Early Years (EYFS) & Key Stage 1 Teaching Assistant

Early Years (EYFS) & Key Stage 1 Teaching Assistant Location: Scenic Village on the Outskirts of Chester Contract: Temporary (1 year initially, with a view to being made permanent) Could you help our youngest learners take their first confident steps? In a close-knit village on the outskirts of Chester, our popular and warm church school community is looking for an enthusiastic, caring, and reflective Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated Early Years and Year 1 team. In this vital role, you will partner closely with our class teacher to deliver an inspiring, ambitious curriculum. You will support the children, helping them become resilient, independent, and curious learners who love to explore, think critically, and play with purpose. What We Can Offer You: • A Beautiful Setting: Work in a charming, community-focused school with strong, supportive links to local families, governors, and the wider village. • Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous professional development, including potential training for an ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) qualification. • A Collaborative Team: Join a highly positive, forward-thinking staff dedicated to evidence-informed practice and high-quality early childhood education. Your Role in the Classroom Under the guidance of the class teacher, you will shape an enabling environment where every child can thrive. Your responsibilities will include: • Purposeful Play & Provision: Supporting high-quality learning through beautifully planned continuous provision, both indoors and outdoors. • Rich Interactions: Promoting communication and language development through warm, high-quality conversations and rich vocabulary. • Core Skills Support: Helping to deliver systematic synthetic phonics, early mathematics, and small-group or 1-to-1 interventions to boost attainment and social-emotional growth. • Inclusive Care: Adapting support for children with speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN), SEND, and other additional needs. • Growth & Observation: Observing and recording progress to help shape the children's next steps, while stepping in to provide class cover when required. What We Are Looking For We are seeking an outstanding practitioner who has: • A secure understanding of the EYFS Framework, Development Matters, and the Characteristics of Effective Learning. • Confidence in supporting phonics and early language development. • High expectations for every child, alongside a deep commitment to inclusive, nurturing practice. • Strong collaborative skills and a proactive approach to working with families and staff. Ready to Make a Meaningful Impact? If you have the heart, patience, and dedication to support children who need it most, we would love to hear from you.