Teaching Assistant (Early Years)

We are seeking to appoint a Teaching Assistant on a permanent full time basis starting in September 2024.

The successful candidate will have experience of working with children of primary or nursery school age, in particular an enthusiasm for caring and supporting the youngest children.  You will have an understanding of the Early Years curriculum and the role of the practitioner inside and outside the classroom.  You will be flexible, dedicated and have a willingness to make a wider contribution to the life of The Manor, along with the drive to go above and beyond.

Personal warmth, excellent teamwork and organisational skills will be essential to this post.

Please find below the job description. Further information can be found on our website:

https://www.manorprep.org/about-us/vacancies

Closing date for applications - Wednesday 1 May 2024

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 May 2024

Primary Responsibilities:

• Help establish a happy, positive, conscientious approach to activities inside and outside the classroom.
• Create a warm, friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
• Encourage children to be confident, independent and courteous.
• Promote positive behaviour.
• Promote and support teamwork.
• Work with and under the direction of the teachers to support children’s learning.
• Provide the Teacher(s) with reliable, enthusiastic and sensitive support.

Areas of Responsibility

• Assist with registration procedures as requested.
• To contribute to daily planning and evaluation of learning activities and prepare activities both inside and outside the classroom.
• Support the classroom work as directed by the Teacher(s) or Head of Pre-Prep by supervising small group activities, spending time with individual children, introducing basic classroom skills and aking carpet sessions or story-time when requested
• Help set up imaginative play areas.
• Help to set up activities for each morning and help clear away, ensuring equipment and resources are clean and tidy.
• Help create attractive displays of the children’s own work.

To have Key Person responsibilities:

• Develop warm and caring relationships with key children, in addition to building relationships with all the children in the Nursery
• Settle new children into the setting
• Build warm and friendly relationships with the parents of children in their key group by displaying empathy, discretion, care and regard for the individual
• Liaise with parents to ensure effective communication, with special regard to the children’s personal, social and emotional development
• Observe and plan the next steps for children in their care in conjunction with the Teachers
• Help record the children’s progress through individual profiles and contributing information to the children’s reports and Parents’ Evenings.
• Help with Forest School and outdoor activities with the possibility of obtaining a Forest School Qualification.

Help:

• Share responsibility for the laundry
• Supervision of snacks at mealtimes
• Supervise rest time when required
• Make sure bathroom areas are clean and assist children or change them as necessary.

Monitor classroom stock and replenish when necessary.

Share the responsibility for the Health and Safety in Nursery:

• Regularly check equipment to ensure it is safe and clean for children to use
• Record and monitor accidents and incidents and keep Head of Pre-Prep informed
• Provide comfort for the sick children and administer First Aid as appropriate
• Administer medication, in accordance with the school’s policies.

Offer all children equal opportunities and support all children’s individual needs, including those with Special Needs and disabilities.

To be fully aware of the school’s Safeguarding Policy and procedures and notify the Head of Pre-Prep and/or Deputy Head Pastoral of any concerns and to recognise that the safeguarding of children is our top priority.

Be aware of and implement all relevant policies and procedures outlined in the Staff Handbook.

Ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times.

Participate in staff training and insets.

Attend inset days and training courses to enhance professional development.

Attend team meetings.

Be available before the beginning of each term to allow for preparation (usually the 2 days before the start of each term).

Attend Parents’ Evenings as requested.

Attend Open Mornings/Days as requested.

Be flexible and cover support within the Early Years department when other staff are absent.

Support students and supply staff as necessary.

The Manor Preparatory School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer who welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility and staff are expected to attend regular training sessions and to follow the school’s safeguarding procedures.

Our Safer Recruitment process and procedures are in line with Safer Recruitment requirements and Keeping Children Safe in Education.