Level 3 EYFS Teaching Assistant

Level 3 EYFS Teaching Assistant

St Matthew’s Primary and Nursery Academy, Derriford

Contract Term: Fixed Term until 31st August 2027

Hours: 32.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday 8:30am - 3:30pm

Salary: GradeSC3 NJC points 8-11 Actual starting Salary £21,028 (FTE £27,709)

Term Time only: 39 weeks per annum

Annual Leave: Taken outside of term time and paid pro-rata throughout the year (no annual leave to be taken during term time)

Benefits: Local Government Pension Scheme

Deadline for application: 9am 11th November 2026

Start: ASAP

Interview Date: 18th November 2026

St. Matthew’s Primary School is seeking a caring, enthusiastic and highly motivated Level 3 Teaching Assistant to join our Early Years Foundation Stage team. This is a key role in our EYFS provision, working within our Reception team to support teaching, learning and play.

The successful candidate will spend part of their time providing dedicated 1:1 support for a child with additional needs, helping them to access learning, develop independence and flourish as part of our inclusive school community.

We are looking for someone with a strong understanding of child development, early communication and nurturing relationships. Experience of supporting children with speech and language delay, autism and sensory needs would be beneficial.

The role includes:

• Providing personalised 1:1 support for a child with additional needs.
• Supporting teachers in delivering high-quality learning across the EYFS
• Promoting the Characteristics of Effective Learning and learning through play
• Supporting outdoor learning and Wild Tribe activities
• Working closely with staff to provide a warm, inclusive and stimulating environment for all children

We are looking for someone who:

• Holds a Level 3 qualification in Early Years or equivalent

Has experience of, or an interest in, supporting children with additional needs.

Has knowledge of speech and language development, autism and sensory needs, or a willingness to develop these skills.

• Has experience of working with children aged 3-5 (ideally within a school setting)
• Builds positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues
• Works collaboratively as part of a committed, supportive team

We can offer:

• A friendly, caring and skilled EYFS team working across three classes
• Support and coaching from our EYFS Phase Lead and Trust Early Years specialists
• High-quality professional development and opportunities to grow within a supportive Trust
• A nurturing school community where staff wellbeing and professional learning are valued

If you are passionate about Early Years, and are committed to giving young children the very best start, we would love to hear from you.

To arrange a tour of the school please contact the school on 01752 395969 or via email on SMPA.office@stcmat.org

Please ensure you refer to the criteria for the role on the person specification in your supporting statement.

If you have any issues applying for this role please contact The People Team via people@stcmat.org

Please note it is our process to apply for references for shortlisted applicants and to complete online searches in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, for all shortlisted applicants. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS Disclosure is required for this post.

Please visit the below website for our Trust policies and our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy:

https://www.stchristophersmat.org/key-information/item/10/trust-policies

Our commitment to EDI

We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and are committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Applicants who meet the criteria will be considered for employment, regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age or veteran status.