EYFS Teaching Assistant

EYFS Teaching Assistant - St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Chippenham Salary: £7,675 (Actual) Hours: 12.5 hours per week, 12.30-3pm Monday to Friday Permanent, Term time only Potential additional wrap-around hours available, to be discussed at interview. Are you passionate about Early Years education? Behind every confident child in the early years is a caring adult who believes in them from the very beginning - someone who offers gentle encouragement at just the right moment, celebrates every small achievement, and supports the routines and relationships that help each child feel safe, secure and ready to thrive. St Mary’s Catholic Primary School is a warm, nurturing and ambitious setting where happy children develop a love of learning through play, exploration and meaningful experiences. Guided by our mission and values, we support every child to become curious, confident and independent. Our youngest learners are encouraged to build positive relationships, develop resilience, and grow in confidence as they begin their learning journey. We are looking for an Early Years teaching assistant to work across our Early Years unit (pre-school Nursery and Reception class). You will preferably be someone with experience of working in the early years, or a real commitment to this career pathway, with a passion for ensuring that all children have the very best start in their education journey. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a real difference at a crucial stage in a child’s development and to be part of a caring and committed early years team. We are looking for someone who: - Holds a Level 2 or 3 Early Years Practitioner Qualification, or is willing to work towards gaining this - Is a positive role model who creates a safe, caring and stimulating environment for every child - Supports children’s learning through play, interaction and purposeful activities - Brings warmth, patience, creativity and enthusiasm to their role - Builds strong, trusting relationships with children, families and colleagues - Understands the importance of supporting children’s emotional well-being and development - Encourages independence and celebrates each child’s unique achievements - Is reflective, motivated and keen to develop their practice - Works well as part of a team and contributes positively to the wider setting - Has a genuine passion for working with young children - Understands that supporting early learning requires kindness, patience, flexibility and a nurturing approach At our school, you will find: - Children who are enthusiastic, kind and eager to learn - A genuinely supportive and collaborative staff team - A school where wellbeing and professional trust are valued - Opportunities for training, development and growing your expertise - A strong sense of community where every member is known and valued St Mary’s Catholic Primary School is proud to be part of The Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust, offering excellent professional development and collaboration across a family of schools throughout the South West.  If you are a someone who believes that the little moments matter and know the value of relationships that help children grow in confidence and character - we would truly love to hear from you. We welcome and encourage visits from prospective applicants. Please contact our School Office Team on 01249 460231 / 653469 or send an email to Office@sm.thedcet.com to arrange a visit.   For more information about our application process, please contact recruitment@thedcet.com. Closing date:  9am, Friday 9th October 2026 Interview date:  15th/16th October 2026 Please note applications may be reviewed on receipt, and we may close the role early.  The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, this role involves directly working with children and significant contact with children, and therefore we expect all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Please ensure a full work history is completed in your application form including any gaps of employment. Applicants will be required to complete satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check for this post prior to commencement. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. The Trust is an equal opportunities employer.  If successfully shortlisted the HR Department will also be conducting an individual online search including social media platforms of your ‘name, education and employment’, to demonstrate due diligence following ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ guidance. The search will not form part of the actual shortlisting process and any concerns arising from the search will be discussed directly with you.