Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Teaching Assistant

Our mission is to develop happy, confident and successful pupils who are well prepared for their future: Westbrook Hay is a thriving co-educational independent day school. Pupils enjoy a broad curriculum, achieve excellent results and have the all-important confidence to succeed. The school roll is currently at a record high of around 380 pupils and in September 2023 announced that it is growing its senior section of the school from Year 8 to Year 11 and will begin offering GCSEs.

Our ethos is to be a welcoming, inclusive family community that provides the best for, and expects the best from us all: The school is well known locally for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. This is something we cherish and, even though we are potentially going to grow slightly in size, we do not want to lose this ethos. We believe our ethos separates us from larger competitor schools in our locality. This ethos is generated by the staff and their relationships with the pupils and parents. It has been regularly described as ‘friendly and professional’.

We are seeking a new Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Teaching Assistant who can help us with achieving our mission and thrive under this ethos, supporting our youngest pupils to reach their full potential as they move through the school.

EYFS Teaching Assistant Vacancy

We are seeking a candidate to join the Pre-Prep Department as an EYFS Teaching Assistant. Working from Monday to Friday, starting at 07:30 and finishing three days a week at 16:00, once at 16:30 and once at 17:30. An outstanding and inspiring practitioner, the successful candidate will have expert curriculum knowledge and an insatiable appetite for learning. We are looking for someone who is able to build our pupils’ confidence and curiosity, enjoying the opportunity to develop practice in this ambitious and successful school.

Pre-Prep Department: The Head of Pre-Prep leads the Pre-Prep Department, which consists of Class Teachers and Teaching Assistants for a Nursery Class and two-form entry from Reception to Year 2. The Head of Pre-Prep is assisted in leading this section of the school by the Pre-Prep Academic Lead, Pre-Prep Pastoral Lead and Head of Nursery.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a desire to work independently and as a part of the Pre-Prep team, it is vital that they will fit in well with the hardworking nature of the existing staff. The postholder will be expected to work collaboratively with their year group colleague, sharing responsibility for planning, assessment and organising events and trips

Teaching Assistant: The EYFS Teaching Assistant will work closely with Pre-Prep Staff, supporting individuals and groups in lessons. Teaching Assistants will also be expected to deliver small group intervention, as directed by the Class Teacher, undertake some administrative tasks and provide cover for absent colleagues.

Salary and Benefits

This is a teaching assistant position, the salary will be competitive and dependent on experience. What can we offer you?

• A fantastic team of staff to work with and be a part of
• A school that is rated ’Excellent’ by ISI with waiting lists in operation in a number of year groups
• Commitment to continuing professional development
• Free cooked lunches and refreshments throughout the day
• Membership of the Employee Assistance Programme
• Opportunities to attend events organised by the Staff Social Committee
• Receipt of a ’Golden Ticket’ for assisting with an overnight event, which enables staff to apply for a half day either in the morning or afternoon
• Small class sizes, a beautiful rural location and excellent facilities
• 50% fee remission is offered for children of school staff, subject to availability of places

Safeguarding

The safety and well-being of the children in School is paramount at all times. Staff are responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children for whom they are responsible, or with whom they come into contact. Staff will adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Child Protection Policy at all times. If in the course of carrying out their duties, a member of staff becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School, it is their responsibility to report any concerns to the school’s Designated Senior Lead for Child Protection or the Head.

Online Searches

As part of the shortlisting process, the School will carry out an online search on shortlisted candidates as part of its due diligence. This may help to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and are publicly available online, that the School may want to explore with an applicant at interview. This forms part of the School’s wider safeguarding due diligence which aims to prevent and/or deter individuals who may be unsuitable to work with children from working in a school environment.

Equality and Diversity

Westbrook Hay is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees and pupils. This means that employees are treated fairly, irrespective of sexual orientation, ethnic origin, religion, disability, age, gender, marital status or other reason. Staff are expected to always comply with the provisions set out in law and school policies on equality and diversity.

Application and Recruitment Process

The deadline for the receipt of applications is 18:00 on Friday 2nd August. To apply for this position, please complete an application via the TES website. Further information or any enquiries can be requested from our Bursar and Clerk to Governors, Miss Kelly Freeman (kelly_freeman@westbrookhay.co.uk).

It is anticipated that interviews will be held on the week beginning Monday 5th August. Although the programme is yet to be confirmed it will include an interview and support of a lesson or activity. Candidates will be offered a tour of the school and lunch, if the timing is appropriate. Overnight accommodation is available on request. This appointment is for September 2024 or January 2025.