Early Years Teaching Assistant

About the School - Little Downsend, Leatherhead

Downsend is an independent day school in Leatherhead, Ashtead and Epsom, Surrey, for children aged 6 months-16 years, offering a broad-based curriculum leading to outstanding academic success. Younger children aged 6 months-6 years attend one of the school’s three pre-preparatory departments situated on each site, and children aged 6-16 years attend the main, preparatory school site in Leatherhead.

Little Downsend Leatherhead, located just a 5 minute walk from the Junior and Senior School, possesses its own special character, with large bright, well equipped classrooms, brimming with interactive activities. Little Downsend Leatherhead has the largest outdoor area of the three schools, with over an acre of garden space including playgrounds, astro turfed sports area and a magnificent forest school zone.

Inspiring Young Minds is our mantra and is central to our school, our aims and ethos. We encourage curiosity and discovery, inspiring our children through creative and interactive teaching so they enjoy learning and, more importantly, remember what they have been taught both in and outside the classroom.

We are looking for a Teaching Assistant for our 2-3 year olds to work 34.5 hours a week term time from Monday to Friday (within the hours of 8am and 4pm) and an additional 1.5 hours in Extended Day on Fridays. This is a fixed term role starting ASAP until August 2025. Ideally you will have a Level 3 qualification in Early Years & Childcare, although we are open to unqualified candidates with relevant experience.

There is also the opportunity to work flexibly during school holidays in our holiday club. Downsend School offers competitive rates of pay within the sector.

About Cognita

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.

About the role

Our Little Downsend Schools are happy, caring and energetic schools. Each child is encouraged to reach their full potential and develop a passion for learning. Our dedicated, well-qualified team is committed to providing the best educational experience for every child.

You will assist in promoting the education, welfare and personal care of pupils, having regard to the aims and objectives of Downsend School and Little Downsend policies. Welfare and personal care will include changing nappies and soiled clothing as appropriate to the age of the children. You will share in the responsibility for the discipline and pastoral care of the pupils, including the safeguarding and promoting of children’s welfare. Participate in meetings at the school which relate to the curriculum and organisation of the school and the pastoral care of the pupils and attend events, including Saturday Open Mornings and Afternoons if they are taking place. Other events may include parents’ evenings, information evenings and Parents’ Association events.

To view the full Job Description, Click Here.

Who we are looking for:

To be considered for this role you will ideally have a Level 3 qualification in Early Years & Childcare, although we are open to unqualified candidates with relevant experience. You will have experience of working in a school, nursery or educational setting and have knowledge and understanding of child development and the ways in which children learn and develop.

Benefits at Cognita 

• Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience 
• Free lunch provided during Term Time 
• School holidays and public holidays
• Free parking on site (subject to availability) 
• School fee discount
• Exclusive third-party discounts
• Professional Development

How to Apply

Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is Sunday 19th January 2025.

Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.

EARLY APPLICATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO INTERVIEW AND APPOINT PRIOR TO CLOSING DATE FOR THE RIGHT APPLICANT.