Benefits
- Automatic annual pay increments: Pay progression is not linked to performance and all our staff benefit from automatic pay progression (subject to the maximum salary for the role). Cost of living awards are also reviewed annually.
- Generous Pension: Safeguard your future with financial security throughout your retirement. Employer contribution rate of 18.9%.
- Holiday Entitlement: Take advantage of 27 days annual leave per annum (FTE), plus statutory Bank Holidays.
- Health and Wellbeing: A strong commitment to your health and wellbeing including onsite Wellbeing Champions, designated Mental Health Ambassadors and an annual day devoted to your health and wellbeing. This day provides the opportunity to spend valuable time catching up with colleagues, as well as some ‘Time for You’ to do whatever most enhances your wellbeing.
- Personal Development Day: One day annually dedicated to your personal development which could include volunteering, training or a seminar (self-funded).
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to free and confidential counselling services, providing support for both work and personal issues.
- Cycle to Work: Build exercise into your commute, with our cycle-to-work programme, offering a £2K loan to purchase a bicycle.
- Retail Discount: Savings with hundreds of retailers including gym, private medical, dental and online GP service, as well as eligibility for the Blue Light Discount Scheme.
Our commitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check. This role is considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013, 2020 and 2023. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. Further information is available here: Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975 (www.gov.uk).
We welcome applications from all members of the community. The Trust is proud to be part of the government’s Disability Confident scheme which underpins our staff and volunteer recruitment practices. If you would like any support or assistant at any stage of the recruitment process please let us know.
Find out more
For further information about this opportunity please download the attached job description and personal specification, and view our candidate pack here: Candidate Pack.
To arrange a visit or to have an informal discussion about this role please contact office@churchwoodprimaryacademy.org.uk.
Please apply today.
Key dates
- Closing date: 21 January 2026
- Interview date: TBC
- Proposed start date: TBC
Not your perfect job? Please register for job alerts to learn about our future vacancies: Future Job Alerts
A helpful guide to completing your application is available here: Guidance on your application
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Teaching Assistant employer: University of Brighton Academies Trust
Contact Detail:
University of Brighton Academies Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Churchwood Primary Academy's ethos and values. Understanding their commitment to nurturing children's development will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your passion for supporting young learners.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to build positive relationships with children. Highlight instances where you've successfully supported their learning or emotional needs, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Research common challenges faced by children in Reception and think about strategies you could implement to support them. Being able to discuss these strategies in an interview will show your proactive approach and understanding of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with the community around Churchwood Primary Academy. Attend local events or connect with parents and educators to gain insights into the school's environment and culture, which can provide valuable context for your application and interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Teaching Assistant position. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with what Churchwood Primary Academy is looking for.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your relevant experience working with young children, particularly in nursery or reception settings. Emphasise your ability to establish positive relationships and support children's learning and development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting children's education and personal development. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet the criteria outlined in the job description.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in an educational setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Brighton Academies Trust
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for supporting young children's learning and development. Share specific examples from your previous experience that highlight your commitment to education and how you have positively impacted children's lives.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Understanding
During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you establish positive relationships with children. Use anecdotes to illustrate your ability to empathise with their needs and how you adapt your approach to support their individual learning styles.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Be ready to talk about your previous roles as a Teaching Assistant or any relevant experience working with nursery or reception children. Discuss specific skills you've developed, such as supporting core subjects like reading, writing, and mathematics.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's ethos, teaching methods, and how they support children's social and emotional needs. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school aligns with your values.