We are looking to appoint a General Teaching Assistant – Early Years for 18 hours per week, working  Monday - Wednesday on a term time only basis to join our dedicated team at St James' Church of England Academy, fixed term to provide maternity cover.

We can offer a great team who are all very proud of our school, the children and their achievements. As a Church of England school, Christian Values lie at the heart of what we do and we are all role models and demonstrate respect for others on a daily basis.

The successful candidate will join a skilled team to support the learning and development of groups of children, within the planning framework developed by the teachers. The post holder will work collaboratively within the early years team across our Reception and Nursery class, complementing the work of teachers and key workers in this busy and engaging setting within the school. This includes half a day a week in our forest school setting alongside our experienced forest school lead. 

What we can offer: 

• Experienced and supportive School Leadership Team

• Opportunities for staff to develop through Continuous Professional Development

• Local Government Pension scheme

• Occupational Health

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Cycle to work scheme

• Free on site Parking

Job Details

Hours of Work: 18 hours per week, Monday - Wednesday, Term Time Only 

Position Type: Maternity cover, up to 1 year or until return of substantive postholder, whichever is sooner

Line Manager: Principal

Travel Required:  No 

The salary is dependent on current qualifications and experience, please see the attached job description for more information.

Application Process

Please complete the online application form to apply for this role. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.  You should use the information supplied with in the Job Description & Person Specification to make the best of your application by identifying some specific pieces of work you may have undertaken in any of these areas. Your application may be viewed in regard to some or all of the skill specific areas over the course of the selection process.  Applications via agencies will not be considered.

Interviews will take place on 11 February 2026.

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting our children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  All posts are subject to a safer recruitment process which includes enhanced criminal records and barring checks, scrutiny of employment history, robust referencing and other vetting checks.

Our safeguarding system is underpinned by a range of policies and procedures which encourage and promote safe working practice across the Trust. On joining you will be required to undergo continuous professional development to maintain safe working practice and to safeguard our children and young people.