Reception Teaching Assistant

Job introduction

We are seeking an enthusiastic and energetic Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated and experienced Reception team. This full-time, fixed term - with potential to become permanent – the role offers the opportunity to work with a wonderfully diverse group of children, each with their own unique needs and personalities. We are looking for someone who is excited by the challenge and reward of supporting children’s growth and development. You will be part of a highly collaborative and supportive team, ensuring you have guidance and encouragement every step of the way. Flexibility, patience, emotional resilience and a passion for making a positive difference are essential in this role. No two days are ever the same!

St. Andrew’s is a positive and progressive school and an exciting and rewarding place to work. We have a hardworking, friendly staff team who are united in the belief that we are all learning together. We are proud to be a Church of England school and our mission is, ‘To inspire a love of learning and live ‘life in all its fullness’ (John 10:10), ensuring everyone can flourish and be the best that they can be.’

Paid weeks per year: 39 (inclusive of holiday entitlement)

Fixed term: 31 August 2026, with a view to becoming permanent

Start date: 12th January 2026 or as soon after this date as possible

About the role

Essential Criteria

Job Related Education and Qualifications and Knowledge

• NVQ 2 for Teaching Assistants or equivalent qualification or experience
• Understanding of relevant policies / codes of practice and awareness of relevant legislation
• General understanding of national / foundation stage curriculum and other basic learning programmes / strategies
• Basic understanding of child development and learning
• First aid training or willingness to undertake appropriate First Aid training as appropriate
• Understanding of learning processes and possible barriers to learning

Experience

• Experience of working with or supporting children in a primary school
• Experience in the effective use of ICT to support learning
• Experience of supporting children with SEND, especially young children
• Experience of working with pupils to develop communication and learning skills

Skills/Abilities

• Good numeracy / literacy skills
• Ability to self-evaluate own learning needs and actively seek learning opportunities, demonstrating a commitment to continuing professional development
• Ability to communicate and develop good relationships with a range of people, e.g. children and families/carers, teaching staff, senior leaders within the school and professionals from other agencies
• Ability to demonstrate and promote positive values and behaviour, in line with the school’s behaviour policy
• Ability to support children who may struggle to regulate emotions and behaviour
• Ability to work as part of a team but also independently, manage own time well, possess good organisational skills and display excellent initiative
• Ability to react quickly and calmly and solve problems, in line with school policies and procedures, and in liaison with class teachers and other school staff
• Ability to prepare simple written records, and keep accurate, up-to-date records, using information technology to support children’s learning
• Work constructively as part of a team, understanding the shared responsibility of each member to promote children’s learning

Equalities

• To be able to demonstrate a commitment to the principles of Equalities and to be able to carry out duties in accordance with the Council’s Equalities Policy.

We warmly welcome visits to the school. If you would like to make an appointment or have an informal discussion about the role with Sophie Thomas (Headteacher), please contact the school office.

Closing date: Wednesday 17th December 2025

Interview date: Wednesday 7th January 2026

How to apply: Completed application forms accepted by email/post direct to the school office: recruitment@st-andrews.brighton-hove.sch.uk or St Andrews CE Primary, Belfast St, Hove BN3 3YT.

Telephone: 01273 770082

Website: http://www.st-andrews.brighton-hove.sch.uk/ ;

Additional information

Please note that this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and is subject to a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Check.

Company information

Brighton & Hove Schools - Taking Action for Equality

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Brighton & Hove Schools do not accept CV or resume.