We are seeking a committed and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant (Nursery) to join our dedicated Early Years team at John Rankin on a permanent basis.

This role involves supporting the class lead in delivering high-quality early years provision, enabling children to access learning, engage positively and make strong progress within the EYFS Framework. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting pupils’ learning, development and wellbeing, while contributing to a safe, inclusive and nurturing nursery environment.

The postholder will work closely with teaching staff to support individuals, small groups and the class as a whole, both indoors and outdoors, and will demonstrate a clear and consistent commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching and Learning

• Support the delivery of engaging learning experiences in line with the EYFS Framework and Development Matters.
• Work within key worker groups to monitor progress and contribute to children’s Learning Journeys.
• Support children individually and in small groups to achieve agreed outcomes.
• Contribute to the implementation of individual plans, including supporting children with SEND.
• Prepare, maintain and organise classroom resources and learning environments, including outdoor provision.

Assessment and Progress

• Observe and record children’s engagement, achievements and next steps.
• Provide clear feedback to the class teacher/SENCo to support accurate monitoring of progress.
• Support effective record keeping and contribute to parent/carer communication where required.

Behaviour, Pastoral Care and Inclusion

• Promote positive behaviour and model appropriate interactions.
• Support children’s social and emotional development to build independence and resilience.
• Ensure equality of opportunity and inclusive practice at all times.
• Provide appropriate welfare and personal care support, maintaining dignity and safety.

Wider Responsibilities

• Support playground, lunchtime and supervision duties as required.
• Assist with first aid, intimate care and administration of medicines in line with training and policy.
• Contribute positively to the wider life of the school and Trust.
• Undertake professional development and attend relevant meetings.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• A Level 3 Early Years qualification.
• NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.
• A secure understanding of the EYFS Framework and child development in the Early Years phase.
• Strong observation, communication and teamwork skills.
• A calm, caring and positive approach with the ability to respond sensitively to children’s needs.
• A clear commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and equality.

Paediatric First Aid qualification is desirable.

Why Join Us?

As part of Maiden Erlegh Trust, you will benefit from:

• A supportive and collaborative Trust community.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• A strong safeguarding culture and commitment to inclusive practice.
• Access to a comprehensive employee benefits package, including pension scheme and wellbeing support.

About Maiden Erlegh Trust

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5,000 students across eleven schools, including primary, secondary, special and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.

We Aim High, Be Inclusive and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all through collaboration, inclusion and continuous improvement.

Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities and our annual MET Staff Conference, a day that brings colleagues together to share best practice and learn from one another.

Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise, playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.

Further information about working with us, and insight from colleagues across the Trust, can be found here on our website.

John Rankin School

The school where you grow and learn. Our job is not to prepare learners for something; our job is to help learners prepare themselves for anything. Life always bring challenge – we will develop brave and resilient individuals prepared for any every-changing world. Our vision and values are at the core of everything we do. They underpin our teaching and learning and provide an environment which prepares our pupils as confident, happy citizens.  John Rankin School

At the core of everything we do is our values, Courage, Creativity, Curiosity, Compassion and Composure.

Benefits

Further information about working at Maiden Erlegh Trust can be found on our website here. Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work, and colleagues across our Trust benefit from a range of opportunities and schemes designed to recognise their contribution and support their growth.

•         Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions, with auto-enrolment into either the Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average Earning Schemes.

•         Annual Leave: We offer a generous holiday entitlement, which increases with length of service.

•         ME Day: Colleagues may request one additional day’s leave each year to attend a special personal event, such as a child’s sports day or graduation, or a family celebration.

•         Professional Development: We offer a comprehensive programme of professional learning through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, including opportunities to both attend and deliver CPD. Colleagues also take part in our annual Conference, a full day of workshops, networking and learning for all staff.Colleagues can also access a range of professional development opportunities using Apprenticeship Levy funding, and benefit from professional development networks.

•         Hybrid Working: For eligible roles, we support a flexible approach to working arrangements, balancing remote and office-based work where appropriate.

•         Perkbox: Colleagues have access to Perkbox, which offers a wide range of discounts and wellness resources and receive 25 Perk points each month which can be exchanged for goods and services.

•         Wellbeing and Health: Free flu vaccinations are offered to all staff, and free eye tests are provided to those who are eligible.

•         Employee Assistance Programme: Incorporating discount vouchers, access to 24/7 support and more.

•         Mental Health First Aid support.

•         Recognition and Community: We regularly celebrate staff achievements, milestones and contributions across our schools, reinforcing a strong sense of belonging within the #TeamMET community.

•         Employee Referral Scheme.

Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.

Additional information 

If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution to the future of our Trust and its schools, please contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org for an informal discussion.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time.

Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

If you are passionate about early years education and want to make a meaningful difference in a nurturing nursery environment, we welcome your application.