Teaching Assistant 3 (The Haven CE/Methodist Primary School)

Job Description

Hours of work: 19.5 Hours
Working pattern: Part-time, Term-time only etc.
(As the position is part-time/term-time only, the above salary will be pro rata)

Closing date: Wednesday 30 September 2026

For more information and to apply for the above post, please contact:

The Haven CE/Methodist Primary School
Atlantic Drive
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN23 5AZ

Phone: 01323 471781
Email: office@thehaven.school
Website: www.thehaven.e-sussex.sch.uk

Please note, we do not accept CVs.

Are you passionate about supporting young children in their earliest years of education? The Haven CE Methodist Primary School is seeking a caring, enthusiastic and dedicated Teaching Assistant to join our Reception team for three days per week.

This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside our experienced Early Years staff in a vibrant and nurturing environment where children are encouraged to develop confidence, curiosity and a love of learning. The successful candidate will support pupils both within the classroom and through small group activities, helping children to make strong progress across all areas of learning and development.

We are looking for someone who understands the importance of the Early Years Foundation Stage and can build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues. You will be patient, flexible and committed to helping every child achieve their full potential while embodying our school vision of 'Let Your Light Shine'.

At The Haven, we are proud of our inclusive and supportive school community. We offer a welcoming working environment, high-quality professional development opportunities, and the chance to work with a dedicated team that is committed to ensuring the very best outcomes for all children.

What we are looking for:
• Experience of working with young children, preferably within an Early Years setting and someone who can cover the class in the teacher’s absence.
• A positive, caring and enthusiastic approach.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• A willingness to support the Christian ethos and values of our school.

How to apply:
We warmly invite potential candidates to ask any questions about the role. Please contact Suzy Clarke, School Business Manager, by email at sclarke@thehaven.school or by telephone on 01323 471781.

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed.

Further information and an application form and job/person specification can be found on our school website.

Please email your completed application form to sclarke@thehaven.school.

Closing date for applications: 30.9.2026
Interview date: Week Commencing 5.10.2026

The Diocese of Chichester Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We have a robust safeguarding and child protection policy, and all staff will receive training relevant to their role at induction and throughout employment at the school/Trust. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service criminal records check for work with children. For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record. An online search will be undertaken for shortlisted candidates as part of the recruitment process on information available in the public domain. Candidates should disclose anything that may be relevant in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. 

The Diocese of Chichester Academy Trust is committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity.

This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018.
The Trust will need to ensure that they are not knowingly employing a person who is disqualified under the 2018 Regulations in connection with relevant childcare provision. Accordingly, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate to the school, by completing a self-declaration form as part of the pre-employment checks process, that they have not been disqualified under the 2018 Regulations.
If the preferred candidate is found to be disqualified under the 2018 Regulations, the offer of employment will be subject to the application by the preferred candidate to Ofsted for a waiver and the receipt of a waiver from Ofsted.

Additional Information
Work Permits: we may be able to obtain a Work Permit for this post, but this is subject to meeting the requirements of the UK Border Agency's Points-based Immigration System. Due to the restrictions, we cannot guarantee that individuals that meet the requirements of the Points-based Immigration System will be issued with clearance to obtain work permits.

Our School Vision: "Let Your Light Shine" (Matthew 5:16)
All children can aspire, flourish, and achieve.
We provide a haven; somewhere to anchor in calm seas. We nurture community and curiosity; helping every child reach their God-given potential, letting their light shine in t

About us

Additional Information
The Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain an enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record.
All school based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.