Teaching Assistant

Salary: NJC 5 - 11 £18,645 - £20,510 (Actual) £24,790 - £27,269 (FTE) well-being cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits
Hours: 32.5 hours per week - 39 weeks per year
Contract type: Fixed term - until Aug 2026
Start date: September 2025

Are you ready to make a positive difference in a warm, inclusive primary school setting? At St Helen's Primary Academy, we're seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support children across all year groups. Join us and play a vital role in helping every child access the curriculum, grow in confidence, and achieve their full potential.

About the role
As a Teaching Assistant, you'll work alongside teachers to provide targeted support-both one-to-one and in small groups-across all ages, being flexible to support Early Years through to Year 6. To do this effectively, we expect candidates to already have relevant school experience. You'll assist with lesson delivery, support positive behaviours, prepare resources, and ensure our classroom environments are stimulating, safe, and inclusive. You'll also have opportunities to support trips and out-of-school activities.

We value the skills and dedication of our teaching assistants. To support the best outcomes for our students, we require applicants to hold at least a Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification; ideally Level 3. If you're working towards a level 3 qualification, we'll support your journey through our Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Programme, helping you develop the skills and confidence to make an even greater impact.

Skills and Experience we would like to see:

• Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (or currently working towards it)
• Experience supporting children in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2
• Knowledge of strategies to support pupils with SEND
• Familiarity with phonics programmes such as Read Write Inc
• Understanding of child development and how children learn
• Confidence using digital tools to support learning and communication
• Positive behaviour management experience
• A flexible, proactive approach and a genuine passion for primary education
• UK right to work, as this role is not eligible for sponsorship.

About St Helen's Primary Academy

Rated Good by Ofsted in January 2024, St Helen's provides high-quality education from ages 3 to 11, with approximately 207 pupils on roll. We're proud of our inclusive ethos, nurturing strong relationships with children and families to help each pupil thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

Closing date: 29th June
This is a fixed term contract until August 2026
Interview dates: WC 7th July

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.

Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.