Teaching Assistant

Fernhurst Primary School is seeking a caring, motivated and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant. We are a welcoming primary school of around 120 children aged 4-11, situated in a picturesque West Sussex village. We have an exceptionally dedicated teaching and support staff team, who all have the highest expectations and aspirations for our children. We know that children flourish when they are treated with care and respect. We pride ourselves in offering a curriculum that inspires and excites our children to have a love of knowledge and learning. Our inclusive school helps all children to believe in themselves and to excel in their own individual way. Promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing for children and staff is hugely important at Fernhurst. We teach our children to celebrate and respect the uniqueness of everyone in our diverse school community. Staff also benefit from a wellbeing support package, professional development opportunities and a two week October half-term.

The successful candidate will be:

Kind and dedicated, with experience of working with primary aged children

Passionate about children’s learning and will do whatever it takes to ensure children succeed

Effective and supportive when working in a collaborative team

Able to engage and support children with different learning and behavioural needs

Able to form positive relationships with children and their families

A good standard of literacy and numeracy skills (at least Grade C (4) GCSE

Excellent communication skills and able to clarify and explain instructions clearly

Competent in working with individuals or groups of pupils without direct supervision from the teacher

Flexible in relation to tasks undertaken and groups/children allocated

Able to support the teacher to create a stimulating and inspiring learning environment

Confident to engage with and manage 1:1 or groups of children at lunchtime in the hall or playground

The University of Chichester Academy Trust

The school is proud to be part of the University of Chichester Multi-Academy Trust providing you with access to additional opportunities and benefits. All academies within the Trust have a unique identity, but a shared belief in creating a positive and enriching environment, where staff feel valued. The Trust is uniquely positioned to make a difference in the local educational landscape. The Trust currently encompasses 17 academies, 2 Inclusion centres, and a School-Centred Initial Teacher Training base, all based in Hampshire,

Portsmouth, and West Sussex. While we share a common vision and values, each academy has its own identity that contributes to its local community. The Trust is committed to valuing the uniqueness of each school.

Two-Week October Half Term

We have introduced a two-week October half-term across all our schools. This initiative is already making a positive impact, giving staff and pupils a valuable break during the long autumn term, reducing absence through illness, and supporting overall well-being. It also brings greater consistency across our Trust, creating a more connected and efficient way of working. It’s just one example of how we prioritise our people and create a working environment where everyone can thrive.

Diversity and Inclusion

At the University of Chichester Academy Trust, we believe that diversity drives creativity, innovation, and excellence. We are committed to providing equality of opportunity, fostering an inclusive culture, and creating a community where everyone feels they belong. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who are underrepresented within our workforce, including those from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled individuals, LGBTQI+ individuals, and men.