Teaching Assistant-Early Years

Windhill Primary School

Hollingworth Close

Mexborough

S64 0PQ

Contract: Fixed-term for 1 year (with the possibility of becoming permanent) 30 hours per week

To start as soon as possible

Salary: Grade 5 £25,584 pro rata

Are you a kind, caring and patient person who enjoys helping young children learn and thrive?

We are looking for a Teaching Assistant to join our welcoming Reception team and play an important role in supporting our youngest pupils, including children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The successful candidate will be someone who builds positive relationships with children, understands that every child learns differently, and is committed to helping pupils develop their confidence, independence and love of learning.

The role

Working as part of the Early Years team, you will:

• Provide warm, nurturing and consistent support to pupils in the classroom and throughout the school day.
• Support children with SEND to access learning, develop independence and participate fully in school life.
• Work closely with the class teacher and wider team to meet individual children's needs.
• Encourage positive behaviour and help children develop their social and emotional skills.
• Support learning through play, practical activities and carefully planned interventions.
• Support the daily routines of pupils
• Contribute to observations and assessment of children's progress where appropriate.
• Help create an engaging, inclusive and stimulating learning environment.
• This role may involve providing intimate care to pupils with complex needs, including with toileting, personal hygiene and ensuring their dignity and wellbeing are maintained at all times.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is kind, patient, calm, caring and enthusiastic about working with young children.
• Has an understanding of how to support pupils with SEND
• Has some knowledge or understanding of the Early Years curriculum and how young children learn through play and exploration.
• Can build positive relationships with children, colleagues and families.
• Is able to work as part of a supportive and collaborative team.
• Is adaptable, reflective and willing to learn.
• Has high expectations for every child and is committed to ensuring all pupils feel valued and included.

Experience of working in an Early Years or primary school setting would be desirable, but we are also interested in hearing from candidates who can demonstrate the right skills, qualities and commitment.

What we can offer you

We are proud to offer:

• Working with pupils who have a fantastic attitude towards learning and will make you smile!
• A supportive and welcoming team who value collaboration and professional development.
• A well-resourced Early Years provision with a strong focus on children's learning and development.
• Access to high-quality training and professional development linked to your role and the needs of our pupils.
• The opportunity to develop your knowledge and experience of supporting children with SEND.
• A rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference to children's early educational experiences.

How to apply

If you are passionate about helping young children develop, learn and flourish, we would love to hear from you.

We warmly encourage visits to our school so you can see for yourself all that we can offer. Please contact the school office to arrange a convenient time: 01709 586949.

Please see the attached job description and person specification for further information.

Closing date: 09-10-2026 (9am)
Interview date: 13-10-2026
Start date: 02-11-2026 or earlier if successful candidate is available

Windhill Primary school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

If shortlisted, you will be asked to complete and return a Criminal Records Declaration Form prior to interview. Failure to reveal information that is directly relevant to the position sought could lead to withdrawal of an offer of employment.

This post involves working with children and therefore if successful you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service records check at an enhanced level. Further information about the Disclosure Scheme can be found at www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check

Completed forms should be returned by email to admin@windhillschool.co.uk or posted to: Windhill Primary School, Hollingworth Close, Mexborough, S64 0PQ.