Teaching Assistant – Reception & SEND Base

Zest Education is currently recruiting for a full-time Teaching Assistant to join a supportive and inclusive primary school in Burton upon Trent. This rewarding role is due to start in September and will continue until at least December 2026, with the potential for extension.

This varied position will see you working across both the school’s Reception class and SEND base, providing valuable support to pupils at different stages of their educational journey.

About the Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and support staff to help create a positive, engaging, and nurturing learning environment. Your time will be split between supporting young learners in Reception and assisting pupils within the school’s SEND provision, making this an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys a diverse and rewarding role.

The school is looking for a caring, patient, and adaptable individual who can build positive relationships with pupils and support their academic, social, and emotional development.

Key Responsibilities

• Support teaching and learning within the Reception classroom.
• Assist pupils within the school’s SEND base, helping them access learning and engage in activities.
• Work with individual pupils and small groups across a range of abilities and needs.
• Promote positive behaviour and encourage independence.
• Help prepare classroom resources and learning activities.
• Support pupils’ communication, social skills, and confidence.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, SEND staff, and the wider school team.
• Contribute to a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful applicant will:

• Have experience working with children in a primary school, nursery, childcare, or educational setting.
• Have an understanding of SEND and inclusive learning practices.
• Be patient, nurturing, and enthusiastic.
• Be confident supporting children with a range of learning needs.
• Have excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Be adaptable and able to work effectively across different age groups.
• Hold a relevant Teaching Assistant qualification (desirable but not essential).

Why Work with Zest Education?

At Zest Education, we pride ourselves on matching talented education professionals with schools where they can thrive.

Benefits Include:

• Competitive rates of pay.
• Dedicated support from an experienced education consultant.
• Access to a variety of teaching and support opportunities.
• Ongoing CPD and professional development.
• Simple and efficient registration process.

Apply Today

If you’re looking for a Teaching Assistant job in Burton upon Trent, have a passion for early years education and SEND support, and are available for a full-time role from September, we’d love to hear from you.

If you are interested in this position or want to find out more, email Jo at [email removed] or ‘apply for job’ at the top of the page to submit your details.

Zest Education are an APSCo audited agency and are dedicated to safeguarding children. All candidates must hold an enhanced DBS (or allow us to process one for you) and be registered to the DBS Update Service, be able to provide references to cover the last two years and successfully pass all other necessary safeguarding checks prior to clearance for work.

Salary is dependent on experience, training, or qualifications. The minimum experience, training, or qualifications required for this position are recent school-based experience (within the last 5 years within a school that teaches the British Curriculum) and/or care-based experience within the last 5 years.

The role advertised is for temporary supply work.

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