Year 2 Teaching Assistant (1 year fixed-term) at West House School

West House School is seeking a qualified Year 2 Teaching Assistant for a fixed term of one year from 1^st September 2026 to 31^st August 2027, who genuinely loves being around young children and brings a bright, positive energy to every day. The ideal candidate will help create a fun, caring and inspiring environment where every child feels seen, supported and excited to learn. You’ll be a team player who communicates well, stays organised even when things get busy, and isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves, setting up activities and leading small group learning. Key to the role will be building trusting relationships with families, staff and children, and contributing to the school community through kindness, teamwork and a love of learning.

The role holder will report to the Head of Pre-Prep and EYFS.

Job Description

Key Tasks

• To assist in the planning and provision of a caring and stimulating environment that is appropriate to individual children and enable them to reach their full potential.
• To work closely with the class teachers to follow planning and deliver it in a way that enables children to learn (including monitoring their reading). 
• To establish and maintain positive relationships with children and their families in a way that values parental involvement. 
• To keep and share observations and assessments of children in your academic and pastoral care and to assist in keeping accurate records of each child’s achievements and progress. 
• To set up for and tidy up after sessions. 
• To assist in keeping pupil files and assessment records up to date and accurate. 
• To provide a service that respects the life experiences of the pupils and celebrates diversity in terms of language, culture, ability, race and religion. 
• To work effectively as part of a team. 
• To work within the agreed framework of policies and procedures set out within in the school. 
• To assist in the management of material resources. 
• To take part in day-to-day administration. 
• To photocopy as required. 
• To assist with record keeping, administration and general filing. 
• To assist with classroom displays. 
• To assist with administering and invigilating assessment tasks as appropriate. 
• To help promote the safe use of ICT in all aspects of teaching and learning. 
• To engage in small group and 1:1 teaching for specific needs. 
• To assist with classroom and behaviour management. 

General School Duties

• To carry out duties and responsibilities of the post with regard to the Equal Opportunities Policy and the needs of the school.
• To act as an ambassador of the school and to maintain a positive image of its aims and objectives.
• To liaise with class teachers, the Head of Pre-Prep and Early Years and the Headmaster on a regular basis.
• To carry out playtime, lunchtime and after-school duties.
• To assist in concernts, productions and celebrations within the school.
• To attend Open Days, Speech Days and other events organised during the academic year. 
• To take part in trips and visits. 
• To attend staff meetings, staff development and training as appropriate. 
• To carry out any other duties which will be seen to enhance the children's learning and care in the school.
•  To liaise with outside agencies as appropriate. 
• To keep all information regarding the school, pupils and staff completely confidential at all times. 
• To engage in the school’s appraisal system. 
• Any other duties that may from time to time be reasonably assigned by the Headmaster.

This job description is not exhaustive. Other task and responsibilities may be allocated as necessary and reasonable from time to time.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Relevant Level 2 qualification in Teaching Assistant Work
• Current safeguarding training (within the last 3 years)
• Educated to GCSE level (or equivalent) including English and Maths at grade C or above)
• Experience of working with young children on a paid and/or voluntary basis 
• Knowledge and understanding of the needs of young children, including their development and learning styles 
• Knowledge and understanding of the roles played by adults in a child’s education 
• Knowledge and understanding of behaviour management strategies 
• Knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities, safeguarding and GDPR regulations 
• Competent ICT skills
• Ability to explain tasks simply and clearly
• Ability to work with guidance but under limited supervision
• Outstanding communication/interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to work as part of a team and liaise with others
• Good organisational skills
• An ability to prioritise and carry out specific requests in a timely manner
• Problem solving skills
• Ability to monitor, record and make basic assessments about individual pupils’ progress
• A flexible attitude
• A commitment to CPD
• Humour, patience, stamina, loyalty and humility

Desirable:

• Relevant Level 3 qualification in Teaching Assistant Work
• SEN qualification
• Forest School qualification
• Educated to A-level or equivalent
• Current Full Paediatric First Aid qualification

Key terms

Salary: £12.93 - £14.03 per hour depending on qualifications and experience.

Hours:  Term-time only, Monday to Friday 37.5 hours per week plus one later stay until 5pm per week.

Type of position: Fixed-term from 1st September 2026 to 31st August 2027, term-time only with the requirement to work four weeks of holiday club per academic year.

Holidays: Entitlement to 6 weeks of paid annual leave.

Benefits: Eligible for discount on school fees for pupils at West House School Nursery, West House School (for boys) and Edgbaston High School for Girls (subject to normal admissions procedures), eligible to join a Contributory Pension Scheme, free lunch and refreshments, free parking, Employee Assistance Programme including Wider Wallet discount scheme, Bike2Work scheme, enhanced Maternity scheme.

Start date: 1st September 2026. 

How to apply

The deadline for applications is Friday 24th July 2026 at 9.00am.

Short listed candidates will be contacted to arrange a suitable time for interview as soon as possible after the closing date.

West House School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates will be required to undergo all statutory checks including an enhanced DBS check. A copy of the Recruitment, Selection and Disclosure Policy is available on the website.  

This post involves working with children and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of the Offenders Act 1974 and all subsequent amendments. All convictions, police cautions or “bind overs”, including any that would otherwise be considered “spent” under the Act must be disclosed, and will be taken into account in deciding whether to make an appointment.