Job Description
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Dunmow St Mary's Primary School
Early Years Teaching Assistant
Pay Band Local Government Scale 3 points 5-6
Part time position on a fixed term contract to 31 August 2026 Start date: asap
Hours: 8:40 am - 3:15 pm Monday to Wednesday, term time only
We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in a nurturing and inclusive environment. Our staff are key in making that happen. We are seeking a dedicated, compassionate and proactive Teaching Assistant to join our Early Years team. You will work alongside our existing EYFS staff to support and extend the children's learning throughout the Early Years Foundation Stage. The role requires someone who understands how children develop, understands the early stages of learning and who delivers everything in a high quality way to help all pupils achieve their full potential.
The successful applicant will be someone who:
● Has experience of working with young children
● Can deliver small group phonics
● Can foster positive relationships with pupils to build confidence, engagement and independence
● Has excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills
● Encourages pupils to interact with others and engage in activities
● Is committed to achieving the best for every child
● Is highly motivated
● Can follow direction but also be proactive and use their own initiative
● Displays the talent to adapt to changing situations and learn new skills
● Shows commitment to inclusion and a belief in every child's potential
● Is patient, flexible and resilient, with a good sense of humour!
● Has a good standard of education: Maths and English GCSE grades A-C or equivalent
If this sounds like you then we'd love to hear from you.
You will be joining part of a nurturing and professional team, committed to staff development. Further details and application form are available from the school office admin@dsmprimary.essex.sch.uk
Closing date: 6 February 2026
Successful applicants must be available for interview on 9 February 2026
We reserve the right to interview and appoint sooner than the published dates if the right candidate applies.
The Governing Board is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants must be willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check.
Information about the School
Based in Great Dunmow, Essex, Dunmow St Mary's Primary School is a 2FE Foundation primary school with extensive grounds, including our own woodland area and outdoor classroom. As a Church of England voluntary controlled school we have a strong commitment to Christian principles and values that recognise and celebrate the uniqueness of each individual. Every child from any background is welcome in our school and our school life is strengthened by our visits to the local church and by the contribution it makes to our school.
Judged "Good" in our recent Section 5 graded Ofsted inspection, our learning is based around our unique curriculum model designed in a series of cross curricular themes. By making connections between subjects we deepen and enhance our children's learning meaning our children are active, enthusiastic and happy learners. We are committed to our curriculum model and want to see it develop further.
We believe that good learning requires good teachers. Our teaching and support staff are a committed and talented team of people. Together in the classrooms and across the school they make Dunmow St Mary's the wonderful school it is.
Inclusiveness and caring are at the heart of our school. We have invested in supporting our children in the classroom and beyond with a dedicated family liaison officer and SENCO team who help everyone to engage and learn.