Job Introduction
Come and help our youngest pupils flourish
Knightwood Primary School is looking for a caring, enthusiastic and reflective Learning Support Assistant to join our Reception team.
This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a warm, experienced and ambitious early years team. Our early years provision was judged to be Outstanding by Ofsted in March 2025, and we are proud of the happy, purposeful environment we create for our pupils.
At Knightwood, we believe that young pupils learn best when they feel safe, known and valued. Our Reception pupils learn through a carefully planned balance of purposeful play, direct teaching, rich conversation and exploration, both indoors and outdoors. We are looking for someone who will notice what pupils need, join their play sensitively and help them develop the confidence, language, knowledge and independence they need to thrive.
Working closely with the class teacher and wider EYFS team, you will:
build warm, positive and professional relationships with pupils;
interact purposefully with pupils during play, extending their language, thinking and learning;
model rich vocabulary, conversation, cooperation and positive social communication;
support whole-class teaching, small-group work and individual pupils;
help pupils develop independence, resilience, self-regulation and positive learning behaviours;
provide sensitive and inclusive support for pupils with additional needs;
support early reading, phonics, writing and mathematics under the direction of the class teacher;
observe pupils carefully and share useful information with the class teacher to help identify progress and next steps;
support pupils’ personal care and welfare where required;
supervise pupils safely during lessons, playtimes, lunchtimes and other parts of the school day;
follow the school’s safeguarding, behaviour, confidentiality and health and safety procedures; and
contribute positively to the wider life of the school.
This is an active role. You should be comfortable learning and playing at pupils’ level, working outdoors in different weather conditions and helping to move and prepare equipment and resources.
We are looking for someone who:
genuinely enjoys working with young pupils and understands the importance of the early years;
is warm, patient and calm, while maintaining clear and consistent expectations;
communicates well with pupils, colleagues and families;
is observant and curious about how pupils learn;
knows when to offer help and when to step back so that pupils can develop independence;
works well as part of a team and responds positively to guidance and feedback;
is flexible, reliable and well organised;
has high expectations for every pupil, including pupils with SEND or other barriers to learning;
is committed to inclusion, equality and safeguarding; and
is willing to undertake training and continue developing their practice.
Experience of working with pupils in an early years or primary setting would be an advantage. An appropriate Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in supporting teaching and learning, childcare or early years would also be desirable. However, we are equally interested in candidates who have the right values, relationships and willingness to learn.
We can offer:
the opportunity to join an Outstanding early years provision;
happy, enthusiastic pupils who enjoy coming to school;
a friendly and supportive Reception team;
an experienced wider Learning Support Assistant team;
clear guidance, training and opportunities for professional development;
a welcoming school community with warm relationships between pupils and adults;
a rich indoor and outdoor learning environment; and
a school that values inclusion, wellbeing, curiosity, resilience and a sense of belonging.
Visits to the school are warmly encouraged. We would be delighted to show you our Reception environment and tell you more about the role.
To arrange a visit or request an application pack, please contact the school office on 023 8026 1900 or email adminoffice@knightwood.hants.sch.uk.
CVs will not be accepted in place of a completed application form.
Safer Recruitment
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 will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
