Reception Teaching Assistant
Hours of Work - 35 hours per week
Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm
Permanent, Term Time Only- 36 weeks per year
Ratcliffe College is seeking to appoint a warm, enthusiastic and dedicated Reception Teaching Assistant to join our thriving Preparatory School. This is an exciting opportunity to support our youngest learners as they begin their educational journey in a nurturing and inspiring environment.
Working closely with the Reception Class Teacher, you will help deliver outstanding Early Years education, enabling every child to flourish academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. The successful candidate will play a key role in creating a safe, stimulating and engaging learning environment where children can develop confidence, curiosity and a love of learning.
Job Purpose
To support the Reception Class Teacher in delivering outstanding early years education, enabling every child to flourish academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. The postholder will contribute to providing a nurturing, stimulating and safe learning environment that reflects the values and ethos of Ratcliffe College as a Catholic Rosminian school.
Key Responsibilities
- Teaching and Learning Support
- Assist the class teacher in delivering high-quality learning activities in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
- Support individual pupils and small groups to develop literacy, numeracy, communication and social skills.
- Encourage children's independence, curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.
- Help prepare and organise classroom resources and learning environments.
- Support the observation, assessment and recording of pupil progress.
- Promote positive behaviour and model high expectations at all times.
Pastoral Care and Wellbeing
- Foster warm, positive relationships with pupils, helping them feel happy, secure and valued.
- Support children's emotional development and wellbeing.
- Encourage pupils to develop confidence, resilience and respect for others.
- Uphold the Catholic and Rosminian values of the College through daily interactions and activities.
Classroom Organisation
- Assist with setting up and maintaining engaging indoor and outdoor learning areas.
- Support classroom displays and the presentation of children's work.
- Help ensure resources are safe, accessible and well maintained.
- Supervise pupils during classroom activities, playtimes, educational visits and special events as required.
Safeguarding and Welfare
- Promote and safeguard the welfare of all children.
- Follow all College safeguarding, health and safety, behaviour and child protection procedures.
- Report any safeguarding concerns promptly in line with College policies.
- Assist with first aid and personal care requirements where appropriate.
Communication and Teamwork
- Work collaboratively with teachers, teaching assistants and other College staff.
- Develop positive relationships with parents and carers, maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
- Participate in staff meetings, training and professional development opportunities as required.
General Duties
- Support the wider life of the Prep School and College community.
- Attend school events and activities where reasonably required.
- Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of the post.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Qualifications:
- GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent.
- Teaching Assistant qualification (Level 2 or Level 3) or relevant childcare qualification.
Experience
- Experience working with children in an EYFS or primary school setting.
- Experience supporting pupils with varying learning needs.
Knowledge and Skills
- Understanding of child development and the EYFS curriculum.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Personal Attributes
- Warm, caring and patient approach.
- Enthusiastic and proactive.
- Flexible and adaptable.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Supportive of the Catholic ethos and values of Ratcliffe College.
Desirable Criteria
- Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification.
- Paediatric First Aid qualification.
- Experience supporting children with additional learning needs.
- Knowledge of phonics programmes and early literacy development.
Why Join Ratcliffe?
Ratcliffe College is a thriving co-educational day and boarding school set within beautiful grounds, offering a supportive and welcoming community where staff are encouraged to develop professionally and contribute fully to school life.
Benefits include:
- Competitive salary.
- Generous pension scheme.
- Professional development and training opportunities.
- Complimentary lunch during term time.
- Free on-site parking.
- Access to excellent sporting and leisure facilities.
- A friendly, supportive and inclusive working environment.
Ratcliffe College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Enhanced screening via the Disclosure and Barring Service as well as references from previous employers will be required. We welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.