Location: Ilford, East London
Job Title: EYFS Teaching Assistant
Contract: Full-Time | Term-Time Only
Start Date: Immediate or Next Term
Salary: Competitive, based on experience

School Overview

This friendly and inclusive community primary school in Ilford prides itself on delivering a nurturing and high-quality EYFS provision where children are supported to develop confidence, curiosity, and independence. The school serves a diverse, multilingual community and places a strong emphasis on early language development, emotional wellbeing, and positive relationships.

The Early Years setting is structured yet flexible, allowing children to learn through exploration, play, and purposeful adult interaction. Teaching Assistants are valued as key contributors to the success of the EYFS provision and work closely with teachers to support learning, behaviour, and inclusion.

Due to increased demand for additional support in Early Years, the school is now seeking an enthusiastic EYFS Teaching Assistant to join their dedicated team.

Role Purpose

As an EYFS Teaching Assistant, you will support children in Nursery and Reception, helping them develop early communication, literacy, numeracy, and social skills. You will support both teacher-led activities and child-initiated learning and provide targeted support to pupils with additional needs.

The role involves working with children who may require support for SEN, speech and language development, EAL, and emotional or behavioural needs, ensuring inclusive access to learning for all pupils.

Key Responsibilities

• Support daily EYFS activities in line with the EYFS framework

• Provide one-to-one and small group interventions to support development

• Support children with SEN and additional learning needs

• Assist with phonics, early reading, writing, and maths activities

• Promote positive behaviour, routines, and emotional regulation

• Support learning through indoor and outdoor play-based activities

• Maintain a safe, stimulating, and well-organised learning environment

• Observe and record children’s progress and achievements

• Support children during transitions and unstructured times

• Work collaboratively with EYFS staff, SENCO, and parents

• Uphold safeguarding, health, and safety procedures at all times

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, caring, and reliable, with a genuine passion for working with young children.

You should demonstrate:

• Experience working in EYFS or early years settings

• Understanding of child development and play-based learning

• Experience or interest in SEN and inclusive education

• A calm, patient, and nurturing manner

• Strong communication and teamwork skills

• A proactive and flexible approach

Training and Development

The school provides:

• EYFS-focused induction and mentoring

• SEN and inclusion training

• Behaviour and emotional wellbeing CPD

• Safeguarding and child protection updates

There are opportunities to progress into SEN TA roles, HLTA, or teacher training.

What the School Offers

• Supportive and approachable leadership

• A welcoming and inclusive school culture

• Strong focus on staff wellbeing

• Ongoing professional development

• A fulfilling role supporting early learners

Safeguarding

The school is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Enhanced DBS checks and references are required for all appointments.