Teaching Assistant & Play Team Member

Ackworth Howard CofE School is seeking an enthusiastic, caring and committed Teaching Assistant & Play Team Member to join our team.

This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a school that places personal development, inclusion, enrichment and academic excellence at the heart of its vision: Educating for ‘life in all its fullness’ (John 10:10).The role combines supporting children’s learning throughout the school day, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with being an active member of our Play Team at lunchtime, helping to create positive, inclusive and enjoyable play experiences for all children.

Why Join Us?

Ackworth Howard is a thriving, inclusive school set in attractive grounds on the edge of a vibrant village. Our strong Christian ethos underpins a culture of high expectations, care and aspiration, ensuring that children flourish in mind, body and spirit.

We are proud of our strong relationships with families and the local community, our commitment to inclusion and our ambitious approach to ensuring every child can succeed.

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.

What We Offer:

• A welcoming, supportive and nurturing staff team.
• Children who are enthusiastic, curious and proud of their school.
• A strong commitment to staff wellbeing and professional development.
• High-quality training and opportunities to develop your knowledge and practice.
• A school with a strong commitment to inclusion and ensuring every child can flourish.
• An established approach to positive, purposeful play and the opportunity to contribute to its continued development.
• A welcoming school community where staff, pupils and families have a strong sense of belonging.

Visits & How to Apply

We warmly encourage prospective applicants to visit our school and experience our ethos and community for themselves. To arrange a visit, please contact our School Business Manager, Helen Clough, on 01977 612124.

Completed application forms should be returned to the Headteacher either by post or by email - Ackworth Howard CofE School, Station Road, Low Ackworth, Pontefract, WF7 7HH / admin@howard.wakefield.sch.uk

Closing Date: Wednesday 21st October 2026

Safeguarding Statement

Ackworth Howard CE Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026, online searches will be conducted as part of our recruitment process. The successful candidate will be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.