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Teaching Assistant (Level 3)

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
locationBlackburn
remoteOn-Site
ExpiresExpires: Expiring in less than 2 weeks
Full time

Avondale Primary School
Durham Road
Darwen
BB3 1NN

Job Title: Teaching Assistant (Level 3)
Grade/Salary: Grade E, SCP 9
Contract Type: Permanent, Term Time
Contract Terms: 32 hours
Closing Date: Monday 2nd November 2026
Required from: 7th December 2026, or sooner if possible

TO APPLY FOR THIS VACANCY PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW

The Headteacher and Governors at Avondale Primary School are excited to welcome an inspiring, conscientious and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant Level 3 to join our established Avondale team in providing quality, memorable learning experiences and opportunities for our children. If you love children, teaching and want to be part of a fabulous team then this is the post for you and we would love to hear from you.

School life at Avondale centres around our happy children and school values which along with our positive, nurturing ethos provides the essence to our successful, inclusive, community school. Supporting our children and families through outstanding pastoral care is intrinsic within our daily work and lies at the heart of all we do.

We want our children to be proud of themselves, Avondale School and of the community we serve. Reading and language are at the heart of our Avondale curriculum. Through our 'Avondale Adventure' we promote high expectations for behaviour and achievement.

At Avondale Primary School, we are proud to be "a school where children learn, smile and remember." We are looking for a dedicated, enthusiastic and caring EYFS Teaching Assistant who shares our commitment to providing an exceptional start to every child's educational journey and helping them thrive within our warm and supportive school community.

Purpose of the Role

To support the learning, development and welfare of children within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) by working closely with teachers and other staff to provide a safe, nurturing and highly stimulating environment in which all children can thrive.
The successful candidate will play an important role in supporting teaching and learning, promoting children's personal development and helping to ensure that every child gets the very best start to their education.

Key Responsibilities

Supporting Teaching and Learning

  • Support the planning, preparation and delivery of learning activities within the EYFS curriculum.
  • Work with individuals, small groups and occasionally whole classes under the direction of the teacher.
  • Promote children's learning through high-quality play-based experiences.
  • Support the development of communication, language, early reading, writing and mathematics skills.
  • Encourage independence, confidence and resilience in young learners.
  • Prepare and organise learning resources and maintain an attractive learning environment.
  • Support children during indoor and outdoor learning activities.

Observation, Assessment and Recording

  • Observe children's learning and development and provide feedback to teachers.
  • Contribute to baseline assessments and ongoing observations.
  • Maintain accurate records and contribute to children's learning journeys.
  • Help identify barriers to learning and support strategies to address them.
  • Monitor and record children's progress against EYFS outcomes.

Supporting Personal, Social and Emotional Development

  • Develop positive and supportive relationships with pupils.
  • Promote positive behaviour in line with the school's Behaviour Policy.
  • Encourage children to develop social skills, self-regulation and independence.
  • Support children's emotional wellbeing and personal development.
  • Assist with personal care when required, ensuring dignity and respect at all times.

Supporting Children with Additional Needs

  • Provide targeted support for children with SEND and those requiring additional intervention.
  • Deliver intervention programmes under the guidance of the class teacher, EYFS Lead or SENDCo.
  • Adapt resources and activities to meet the varying needs of children.
  • Work closely with external agencies and professionals where appropriate.

Safeguarding and Welfare

  • Promote and safeguard the welfare of all children.
  • Follow school policies and procedures relating to safeguarding and child protection.
  • Report any concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
  • Support children's health, safety and wellbeing throughout the school day.
  • Administer first aid in accordance with training and school procedures where appropriate.

Working with Parents and Carers

  • Foster positive relationships with parents and carers.
  • Support effective communication between home and school.
  • Assist with transition arrangements and parental engagement activities.
  • Represent the school professionally at all times.

Wider Professional Responsibilities

  • Attend staff meetings, training and professional development activities.
  • Participate in school events, educational visits and enrichment activities.
  • Contribute positively to the ethos and values of Avondale Primary School.
  • Undertake other reasonable duties as directed by the Headteacher appropriate to the grade of the post.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

  • Level 3 qualification in Early Years, Childcare or Supporting Teaching and Learning.
  • GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Mathematics (or equivalent).

Essential Experience

  • Experience of working with children within an EYFS setting.
  • Experience of supporting children's learning and development through play.
  • Experience of working effectively as part of a team.

Essential Knowledge

  • Good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework.
  • Knowledge of child development from birth to five years.
  • Understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
  • Awareness of supporting children with SEND.

Personal Qualities

  • Warm, caring and nurturing.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Positive, enthusiastic and adaptable.
  • Committed to inclusion and ensuring all children succeed.
  • Able to work effectively as part of a supportive team.
  • Organised, reliable and hardworking.

Application packs are available to download above. Completed applications should be returned to the school on the closing date shown above, via grace.greenaway@avondale.blackburn.sch.uk

Safeguarding Statement

This 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 exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory check supplied by the Disclosure and Barring Service. The check will include any cautions, reprimands, or final warnings as well as convictions.