Early Years Lead Practitioner (HLTA) (3890 ) in Kendal

• Job type:Teaching Assistant / Senior Teaching Assistant / Higher Level Teaching Assistant
• Contract:Permanent
• Work pattern:Full-time
• Salary:Please see below
• Date posted: Friday 25 September 2026
• Closing date for applications: Friday 9 October 2026
• Employer:VA

Early Years Lead Practitioner (HLTA) to work in Nursery

Grade 8 - SCP 19 £32,061 FTE pro-rata Term Time Only - 38 weeks

• Permanent
• Five days per week
• 8:00am-3:45pm
• 36.25 per week
• £16.61 per hour
• Contract: Permanent
• Start Date: 4th January 2027

Do you have a passion to work with young children in creating an environment that will allow them to flourish and develop?
We need an experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant, a ‘friendly, team player with high expectations’ to join our St Mark’s School family.

St Mark’s C of E Primary School is a small, family orientated village school in Kendal. We work in partnership with parents to develop a school where no one fails but rather, where every child leaves us having identified a talent, a skill, an intelligence through which they can become whatever they want to be. We have a strong tradition of celebrating achievement and encouraging children’s self-esteem and we have excellent teachers, teaching assistants and office staff who all work closely together. Our Governing Body plays an active role in the development and success of the school and we have a thriving Parent Teacher Association (PTA) whose members work extremely hard to raise money and to provide a whole range of social events for parents and children.

We Are Looking for Someone Who:

• Is passionate about providing exceptional early years education and care for our youngest learners.
• Has a warm, nurturing and child-centred approach, creating an environment where every child feels safe, valued and able to thrive.
• Has a strong understanding of child development and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), particularly for children aged 2-3 years.
• Can lead and inspire a small team, providing clear direction, support and encouragement to ensure consistently high-quality provision.
• Is highly organised and able to plan, deliver and evaluate engaging learning experiences that promote curiosity, independence and a love of learning.
• Has excellent communication skills and can build strong partnerships with children, families, colleagues and external professionals.
• Is committed to inclusive practice and ensuring that all children, regardless of need or background, achieve their full potential.
• Demonstrates high expectations for children's learning, development and wellbeing.
• Has a thorough understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and is committed to promoting the welfare of children at all times.
• Is reflective, enthusiastic and committed to their own professional development and contributing positively to the wider life of the school.

We Particularly Welcome Applications From Candidates With:

• HLTA status and a Level 3 Early Years qualification or higher.
• Significant experience working with children aged 2-5 years within an early years setting.
• Proven experience of leading, supervising, mentoring or developing staff within a nursery or school environment.
• Experience of planning and delivering high-quality provision specifically for children aged 2-3 years.
• A strong track record of supporting children's language, communication, personal, social and emotional development.
• Experience of monitoring children's progress and maintaining accurate assessment and learning records.
• Knowledge and experience of supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
• Experience of working collaboratively with families, external agencies and multi-disciplinary teams to secure the best outcomes for children.
• Experience of contributing to SEND identification, intervention planning and review processes.
• The Level 3 Early Years SENCO Award, or a willingness to undertake further training in this area.
• A commitment to helping shape and develop an outstanding nursery provision that reflects the values and ambitions of St Mark's School.

St Mark’s CofE Primary School is committed to the principles of safer recruitment, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check and excellent professional references.

We welcome visits to school. Please contact the school office to book your visit on 015395 60719 or office@st-marks.cumbria.sch.uk and look at our school website for further information.

Closing date for applications: Friday 9th October at 12.00 noon

Interviews: To be held Wednesday 14th October

St Marks CofE Primary School
Oxenholme Lane
Natland
Kendal
LA9 7QH

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