Teaching and Learning Assistant (Early Years)

Contract: Fixed term until 16 July 2027

Start date: ASAP

Hours: 33.75 hours per week, 38 weeks per year – 08:15–15:30, Monday to Friday

Salary: ME4, point 3 (£23,376 pro-rated salary) – monthly gross amount £1,948

Closing: date: 23:59 Sunday 18 October 2026

Interview: Week commencing Monday 19 October 2026

How to apply: Complete the St John Fisher application and pre-employment forms and email them to St John Fisher

St John Fisher RC Primary School is seeking a caring, enthusiastic and committed Teaching and Learning Assistant to join our thriving Early Years Foundation Stage team.

You will work alongside experienced teaching staff to support children's learning, development and emotional wellbeing, helping all pupils access learning and reach their potential. The role includes working with individuals and small groups, both inside and outside the classroom, under the direction of the Class Teacher and Inclusion Manager.

We are looking for someone with:

Experience of working with children, ideally in Early Years and/or with SEND.

A good understanding of children's learning and development.

Enthusiasm and determination to improve pupil progress.

Good literacy, numeracy and spoken English skills.

Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

A caring, flexible and approachable approach to teamwork.

A commitment to supporting vulnerable children and meeting individual needs.

A strong commitment to safeguarding.

About our school

St John Fisher is a welcoming two-form entry Catholic primary school on the outskirts of Wimbledon. We are part of a thriving local and parish community and enjoy strong parental support. Our pupils demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviour, and we have a committed and supportive staff team.

Visits

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed by prior arrangement with the Headteacher or Inclusion Manager. Please contact the school office to arrange a visit.

Safeguarding and equal opportunities

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and must provide proof of identity and right to work in the UK.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to equality of opportunity for all applicants and employees.

Job Description

Grade: ME4

Job purpose

To support children's learning, care and development in the Early Years Foundation Stage through play-based learning, classroom support and targeted interventions.

Main responsibilities

Support pupils' learning, social development and emotional wellbeing.

Work with individuals and small groups, including pupils with SEND and individual support plans.

Deliver planned interventions and adapt activities to pupils' needs.

Encourage independence, confidence, positive behaviour and social skills.

Observe and record pupils' progress and provide feedback to the Class Teacher.

Work with other professionals where required.

Work within the statutory EYFS Framework.

Act as a key person for a group of children and build positive relationships with children and families.

Support early language, communication and phonics through play and daily routines.

Contribute to EYFS assessment, including the Reception Baseline and Early Years Foundation Stage Profile.

Help provide a stimulating, safe and well-organised indoor and outdoor learning environment.

Supervise children safely, including during playtimes and educational visits.

Support personal and intimate care needs in accordance with school policy.

Support pupils with medical needs and administer first aid where appropriately trained.

Prepare resources, set up activities and maintain an organised classroom.

Provide cover for other teaching assistants and work across the school when required.

Supervise a class for short periods during a teacher's temporary absence, following work provided.

Maintain confidentiality and follow data protection, safeguarding, health and safety and other school policies.

Support the school's mission and Catholic ethos.

Develop positive relationships with pupils, colleagues, parents and carers.

Maintain high standards of conduct, punctuality and attendance.

Participate in relevant training, appraisal and meetings.

The postholder may undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the role and grade, as directed by the Headteacher or Inclusion Manager. The job description may be reviewed and amended in consultation with the postholder.

Person Specification

Essential

Understanding of child development through relevant qualifications or experience.

Experience of working with children, preferably in Early Years and/or with SEND.

Good literacy, numeracy and spoken and written English.

Ability to understand and respond to individual pupil needs.

Ability to build positive relationships with children and adults.

Calm, caring, flexible and adaptable approach.

Commitment to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.

Good organisation, punctuality and time-management skills.

Commitment to confidentiality, equality and inclusion.

Commitment to achieving positive outcomes for all pupils.

Willingness to undertake relevant training and professional development.

Desirable

Training or experience in speech and language programmes, such as ELKLAN.

Training or experience in emotional literacy or nurture programmes, such as ELSA.

Experience supporting pupils with ASD/ADHD, SLCN, SEMH, Down syndrome or other specific needs.

First Aid training or experience supporting pupils with medical needs.