Teaching Assistant and Arts Associate Teacher (HLTA)

Contract: Permanent, Full time, Term-Time Only with attendance at two INSETs | Required from September 2026 or sooner 

Hours: 8:15am – 3:15pm (15 minutes break plus 30 minutes lunch) – 31.25 hours per week

• 8:15–12:15: Grade 4, pro-rata, Teaching Assistant

• 12:45–3:15: HLTA, pro-rata Art Associate Teacher (with 2hr 15min of PPA)

Salary: Grade 4 - £25,185 - £25,584  FTE/ Grade 8 - £31,537 - £34,434 FTE  

Location: Drayton Community Primary School, near Abingdon, South Oxfordshire

Reporting to: Senior Leadership Team

A Unique Opportunity

This is a unique blended role combining high-quality classroom support with the opportunity to teach and lead the Arts across the school. The successful candidate will support learning in the mornings and deliver weekly Art/Music lessons (Reception–Year 6) in the afternoons as part of PPA provision. This role offers the chance to shape a cohesive and ambitious Arts curriculum that nurtures creativity, self-expression and technical skill across the whole school. You will play a key role in nurturing creativity, supporting pupil progress, and contributing to a vibrant, inclusive school environment.

About Us

Drayton Community Primary School is a welcoming, one-form entry school situated just outside Abingdon in South Oxfordshire, with excellent transport links to the A34/M4, Oxford, Didcot, Wallingford and Wantage. We are proud of our strong community spirit, with an active parent group (FODSA), a dedicated team of staff, and children who are eager to learn and take pride in their achievements.

Why Join Drayton?

• You will lead a subject area, building a model of excellence in the Arts and critical study.

• You will develop a bespoke curriculum aligned to National Curriculum requirements.

• You will receive full support from the senior leadership team and a warm, collaborative staff.

• You will support and upskill colleagues in the teaching of the Arts.

• You will help pupils develop creativity, confidence, cultural awareness and a love of artistic expression.

What We Offer

• A warm, purposeful school culture with high expectations and clear routines

• Children who are enthusiastic, kind, knowledgeable about nature and keen to learn more

• A supportive and ambitious leadership team committed to staff wellbeing and professional growth

• A 6-month induction program with a mentor, as part of a structured probation period

• A coaching-based professional development model, rooted in current research

• A creative, inclusive environment where your voice is valued

• A supportive community, who value creativity and the arts

• Opportunities to showcase pupils’ work through displays, exhibitions and community events

What We’re Looking For

• A passion for teaching and learning with a strong track record of excellent practice

• Experience across at least two primary key stages

• A leader with vision and drive to promote the importance of the arts (taking the lead on either, art/DT or music)

• A reflective practitioner who thrives on collaboration and continuous improvement

• Someone committed to inclusive, holistic education that supports every child to flourish

• Commitment to the school and wider community

Our Pupils Say:

“Our school is amazing because we have a variety of learning opportunities, a wonderful school library, and lots of support with learning. Our lessons are creative, fun and everyone here is friendly and generous.” – School Council, January 2025

Our Parents Say:

“We are very happy with our child’s progress in school and she is very happy here.”

“Both my daughters have been to Drayton and I can safely say it is a wonderful place to be.”

“My child is really very happy at school. She loves all her teachers and has never had a bad word to say (although she would like more snow days)!” February 2025

Ofsted said:

“Pupils are proud to attend this welcoming school where everyone flourishes… The school has high ambition for all pupils, including those with SEND. Pupils engage highly in lessons and value the support that staff provide… They love to share their learning and talk enthusiastically about the interesting topics they study.” September 2023

How to Apply

If you are a passionate educator ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to our vibrant school community, we would love to hear from you. The full job description is attached to the advert on MyNewTerm, or please visit our website https://drayton-pri.oxon.sch.uk for details. Please apply and complete the application form via MyNewTerm.  

Visits to our school are strongly encouraged. You will get to tour the whole school with our friendly class ambassadors, meet the staff team and experience our school in action as well as join the leadership team for an informal conversation. You can arrange a visit by emailing office.2560@drayton-pri.oxon.sch.uk. 

Application deadline:  Midday, Wednesday 20th May

Interview Date: Friday 22nd May, please keep this date free. Please note successful applicants will be asked to prepare a 30 minute art lesson as part of the interview process.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email the same week, or following early applications, with interview day requirements.