Early Years Teaching Assistant – Full time 

We are looking for a Learning Support Assistant, to join the dedicated Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) team at Castleton Primary School.

Person specification:

     Qualifications and training

• GCSE or equivalent level, including at least a Grade 4 (previously Grade C) in English and maths 
• First-aid training, or willingness to complete it 
• Level 3 Early Years qualification.

Experience

• Experience working in a school environment or other educational setting
• Experience working with children 
• Experience planning and delivering learning activities

Personal qualities

• Enjoyment of working with children
• Sensitivity and understanding, to help build good relationships with pupils
• A commitment to getting the best outcomes for all pupils, and promoting the ethos and values of the school
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality at all times
• Commitment to safeguarding pupil’s wellbeing and equality
• Resilient, positive, forward looking and enthusiastic about making a difference
• Capacity to inspire, motivate and challenge children and young people

Duties and responsibilities

Teaching and learning

• Demonstrate an informed and efficient approach to teaching and learning by adopting relevant strategies to support the work of the teacher and increase achievement of all pupils including, where appropriate, those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
• Promote, support and facilitate inclusion by encouraging participation of all pupils in learning and extracurricular activities
• Support the teaching of a broad and balanced EYFS curriculum aimed at pupils achieving their full potential in all areas of learning
• Use effective behaviour management strategies consistently in line with the school’s policy and procedures
• Organise and manage teaching space and resources to help maintain a stimulating and safe learning environment
• Observe pupil performance and pass observations on to the class teacher
• Supervise a class if the teacher is temporarily unavailable 
• Use ICT skills to advance pupils’ learning 
• Undertake any other relevant duties given by the class teacher
• A willingness to learn and attend staff CPD sessions.

Planning

• Contribute to effective assessment and planning by supporting the monitoring, recording and reporting of pupil performance and progress as appropriate to the level of the role
• Read and understand lesson plans shared prior to lessons, if available. Prepare the classroom for lessons

Working with staff, parents/carers and relevant professionals

• Communicate effectively with other staff members and pupils, and with parents and carers under the direction of the class teacher
• Communicate their knowledge and understanding of pupils to other school staff and education, health and social care professionals, so that informed decision making can take place on intervention and provision
• Contribute to meetings with parents and carers by providing feedback on pupil progress, attainment and barriers to learning, as directed by teachers 
• With the class teacher, keep other professionals accurately informed of performance and progress, or concerns they may have about the pupils they work with
• Understand their role in order to be able to work collaboratively with classroom teachers and other colleagues, including specialist advisory teachers
• Collaborate and work with colleagues and other relevant professionals within and beyond the school
• Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues

Health and safety

• Promote the safety and wellbeing of pupils, and help to safeguard pupils’ wellbeing by following the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and our school’s child protection policy 
• Look after children who are upset or have had accidents and record/report appropriately.  

Professional development

• Help keep their own knowledge and understanding relevant and up-to-date by reflecting on their own practice, liaising with school leaders, and identifying relevant professional development to improve personal effectiveness
• Take opportunities to build the appropriate skills, qualifications, and/or experience needed for the role, with support from the school
• Take part in the school’s appraisal procedures

Other areas of responsibility

Safeguarding 

• Work in line with statutory safeguarding guidance (e.g. Keeping Children Safe in Education, Prevent) and our safeguarding and child protection policies 
• Promote the safeguarding of all pupils in the school

Further information regarding our school can be found on our website - Castleton Primary School and Children's Centre - Key Information

Please contact the school office for further information and an application form - 0113 2637756 or email - s.evans@castletonleeds.org.uk 

Applications should be returned to: headteacher@castletonleeds.org.uk

All posts are subject to pre-employment checks, two references will be sought and successful candidates will need to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS), medical clearance and provide evidence of eligibility to work in the UK and evidence of qualifications. If shortlisted, you will be required to disclose relevant information regarding criminal history and an on-line search will be conducted.  This includes only information publicly available on-line.  

We promote equality, diversity and inclusion and want a workforce which reflects the population of Leeds.  

This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK  - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.