Teaching Assistant and Play Leader

Teaching Assistant and Play Leader - St John’s CE Primary School

Grade:  Aquinas A3.7 (Full-time salary £27,649.00 p.a.)
Actual Pro Rata Salary: £6,524.38 p.a.

Hours:  Mon-Fri, 9 hours 55 minutes per week, Monday to Friday as follows:

• Mon to Thurs 12pm-1pm
• Fri 8:40am – 3:20pm (including unpaid break: 15 mins between

10:45am - 11:00am and 30mins between 12:00 - 1:00pm)

Weeks: 39 weeks per year
Closing Date: Sunday 1st November 2026 - midnight

Start Date: ASAP

St. John’s Church of England Primary School is seeking to appoint a dedicated and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join our supportive and experienced team. This is a part-time position, with the successful candidate working as a Teaching Assistant on Fridays and as a Play Leader from Monday to Thursday, 12.00pm–1.00pm.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Teaching Assistant or for someone who is passionate about supporting children and improving their educational experiences and wider wellbeing. The successful candidate will work alongside an experienced and supportive team who are committed to ensuring that every pupil feels safe, valued and able to thrive.

As part of the role, the successful candidate will also take on Play Leader responsibilities, helping to ensure the safety, welfare and positive behaviour of pupils during the lunchtime period. The Play Leader will contribute to creating a safe, happy and engaging environment where children can enjoy their lunchtime and develop positive relationships with their peers.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL

• Have experience working with children in particular Early Years;
• Knowledge and understanding of how to support children and aid their development;
• An ability to deploy strategies to allow learners to engage with the curriculum creatively;
• Very good numeracy/literacy skills;
• NVQ3 Teaching Assistant Course (desirable) or equivalent qualification or experience;
• Want to work as part of a hardworking, dedicated and cohesive team;
• Have a friendly, helpful, caring and flexible approach.
• Have good interpersonal skills
• Have experience of establishing positive relationships with children
• Have an enthusiasm for and an active interest in children’s welfare and play
• Engage pupils in purposeful activity during the lunchtime (during both good weather and ‘wet’ lunchtimes)
• Good behaviour management
• Be able to use their initiative and be open to new ideas

WHAT WE OFFER

• a happy community committed to providing the best education for our pupils built upon a strong sense of belonging and mutual respect, giving our children the encouragement to flourish and succeed.
• professional development of all colleagues.
• a distinctive local context ensuring we place inclusivity at the heart of all we do.
• a skilled and experienced team of professionals.
• a full-time teaching assistant in every class, plus experienced Learning Mentors for specialist support

Please send your application, outlining your suitability for the role against the enclosed person specification and job description, by email to Aquinas.recruitment@aquinastrust.org.