Teaching Assistant - Level 1 (with focus on EYFS / KS1)


Company:	Teaching Vacancies
Salary:	Not specified
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Pudsey, LS28 9BB
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	6 Oct 2026
Closing date:	2 Nov 2026

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Summary

What skills and experience we're looking for

We are looking for a committed Teaching Assistant (Level 1) to join our team.

Are you passionate about helping children access learning, grow in confidence and develop early communication, social and physical skills?

Do you have previous experience of supporting children of Reception age and knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum?

Join our friendly one-form entry school in Pudsey where you’ll make a real difference every day supporting our Reception / Key Stage 1 children.

The successful candidate will work alongside the Reception Class Teacher to support pupils' access to learning and help facilitate the smooth running of the classroom.

About you — the ideal candidate:

We welcome applicants who will bring warmth, patience and a nurturing, inclusive approach to our school. In particular we are looking for someone who:

• Builds strong, trusting relationships with young children and their families and acts as a positive role model.

• Has proven experience of supporting children of Reception / EYFS age in a school or early years setting.

• Ideally has experience supporting children with additional needs (SEND) in the Early Years, following individual plans and adapting activities to support access.

• Has good literacy and numeracy skills and confidence with basic ICT and simple observation/record-keeping system

• Understands EYFS routines, outcomes and the importance of play-based learning and continuous provision.

• Has experience of delivering phonics sessions

• Works effectively as part of an EYFS team and understands classroom roles and responsibilities.

• Is committed to inclusion, safeguarding and supporting children’s early development.

• Is willing to participate in training, including Early Years and SEND-focused CPD.

Desirable strengths (not essential): Paediatric First Aid Certificate, completion of a Teaching Assistant induction programme, or previous experience using observation tools

What the school offers its staff

About us

Pudsey Lowtown is a welcoming, one-form entry maintained primary school. We were judged “Good” by Ofsted in 2023 and consistently achieve results above Leeds and national averages.

Our vision is that children leave school with strong moral values, excellent basic skills, enquiring minds and high self-esteem. We promote a growth mindset and resilience, so pupils are ready for later life.

We are committed to inclusion and meet a range of needs across our community with a focus on curriculum development, high expectations and tailored support—particularly for the lowest 20% and pupils with SEND.

Our EYFS provision prioritises strong prime areas of learning (communication and language, personal, social and emotional development, physical development) alongside purposeful early phonics and number work, enabling children to be confident learners.

Our school is able to offer the successful candidate:

• A friendly, supportive team and an inclusive school community

• Practical, play-based Early Years provision where your role will have direct impact on children’s school readiness and well‑being

• Opportunities for professional development and training focused on Early Years practice and SEND support

• Term-time working pattern with the ability to make a meaningful difference to children’s early learning and development

Further details about the role

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting pupils’ personal, social and emotional development, toileting, feeding, welfare and health needs, including implementing individual personal programmes as required.

• Supervising and supporting pupils to ensure their safety and active engagement in continuous provision and focused activities.

• Delivering high-quality, developmentally appropriate support for early communication and language, early mark-making, phonics and early number activities as directed by the teacher.

• Supporting children to understand simple instructions, to take turns, manage feelings and develop independence in self-care and learning behaviours.

• Working sensitively and proactively to support children with additional needs (SEND), including following individual plans/strategies and liaising with the teacher and outside professionals where directed.

• Preparing and maintaining EYFS resources, setting up indoor and outdoor learning areas, and supporting safe use of fine and gross motor equipment.

• Delivering phonic sessions and ‘3 read’.

• Assisting with observation and basic assessment records, reporting progress, concerns and achievements to the teacher.

• Supporting whole-class, small-group and 1:1 activities as directed; encouraging interactions between children to develop social play and language.

• Participating in classroom routines, handovers, transition activities and supporting children at snack times and lunchtimes as required.

• Accompanying pupils on trips and supporting off-site activities.

• Adhering to safeguarding, confidentiality, data protection and health & safety procedures; supporting inclusive practice so all children have equal access to learning.

Interviews will take place on Wednesday 11th November 2026.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

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