Teaching Assistant & Lunch Time Assistant

St. John’s CE (VA) J&I School is seeking to appoint a teaching assistant to work in our caring school, 5 days a week 5 hours and 30 minutes per day. Term time only.

St. John’s is a safe, happy and nurturing school where all children are valued and given life skills to succeed in an inclusive environment.

We constantly strive to provide high quality learning opportunities which engage, challenge and inspire all our pupils within the vision of our church school.

The successful candidate will:
In choosing a Teaching Assistant, we will be looking for someone who:
Our Teaching Assistants are valued members of the school team. They play an important role in supporting learning, promoting independence and ensuring pupils with additional needs are fully included in school life. As members of our Play Team, they also help make lunchtimes an important part of children's personal, social and physical development.

We Are Looking For Someone Who:
• Has a genuine passion for working with children and helping them to flourish.
• Builds warm, positive and professional relationships with pupils.
• Has high expectations for all children and believes every pupil can make progress.
• Can work effectively alongside teachers to support high-quality teaching and learning, with the skills and confidence to support the effective delivery of phonics.
• Is committed to inclusive practice and confident in supporting children with a range of needs, including SEND.
• Understands the importance of helping children develop confidence and independence.
• Can support individual pupils, small groups and targeted interventions as required.
• Is enthusiastic about play and understands its importance to children's wellbeing, relationships and development.
• Will actively engage with children at lunchtime, encouraging participation and helping to create varied, inclusive and enjoyable play opportunities.
• Can promote positive behaviour and help children develop friendships, cooperation and independence through play.
• Is patient, adaptable and able to use initiative appropriately.
• Works well as part of a team and contributes positively to our supportive school culture.
• Is reflective, keen to learn and committed to their own professional development.
• Shares our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child.
• Are patient, nurturing, able to stay calm, listen, and value children’s views
• RWI trained desirable

In return we can offer:
• Pupils who are eager to learn and a pleasure to teach
• An ambitious and supportive team
• Friendly and professional colleagues who believe there are no limits to what our pupils can achieve
• A happy and caring community
• An absolute commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of pupils and staff
• A commitment to your continuing professional development

An application form and further information can be obtained by visiting www.wakefield.gov.,uk. Alternatively, you can contact the recruitment line on 03458506506 (type talk calls welcome) or email jobs@wakefield.gov.uk
Visits to the school are welcomed and can be arranged through our school office.
Completed application forms should be returned to the Headteacher by post or email as follows:

Post:
The Headteacher
St. John’s CE (VA) Junior and Infant School
Belgravia Road
Wakefield WF1 3JP

Email:
headteacher@st-johns.wakefield.sch.uk

Closing date: 29th October 2026 – 12pm

Interviews will be held during the week commencing : TBC

St John’s CE (VA) Junior and Infant 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. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide details of any previous convictions, prior to the date of interview. You may be asked for further information about any criminal history during the recruitment process. If your application is successful, this self- disclosure information will be checked against information from the Disclosure and Barring Service prior to your appointment being
confirmed.