Teaching Assistant  (Fixed Term to 31st August 2026)

Monday to Friday,  32.5 hours per week, 38 weeks per year.

We are looking for a creative, flexible and proactive candidate with a strong knowledge of how to support learning and provide care for children. 

The successful applicant should:

• have a warm, caring and nurturing personality with a friendly disposition
• be able to demonstrate a patient, calm and encouraging approach
• have experience of working with children in an educational setting
• an understanding of how best to support of all abilities
• have high expectations of pupil's learning and behaviour
• be able to build positive relationships with children/parents/staff
• be willing to work flexibly in the school/nursery
• be enthusiastic and organised with excellent communications skills and initiative
• have a good level of numeracy and literacy skills

If you have the dedication, skills and commitment to work in a school that is continually striving to ensure the highest possible standards of pupil achievement, personal development and well-being, we look forward to receiving your application. 

 Please apply by 9.00am on 23rd February 2026

Interview date: TBC

 All appointments are subject to pre-employment checks. That means:

• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A copy of our Child Protection Policy & Safeguarding Policy is attached.
• Your identity will be confirmed by sight of original, official documents such as a Birth Certificate, Passport etc. in line with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996.
• Original documents relating to all the qualifications you have listed on your application form must be supplied.
• Your employment history will be thoroughly examined and clarification will be sought where there are gaps or other discrepancies arising from information provided either by you as the candidate or your referee.
• References will be used to check dates of employment and your relevant experience. A minimum of two written references will be taken up and these references will be requested before the interview.
• References should cover the last 3-5 years’ work history, as a minimum.
• An online search of shortlisted candidates will be conducted in accordance with Part Three ‘Safer Recruitment’ of Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidance.
• The identity of referees and information relating to disclosures will be verified.
• You will be required to provide details of any relevant unspent or spent convictions in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) Order 1986.
• An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be requested. Please note that it is an offence to apply, offer or accept to do any work with children (paid or unpaid) if disqualified from working with children. Applicants will be challenged where inconsistencies exist. Please be aware that a firm offer of appointment will only be made after receipt and verification of all satisfactory checks. Westcountry Schools Trust will carry out these checks and should you fail these checks, our offer of employment will be withdrawn.

Further details about the Trust can be found on our website (www.westst.org.uk) and on My New Term (https://mynewterm.com/trust/Westcountry-Schools-Trust/142688)