Key Role Information

Salary
£13.26 -£13.69 per hour
Job type
Full Time
Contract type
Fixed Term
Closing
23/02/2026 00:00
Interview
27/2/2026
Contract term
TTO - Term time only
Pay grade
Support Staff | SCP5 - SCP7
Department
Teaching Assistant
Key stage
Early Years
Hours per week
27.50
Weeks per year
39.000
Visa sponsorship
No

Your Role

We are seeking to appoint a Teaching Assistant to join our hardworking, dedicated and collaborative team on a fixed-term contract. This post is funded through SEND provision and is linked to supporting an individual pupil with additional needs in our Reception class.


The role is for 27.5 hours per week. 39 weeks per year (term time plus inset days) You will be responsible for supporting a young pupil within the Reception setting through play-based learning and focused talk. The role may include intimate care where required, which will be supported by a member of the staff team.


An understanding of the principles of trauma‑informed practice, what makes effective learning, a reflective yet dynamic approach, strong communication skills, and a genuine passion for making a difference to all children are essential requirements for this post.


You will work as part of a supportive team, under the direction of the class teacher and SENDCo, to ensure the pupil receives the best possible educational experience and is supported to achieve their fullest potential.


We expect our staff to be calm, nurturing and patient, able to use positive behaviour management strategies and to support pupils’ social and emotional needs. As an inclusive school, our children are at the heart of everything we do. This role would particularly suit someone with experience of working with children with additional needs, especially within EYFS and Nursery settings.


St Thomas Primary School is situated just over the River Exe, close to the centre of Exeter. We are a single‑form entry school and are proud to be at the heart of the welcoming, vibrant and multi‑cultural St Thomas community. We want our children to REACH for their dreams by living our school values: Respect, Equality, Aspiration, Community and Harmony.

Benefits

Employee Assistance Programme
Local Government Pension Scheme

Qualifications

5 GCSEs including Maths and English (grade 4-9) or equivalentessential
NVQ level 2/3 or equivalent in relevant disciplinedesirable

Skills

Abilities, Skills and Knowledge

Ability to relate well to children and adultsessential
Good ICT skillsessential

Experience

Prior experience of working in a school settingessential

Experience/Knowledge

Good Understanding of Child Development, learning and Special Educational needsessential
A working knowledge of the National Curriculum

Personal Attributes

Commitment to further professional development and learningessential
Maintaining a professional and confidential approach to information about pupils, families and staffessential
A genuine love of teaching and rapport with childrenessential
Excellent relationships with colleagues and ability to work within a teamessential

About Us

St. Thomas Primary School

Dan Jenkins

djenkins@st-thomas.devon.sch.uk

Union Street
St Thomas
Exeter
Devon
EX2 9BB

Safeguarding Information

We are a people-focused organisation with strong principles of enabling every child and adult within our Trust to thrive. We have high aspirations for all our children, regardless of their starting point, and in turn, expect our staff to have high aspirations of themselves. We believe that our strength lies in working together and using our collective skills and expertise to benefit the children in our schools.


We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We encourage you to read our Safeguarding Policy before applying. We will ask for references and conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. This role also requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.


Our Safeguarding policy can be accessed via the below link

https://www.exeterlearningacademytrust.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ELAT-trust-version-Child-Protection-and-Safeguarding-Policy-2024-2025.pdf