Early Years Teaching Assistant

Job Introduction

We have an exciting opportunity for an Early Years Teaching Assistant to join our team, no two days are ever the same in school life so the ability to be flexible is vital! There will be opportunities to work within the whole class, with groups of children and on a 1:1 basis with individual pupils.  

Please submit your application as soon as possible as we will invite suitable candidates to interview before the closing date. 

This post will suit a range of applicants, including graduates thinking about training to become teachers in the future. 

Learning Support Assistants: Monday – Friday – 8:35 – 3:15 -  Term time only. 

The successful candidates will:

•    have a child-centred approach

•    be able to build relationships with all children including those with additional SEND needs

•    have the ability to work in an Early Years classroom

•    have the ability to work under pressure and to a timetable

•    have experience of working with children with social/communication difficulties in a small group setting.

•    have experience of working in the Early Years

•    have the ability to keep pupils motivated and engaged

•    have a calm but firm approach

•    be able to adapt and think on your feet

•    be flexible and willing to learn

•    be able to attune to a child’s emotional needs

•    be able to work as part of a team, learning with and from other colleagues

•    be able to work independently and on your own initiative

•    have excellent communication skills, both oral and written

•    demonstrate excellent behaviour management skills

•    understand confidentiality and safeguarding procedures 

We can offer the successful candidate an opportunity to work for a new dynamic multi-academy trust in an attractive, welcoming and friendly working environment. Based at Orchard Infant School, you will be part of a much bigger family, with colleagues keen to support you in your new role. We will also provide training where appropriate for the candidate if the job requires it.

Application Procedure
Applications should be on University of Winchester Academy Trust application form and individual CV’s will not be accepted. If you currently work in a school, please ensure one of your references is from your current Headteacher. Application forms and further information about the school can be found on the Orchard Infant School website: Orchard Infant School - Vacancies

Please submit your application as soon as possible as we may invite candidates to interview before the closing date. Closing Date: Thursday 16th July 2026 at midday

Please submit your application at the earliest opportunity as we will invite suitable candidates to interview before the closing date.

For an informal conversation about the post or to arrange to meet our Head of School, Kerry Sidney, please contact the office by email at adminoffice@orchard-inf.hants.sch.uk

Completed application forms should be returned by the closing date to Kerry Sidney, Head of School via email at the above address. Alternatively, a paper copy sent to Orchard Infant School, Water Lane, Dibden Purlieu, Hampshire, SO45 4SB.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date if we receive applications that meet the criteria. Once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools

We currently do not use AI tools in our recruitment processes; however, we understand that you may choose to use AI tools to help you with your application.

If you do, please remember:
· AI-generated answers can often be generic and impersonal, which may not accurately reflect your qualifications, skills, and experiences

· AI-generated applications may lack the personal touch that human-written applications have, this may make you seem less engaged or interested

· Ensure the information provided genuinely represents your own voice and experience

· You must not provide false or misleading information

· If you rely too heavily on AI you might not develop the necessary skills to communicate your experiences and qualifications effectively in interviews or other stages of the hiring process. This may make you come across to the interviewer as a different person to the one that wrote the application form, and you may not be successful in the interview.


Safer Recruitment Statement

The University of Winchester Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. Candidates that are shortlisted will be subject to an online check. All successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) along with other relevant employment checks, including Children’s Barred List. Prior to interview, an online search will be carried out on information that is publicly available as part of our due diligence on shortlisted candidates.