Vacancies
Level 3 Teaching Assistant (variable permanent hours, term time only)
required from 1 March 2025
Grade 5 - £25,992 - £28,624 pro-rata
(Salary scale points 8-14: £13.47-£14.84/hr)
(Paid throughout the year as a term-time percentage of 83.81% with under 5 years’ service; 85.70% with over 5 years’ service)
The governors would like to appoint a Level 3, well-motivated and enthusiastic teaching assistant.
We have a positive and inclusive ethos with an experienced and supportive team. Are you committed to working as part of a happy team to ensure that all of our children reach their full potential? You will have an excellent understanding of the EYFS and a genuine commitment to providing the best possible provision for all children as individuals. You will be able to work on your own initiative, be self-motivated and able to play a full part in our exciting and developing provision.
The successful applicant will be a team player, flexible and hard-working, with:
- A sensitive approach
- High expectations of learners both behaviourally and educationally
- Well-developed communication skills, both with children and adults
- The ability to converse at ease and provide advice in accurate spoken English (this is essential for the post, in accordance with the Immigration Act 2016)
- A willingness to undertake training as required
- Experience of working with children in Early Years, including working with children with SEND
Interested candidates are most welcome and actively encouraged to visit prior to submitting an application – please check dates and times under ‘Prospective candidate visits’ below.
The school was Ofsted inspected in March 2023 and received its fourth consecutive “Outstanding” judgment. Inspectors acknowledged that:
‘Sandy Lane Nursery and Forest School is a magical place for young children to play and learn in. The school motto, ‘Nurture curiosity and inspire imagination’, is at the heart of everything this school does. Leaders and staff are highly ambitious for all children, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).’
As part of the interview process, candidates will be observed within our classroom during child-initiated play.
Your hours of work will be variable with a minimum of 20 hours a week. This position is subject to a variable hours’ clause, where the contracted hours can be increased to a maximum of 37 hours but will be no less than 20 hours per week. This enables the school to manage the fluctuations in numbers on roll, both in-year and from one year to the next in addition to covering staff absence, whilst offering a permanent contract.
We are committed to safeguarding our children and each other. Shortlisted candidates will be required to have read the school’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy via www.sandylanenurseryandforestschool.co.uk and this will be referred to at interview. The successful candidate will also be required to apply for enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure & Barring Service. Further details can be found on https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service
Please note that all shortlisted candidates, in the interests of due diligence in the recruitment process and in line with DfE's document Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024 (paragraph 221), will be subject to an online search of their social media accounts by the school.
Please download and complete your application form online then email to Maxine Hughes, Headteacher’s PA, at [email protected] by the closing date
Prospective candidate visits by appointment: Wednesday, 22 January 2025: 8.30-11.30 am; and
Thursday, 23 January 2025: 8.30 am-2.30 pm
Closing date: Sunday, 26 January 2025
Provisional observation/interview date: Thursday, 30, or Friday, 31 January 2025
Commencement in post: Monday, 3 March 2025
