Job Title: Reception Class Teaching Assistant 

Post requires candidate to be entitled for work: Yes  

Hourly rate: £20.21 

Contract Type: Permanent 

Full time/Part Time: Full Time 

Term Time only post: Yes 

Advert Closing Date:26/02/2025 

 

 

Whatever you want from your career, you have the scope to find it here. We foster a work approach based on mutual support and collaboration, where everyone feels empowered to empower others. You’ll find countless opportunities to learn, develop and grow a rewarding career where we recognises the importance of your personal and professional well-being. By considering moving internally across the Public Service, you'll be proud of what you can achieve – both for yourself and the people of Jersey.

Job Overview

Reception Class Teaching Assistant
St Lawrence School

Are you passionate about early years education and eager to support young children in their learning journey? St Lawrence School is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Reception Class Teaching Assistant to join our Foundation Stage team. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a nurturing and inspiring environment that places children at the heart of everything we do.

About Us

At St Lawrence School, we believe that every child is unique and has an innate desire to learn. Our Foundation Stage Phase (Nursery, Reception, and Year One) is built on a play-based curriculum that challenges and engages children as active, autonomous learners. Our approach to ‘Continuous Provision’ ensures that children have access to thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor learning spaces that foster creativity, exploration, and independence.

We embrace a ‘Planning in the Moment’ approach in our Nursery and Reception classes, allowing children to follow their own interests while staff provide high-quality interactions to enhance learning. The development of oracy skills is a key priority, and we implement the Talk Tactics from the ‘Voice 21 Oracy Programme’ to support early language development. We also follow the ‘Development Matters’ and ‘Birth to 5 Matters’ curriculum guidance to ensure a well-rounded and supportive learning experience. Please note the JD is under review and is subject to change

The Role

As a Reception Class Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting children’s learning and development. You will work closely with the class teacher and the wider Foundation Stage team to:

  • Provide a nurturing and enabling environment that supports children’s well-being and development.
  • Engage with children through high-quality interactions, fostering their confidence, curiosity, and communication skills.
  • Support the ‘Planning in the Moment’ approach by observing and responding to children’s interests.
  • Assist in delivering Phonics, Writing, and Maths sessions in both whole-class and small-group settings.
  • Encourage children’s independence and problem-solving skills through a play-based, exploratory curriculum.
  • Build positive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues to create a strong sense of community and collaboration.
  • Contribute to the assessment process, ensuring that learning experiences are shaped around the needs and interests of each child.
  • Support early reading by teaching small groups using Read Write Inc. (training will be provided).
  • Support swimming lessons for groups of Reception children in a supervising capacity (not entering the pool or teaching swimming, the qualified instructors do this!)

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a candidate who:

  • Is passionate about early years education and understands the importance of play-based learning.
  • Has experience working with young children, ideally in a school or early years setting.
  • Demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Is proactive, creative, and able to engage children in meaningful learning experiences.
  • Works well as part of a team and is committed to the ethos and vision of St Lawrence School.
  • Holds a relevant Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Childcare or Education (or is willing to work towards one).

Why Join Us?

At St Lawrence School, we are committed to supporting our staff’s professional development and well-being. By joining our team, you will:

  • Work in a warm, inclusive, and forward-thinking school environment.
  • Be part of a dedicated and passionate Foundation Stage team.
  • Receive opportunities for training and career development.
  • Play a crucial role in shaping the early learning experiences of young children.

If you are excited about the opportunity to be part of a school that truly values the early years and supports children to reach their full potential, we would love to hear from you!

How to Apply

Please submit your application, including a cover letter and CV. The closing date for applications is 26th February 2025. 

St Lawrence School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants will be subject to thorough background checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

Join us in making a real difference in the lives of young learners!

 

Across the Government of Jersey and public service, the scope of our work means our people enjoy a wider range of opportunities – to work with recognised experts across teams, learn new skills and develop their careers. We actively look to recruit people from different backgrounds, with diverse perspectives. This creates a richer, more varied environment, where you’re exposed to new ideas, new ways of thinking and new opportunities, so you can develop an exciting and rewarding career.

 

Extraordinary, Everyday.