KS1 / EYFS Teaching Assistant (Polegate School)

Job Description

Hours of work: 25 per week.
Working pattern: Part-time, term-time only (working for 39 weeks per year plus 6.05 weeks annual leave).
As the position is part-time/term-time only, the above salary will be pro rata.
Fixed term until: 22.07.2027.

Closing date: Thursday 15 October, 2026.
Interview date: Monday 19 October, 2026.

For more information and to apply for the above post, please contact:

Polegate School
Oakleaf Drive
Polegate
BN26 6PT

Phone: 01323 482404
Email: office@polegate.e-sussex.sch.uk
Website: Polegate School

Please note, we do not accept CVs.

We are looking to appoint a caring, enthusiastic and committed KS1 / EYFS Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated team. This is an exciting opportunity to support young children during the crucial early stages of their education, helping them to develop academically, socially and emotionally within a nurturing and inclusive environment.

All support staff are part of a whole-school team and are expected to support the values, ethos and priorities of the school. The role requires a flexible approach, focusing on the needs of pupils, colleagues and parents/carers in a busy school environment.

This role assists in promoting the best possible outcomes in terms of wellbeing, learning and personal development for all pupils.

Your key responsibilities will be:

• Support pupils in achieving the best possible outcomes in learning and personal development.
• Deliver and adapt learning activities under the direction of the class teacher.
• Promote pupil wellbeing and safeguard children at all times.
• Provide personal care, medical support and moving and handling assistance where required.
• Develop positive relationships with pupils, parents/carers and colleagues.
• Work effectively as part of a team around individual pupils and within the wider school community.
• Support and implement school policies relating to teaching and learning, behaviour and safeguarding.
• Encourage children's communication, interaction, independence and inclusion both inside and outside the classroom.
• Work with individuals and small groups using a range of learning resources and intervention strategies.
• Help maintain a safe, stimulating and engaging learning environment.
• Supervise pupils during breaktimes and lunchtimes as required.
• Accompany and support pupils on educational visits and other off-site activities.
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities.
• Maintain confidentiality and carry out all duties in accordance with school policies and procedures.

You will have:

• GCSE Maths and English Grade A-C (or equivalent).
• A good understanding of child development and learning within KS1 and/or EYFS.
• Experience of working with young children in a school, nursery or similar setting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to build positive relationships with pupils, staff and parents/carers.
• A patient, caring and flexible approach.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team and use initiative when required.
• A commitment to supporting inclusion and helping every child succeed.

Polegate School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, along with other relevant employment checks, including satisfactory references.

To request an application pack and job description, please contact Monika Bailey at: office@polegate.e-sussex.sch.uk

Join our friendly and dedicated team and help give our youngest learners the very best start to their school journey.

This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018.

The school will need to ensure that they are not knowingly employing a person who is disqualified under the 2018 Regulations in connection with relevant childcare provision. Accordingly, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate to the school, by completing a self-declaration form as part of the pre-employment checks process, that they have not been disqualified under the 2018 Regulations.

If the preferred candidate is found to be disqualified under the 2018 Regulations, the offer of employment will be subject to the application by the preferred candidate to Ofsted for a waiver and the receipt of a waiver from Ofsted.

About us

Additional Information
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record.
All school based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.