EYFS / KS1 Teaching Assistant

Job description

Job title and organisation: EYFS / KS1 Teaching Assistant - Pudsey Lowtown Primary School
Salary: B1 JNC, £26,016 - £26,847, pro rata
Hours: 31.25 (Term time only), 08.30am to 3.15pm Monday to Friday with a 30-minute unpaid break per day.
Contract: Permanent
Location: Pudsey Lowtown Primary School, Kent Road, Pudsey, LS28 9BB
Closing Date and Time: Monday 2nd November 2026

Are you passionate about helping children access learning, grow in confidence and develop early communication, social and physical skills?

Do you have previous experience of supporting children of Reception age and knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum?

Join our friendly one-form entry school in Pudsey where you'll make a real difference every day supporting our Reception / Key Stage 1 children.

About us

Pudsey Lowtown is a welcoming, one-form entry maintained primary school. We were judged "Good" by Ofsted in 2023 and consistently achieve results above Leeds and national averages.

Our vision is that children leave school with strong moral values, excellent basic skills, enquiring minds and high self-esteem. We promote a growth mindset and resilience, so pupils are ready for later life.

We are committed to inclusion and meet a range of needs across our community with a focus on curriculum development, high expectations and tailored support-particularly for the lowest 20% and pupils with SEND.

Our EYFS provision prioritises strong prime areas of learning (communication and language, personal, social and emotional development, physical development) alongside purposeful early phonics and number work, enabling children to be confident learners.

About the role

We are seeking a committed Teaching Assistant (Level 1, B1) to work under the direct instruction of the Reception Class Teacher to support pupils' access to learning and the smooth running of the classroom.

This is a term-time role (31.25 hours per week; 08:30-15:15 Monday-Friday, with a 30-minute break).

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting pupils' personal, social and emotional development, toileting, feeding, welfare and health needs, including implementing individual personal programmes as required.
• Supervising and supporting pupils to ensure their safety and active engagement in continuous provision and focused activities.
• Delivering high-quality, developmentally appropriate support for early communication and language, early mark-making, phonics and early number activities as directed by the teacher.
• Supporting children to understand simple instructions, to take turns, manage feelings and develop independence in self-care and learning behaviours.
• Working sensitively and proactively to support children with additional needs (SEND), including following individual plans/strategies and liaising with the teacher and outside professionals where directed.
• Preparing and maintaining EYFS resources, setting up indoor and outdoor learning areas, and supporting safe use of fine and gross motor equipment.
• Delivering phonic sessions and '3 read'.
• Assisting with observation and basic assessment records, reporting progress, concerns and achievements to the teacher.
• Supporting whole-class, small-group and 1:1 activities as directed; encouraging interactions between children to develop social play and language.
• Participating in classroom routines, handovers, transition activities and supporting children at snack times and lunchtimes as required.
• Accompanying pupils on trips and supporting off-site activities.
• Adhering to safeguarding, confidentiality, data protection and health & safety procedures; supporting inclusive practice so all children have equal access to learning.

About you - the ideal candidate

We welcome applicants who will bring warmth, patience and a nurturing, inclusive approach to our school. In particular we are looking for someone who:

• Builds strong, trusting relationships with young children and their families and acts as a positive role model.
• Has proven experience of supporting children of Reception / EYFS age in a school or early years setting.
• Ideally has experience supporting children with additional needs (SEND) in the Early Years, following individual plans and adapting activities to support access.
• Has good literacy and numeracy skills and confidence with basic ICT and simple observation/record-keeping system
• Understands EYFS routines, outcomes and the importance of play-based learning and continuous provision.
• Has experience of delivering phonics sessions
• Works effectively as part of an EYFS team and understands classroom roles and responsibilities.
• Is committed to inclusion, safeguarding and supporting children's early development.
• Is willing to participate in training, including Early Years and SEND-focused CPD.

Desirable strengths (not essential): Paediatric First Aid Certificate, completion of a Teaching Assistant induction programme, or previous experience using observation tools

What we offer

• A friendly, supportive team and an inclusive school community.
• Practical, play-based Early Years provision where your role will have direct impact on children's school readiness and well‑being.
• Opportunities for professional development and training focused on Early Years practice and SEND support.
• Term-time working pattern with the ability to make a meaningful difference to children's early learning and development.

Practical details & how to apply

• Salary: NJC B1 (pt 4-6) - £25,949 FTE
• Hours: 31.25 hours per week (term-time)
• Closing date: Monday 2nd November 2026
• Interviews will be held on Wednesday 11 th November 2026
• Application requirements: Please complete the Leeds application form via the Teaching Vacancies Website - Teaching Assistant - Level 1 (with focus on EYFS / KS1) - Lowtown Primary School - Teaching Vacancies - GOV.UK

CVs will not be accepted.

Prospective candidates are welcome to visit our school, please email [email protected] or call 0113 2567303 to arrange a visit.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children's barred list will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Please ensure you are eligible before applying.

The above post is not a Leeds City Council vacancy and has been advertised on behalf of the relevant organisation. To apply please follow their application instructions.
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