At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young learners in phonics and small group sessions to enhance their learning experience.
- Company: Join Uphill Village Academy, a vibrant and inclusive primary school community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, health benefits, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we celebrate diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant qualification and a passion for working with children.
The predicted salary is between 20036 - 21600 £ per year.
An opportunity to empower students to reach their full potential by delivering tailored support that enhances learning, engagement, and well-being. The successful candidate will work in a mixed EYFS and Year 1 class, working closely with the class teacher to deliver small group sessions, including phonics lessons. They will have relevant experience which gives them an understanding of the EYFS statutory framework and a passion to ensure all children have the opportunity to learn and develop within a safe and stimulating environment.
About you:
- Be committed to being part of a high performing school that has high expectations.
- Continuously be committed to improving the life chances of pupils.
- Always be committed to own self development and resilient to the challenges of working in a single form entry school.
- Be committed to seeing feedback as a gift and strive to be better every day.
- Stay committed to the wider success of the school and community.
- Have experience of, or willingness to embrace working in a single form entry school is essential.
- Have an understanding of classroom roles and responsibilities and how a teaching assistant supports students in their learning.
- Be able to engage students and manage behaviour on a one to one or small group basis.
- Hold a full and relevant qualification (e.g. Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant / Early Years qualification).
- Have strong interpersonal skills, in particular with the ability to demonstrate empathy and active listening.
- Have good planning and organisational skills, specifically with regard to learning activities and support materials.
- Be someone with a keen interest in working with children and commitment to inclusion and acceptance of all.
Applicants are advised to refer to the full requirements of the role in the attached job description and person specification, prior to submitting an application.
About Uphill Village Academy:
Uphill Village Academy is a vibrant primary school located in Weston-Super-Mare. We are a school that thrives on inclusion and strong pastoral and academic provision and welcome children and families to join our school community where we celebrate each other’s strengths and uniqueness. Our community of children, parents, relatives, colleagues and other local community groups work closely together to ensure our children learn in an environment where they are filled with joy, confidence, and a strong sense of agency and feel safe to try new experiences and explore concepts of learning in a deeper way.
Why work at CLF?
We are a diverse and inclusive community of 36 academies across five cluster regions in the South West that is committed to excellence and making a positive impact. Our people bring unique perspectives, but we’re all driven by a shared moral purpose and a passion for making a positive impact, whether in a teaching, leadership or support role. We’re proud to foster a culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of others.
We are an equal opportunity employer and proud to serve a diverse student population and our communities. We strongly believe that representation matters and so encourage applications from underrepresented and global majority groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion. We aim to remove any barriers to employment, ensuring everyone can compete on equal terms. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.
What we can offer you:
- Access to a generous pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Generous annual leave.
- A comprehensive induction and ongoing commitment to wellbeing and career progression, through a range of training, apprenticeships and in-role/wider-trust development opportunities.
- Well-being support through an Employee Assistance Programme.
- Health benefits, including wellness sessions, gym discounts, and flu jabs.
- A range of generous family leave options, including above industry average occupational maternity pay.
- Additional benefits like cycle to work scheme, on-site parking plus many more!
Recruitment timeline:
- Closing Date: 2 June 2026
- Shortlisting date: 4 June 2026
- Interviews: 11 June 2026
We welcome visits from potential candidates. If you would like to arrange a school visit prior to the closing date, please contact the academy/site directly to arrange a suitable appointment.
As part of our commitment to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), we do not accept CVs – a full education and employment history must be provided through our application form. Please note we are not able to offer visa sponsorship for this role. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, should we receive a high level of interest in the role. Therefore, candidates are advised to apply at their earliest convenience to avoid missing out.
As a Disability Confident Committed Employer, we are dedicated to equity and inclusion and commit to interviewing applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria. We aim to provide an inclusive and accessible recruitment process, and support employees throughout their employment. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or require any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process please let us know how we can assist.
Early Years Teaching Assistant (Level 2) – Phonics & Small Groups employer: Uphill Village Academy
Uphill Village Academy is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its staff while fostering a vibrant, inclusive community in Weston-Super-Mare. With a strong commitment to professional development, generous benefits including a Local Government Pension Scheme, and a supportive work culture, we empower our Early Years Teaching Assistants to make a meaningful impact on students' lives. Join us in creating a joyful learning environment where every child can thrive and feel valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Teaching Assistant (Level 2) – Phonics & Small Groups
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Uphill Village Academy and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to working with children and managing behaviour. We can even help you with mock interviews to boost your confidence!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for early years education. Share specific examples from your experience that highlight your commitment to inclusion and how you've positively impacted children's learning.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your fit for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Teaching Assistant (Level 2) – Phonics & Small Groups
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives and are excited about the role!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the job description. We love seeing specific examples of how you've supported children's learning and development in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key skills and experiences stand out. This helps us 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 ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Uphill Village Academy
✨Know Your Phonics
Brush up on your phonics knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you would approach teaching phonics in small groups, as this is a key part of the role. Think about specific strategies that engage young learners and help them grasp the basics.
✨Show Your Passion for Early Years Education
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share personal experiences or anecdotes that highlight your commitment to fostering a safe and stimulating learning environment. This will resonate well with the school's values.
✨Demonstrate Your Interpersonal Skills
Be prepared to showcase your strong interpersonal skills. You might be asked how you would handle challenging behaviour or support a child who is struggling. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your empathy and active listening abilities.
✨Engage with the School's Values
Familiarise yourself with Uphill Village Academy's ethos and community spirit. During the interview, reference how your own values align with theirs, particularly around inclusion and collaboration. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in being part of their community.
