Teaching Assistant - EYFS and KS1

Summary

Under the direction of the Head of Pre-Prep and class teachers, the Teaching Assistant will support pupils from Nursery to Year 2, helping them to access a broad and balanced curriculum and achieve their full potential. The role involves providing high-quality care, support and learning opportunities within a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment.

Detail

Post title: Teaching Assistant (Pre-Prep)

Location: Hereford Cathedral Junior School

Contract: Permanent

Hours/weeks: 8.15am-3.35pm 5 days a week. term time (36 weeks a year) + 5 weeks

Salary: £12.71- £13.12 an hour (working pattern this equates to between £20,729 -£21,404)

Start date: November 2026

General Duties

• Support pupils' educational, physical, emotional, social and cultural development.
• Work closely with teachers and colleagues to provide high-quality care, support and education.
• Help create a warm, safe and stimulating learning environment where all pupils can flourish.
• Support learning through a range of practical, play based and teacher led activities.
• Encourage pupils to develop independence, confidence, resilience and positive attitudes to learning.
• Ensure pupils have regular access to outdoor learning and play opportunities.
• Prepare and maintain classrooms and learning areas, ensuring resources are organised and readily available.
• Support weekly swimming sessions with pupils from Reception to Year 2, including support in the water.
• Contribute positively to the day-to-day life of the Pre-Prep department.
• Follow all safeguarding, health and safety, and school policies and procedures.

Learning and Development .

• Contribute to the planning and delivery of engaging learning opportunities to meet the needs of all pupils.
• Support pupils individually, in small groups and within whole class teaching activities.
• Clarify instructions and help pupils understand tasks and expectations.
• Support the development of literacy, numeracy and communication skills.
• Encourage active participation in learning both indoors and outdoors.
• Observe pupils' learning and share information with class teachers to support assessment and future planning.
• Support the maintenance of pupil records and learning journals where appropriate.
• Help meet the needs of pupils with SEND or other additional needs.
• Model and promote high standards of language, learning behaviour and presentation.
• Contribute to displays that celebrate pupils' achievements and support learning.

Pupil Welfare

• Promote the health, welfare and safety of pupils at all times.
• Support pupils with personal care, toileting and hygiene needs where appropriate.
• Encourage pupils to develop independence in managing their personal needs.
• Build positive relationships that promote confidence, wellbeing and self-esteem.
• Administer basic first aid and support specific medical needs following appropriate training.
• Maintain accurate records of first aid treatment where required.
• Supervise pupils safely during indoor and outdoor play.
• Engage positively in play and learning activities.
• Support the schools behaviour expectations and use positive behaviour strategies.
• Ensure meal and snack times are safe, pleasant and sociable experiences.
• Follow pupils' medical, dietary and care plans.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality regarding pupils, families and colleagues.
• Share relevant pastoral information with the Head of Pre-Prep and class teachers.

Resources and Supervision

• Ensure appropriate supervision of pupils throughout the school day.
• Help maintain classrooms and resources to a high standard.
• Encourage pupils to take care of equipment, resources and learning spaces.
• Ensure resources are organised, stored safely and readily available for learning.

Communication

• Build positive relationships with pupils, parents and colleagues.
• Share relevant information regarding pupil progress, wellbeing and achievement with class teachers.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues to support pupils' daily routines and individual needs.
• Liaise with after school staff where appropriate.
• Work closely with members of the Pre-Prep team to support learning and transition between year groups.
• Ensure records, emails and school communication systems are kept up to date.

Working with Others

• Be a positive, professional role model for pupils and colleagues.
• Work collaboratively and supportively as part of the Pre-Prep and wider Junior School team.
• Promote an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and respected.

Training and Professional Development

• Attend INSET days, staff meetings and training as required.
• Take an active interest in professional development and seek opportunities to develop knowledge and skills.
• Participate fully in the school's appraisal process.
• Keep up to date with relevant educational practice, safeguarding requirements and statutory guidance.

Other Duties

• Attend parents' evenings, Open Days and other school events as required.
• Carry out break, lunch and supervision duties as directed.
• Support educational visits and enrichment activities.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties commensurate with the role.

HOW TO APPLY

An application form and information pack may be downloaded from the school website: www.herefordcs.com/about/work-at-hcs/

Completed applications should be accompanied by a covering letter and sent to Mrs Cath Knowles, Hereford Cathedral School, Old Deanery, The Cathedral Close, Hereford HR1 2NG or to recruitment@herefordcs.com

The closing date for applications is 9am on Tuesday 27 October 2026.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all members of staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments are subject to enhanced DBS clearance and satisfactory employment references and other safer recruitment checks. Further information on the School’s safeguarding can be found on the school website.

Hereford Cathedral School is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.

The School retains the right to interview suitable applicants and appoint before the deadline.

Documents

• TA-Junior-School-EYFS-and-KS1 PDF Document