Job Description
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EYFS Learning Support Assistant
Salary: NJC Point 4 (£21,954.52) - paid 44 weeks per year
Contract: Part-time, Permanent, Term‑time only
Hours: 37 hours per week
Hours of work: Monday to Friday 8:30am - 3:30pm (with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break each working day)
Additional Room Leader Responsibility: Fixed‑term (reviewed annually). Details will be discussed at interview (NJC Point 12-14).
About the Role
We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated and experienced EYFS Learning Support Assistant to join our vibrant school Early Years team of Reception, Nursery and SEND provision.
This is an exciting opportunity for a practitioner who is passionate about early childhood education and ready to take the next step in their career.
The successful candidate will be part of high‑quality provision within our EYFS - including Reception, Nursery and Special Educational Needs Hub provision, ensuring a warm, nurturing, and stimulating environment where every child can thrive.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has strong knowledge and hands‑on experience of working with children in an Early Years environment
- Holds a minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification and is committed to ongoing professional development
- Has high expectations for children's learning, behaviour, and inclusion
- Demonstrates excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues
- Is committed to safeguarding, equality, and maintaining confidentiality
- Supports and promotes the Catholic ethos and values of our school (applications from non‑Catholics who support our ethos are warmly welcomed)
We can offer you:
- Wonderful children who are eager to learn
- A dedicated, supportive and motivated staff team
- A forward‑thinking, inclusive school community
- Opportunities for professional development
- The chance to be part of a wider network of schools within the Assisi Catholic Trust
Visits to the School
We warmly encourage prospective candidates to visit us. Please contact the school office on 01268 683903 or email office@stjosephscanvey.net (FAO Mr James Green, Headteacher) to arrange a visit.
How to Apply
Full details and an application form are available on our school website. Completed application forms should be sent to: recruitment@assisicatholictrust.com
We are a Catholic school, but applications are equally welcome from non‑Catholic candidates who support our ethos.
Safeguarding Statement
Assisi Catholic Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to pre‑employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check. References will be sought and an online search will be carried out as part of our safer recruitment procedures.
Closing Date: 24th September 2026 (We reserve the right to interview and appoint before the closing date.)
Interview Date: Week commencing 28 September 2026
Start Date: As soon as possible
Job Description The EYFS Learning Support Assistant supports high‑quality teaching and learning across the Early Years Foundation Stage, including Nursery, Reception and the SEND Hub. The role ensures that all children experience a warm, nurturing, stimulating environment rooted in the Catholic ethos of St Joseph's, where every child is valued and able to thrive.
The postholder works under the direction of the EYFS Lead and class teachers, supporting children's learning, wellbeing, safety and inclusion.
Supporting Teaching & Learning
- Support high‑quality learning experiences aligned with the EYFS curriculum.
- Work with individuals and small groups to reinforce teaching, extend learning and promote independence.
- Use high‑quality interactions, modelling and open‑ended questioning.
- Support children's engagement in continuous provision indoors and outdoors.
- Prepare, organise and maintain resources to support learning.
- Contribute to observations and assessments under teacher direction.
Supporting Children's Development & Wellbeing
- Build warm, trusting relationships with children and families.
- Promote the Characteristics of Effective Learning.
- Support children's personal, social and emotional development.
- Help children develop communication, language and early literacy skills.
- Encourage independence in self‑care, routines and transitions.
Inclusion, SEND & Pastoral Support
- Work closely with the SENDCo to implement strategies for children with SEND.
- Support One Plans, EHCP targets and Early Help processes.
- Make reasonable adjustments to activities and environments.
- Provide calm, consistent support for children with SEMH needs.
- Maintain confidentiality and uphold safeguarding responsibilities at all times.
Safeguarding, Welfare & Health and Safety
- Follow all safeguarding procedures and report concerns immediately.
- Support safe supervision of children across EYFS, including outdoor learning.
- Maintain high standards of hygiene, safety and risk assessment.
- Record accidents and incidents following school policy.
- Support children with medical needs in line with training and care plans.
Communication & Teamwork
- Work collaboratively with teachers, EYFS colleagues and wider school staff.
- Communicate professionally with parents and carers.
- Contribute to team meetings, planning discussions and reflective practice.
- Uphold the Catholic ethos and values of the school.
Professional Development
- Engage in ongoing CPD, including EYFS training and Trust‑wide development.
- Reflect on practice and contribute to continuous improvement.
- Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of EYFS reforms, Ofsted expectations and best practice.
Person Specification
Essential
- Level 3 Early Years qualification (minimum).
- Strong knowledge of the EYFS and child development.
- Experience working in an early years setting.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work as part of a team with professionalism and warmth.
- Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and confidentiality.
- Ability to follow teacher direction and use initiative appropriately.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage routines.
- Paediatric First Aid (or willingness to train).
Desirable
- Experience in a school‑based EYFS setting.
- Experience supporting children with SEND.
- Knowledge of Tapestry or similar assessment platforms.
- Understanding of Birth to Five guidance.
- Experience delivering small‑group interventions.
Information about the School
St Joseph’s is part of the Assisi Catholic Trust of schools. At St Joseph’s, our core values - Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence, guide everything we do. We believe that every child is created in the image of God and deserves to be loved, known and supported to achieve their very best. As a Catholic school, showing love through all our actions is at the centre of our mission, shaping the way we learn, play, collaborate and care for one another.
We are proud of our strong academic outcomes, which exceed national averages and continue to improve year-on-year. These achievements reflect the dedication of our talented staff, the curiosity and enthusiasm of our pupils, and the wonderful partnership we share with parents and our parish community.
Our extensive, beautiful grounds, along with our school swimming pool, provide a unique setting for learning and play. They offer space for exploration, reflection and discovery—supporting children’s wellbeing and enriching their learning experiences across the curriculum.
St Joseph’s is a joyful, vibrant and welcoming place where children thrive academically, spiritually and personally.