EAL - TA (C)
Description
Early Years Teaching Assistant
Purpose of Role
We are looking for an enthusiastic, caring, and dedicated Early Years Teaching Assistant to join our vibrant international primary school community. The successful candidate will support teachers in delivering engaging and developmentally appropriate learning experiences for young children, fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment where every child can thrive. The Early Years Teaching Assistant will assist in planning and implementing classroom activities, supporting individual learning needs, and promoting children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development in line with the school’s values and curriculum. This role requires a passionate individual who enjoys working with young learners and is committed to creating a positive and inclusive early years learning experience.
ISP Principles
Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.
Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.
Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.
Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.
Description of School
At Tenby Schools Penang, part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP)—a global network of 85+ schools across 23 countries—we are proud to offer an international and cosmopolitan learning environment. Our diverse campus hosts students from over 30 countries, providing them with a world-class education in a state-of-the-art facility.
With nearly 60 years of pioneering experience in international education in Malaysia, Tenby Schools Penang has established a reputation for excellence in staff development and delivering high-quality teaching and learning. What sets us apart is our unique integration of a Private Malaysian School and an International School, fostering a truly unified and inclusive educational experience.
Located on the island of Penang, we are one of the leading schools in the region. If you're looking for a vibrant, progressive, and supportive school community, we encourage you to explore more about Tenby Schools Penang.
Visit our website at http://www.tenby.edu.my/penang and follow us on social media to stay updated.
We look forward to welcoming talented individuals who share our commitment to excellence in education.
ISP Malaysia
ISP Malaysia operates the Tenby Schools, Asia Pacific Schools and Straits International Schools where we are strategically located covering the Klang Valley, Perak, Penang and Johor within Malaysia. Our experience in education excellence helps us provide amazing learning experiences for students as young
as 3 years up to 18 years old. Our schools in Malaysia follow the international school curriculum comprising IGCSE and A-levels, starting at the kindergarten level, while 5 of the schools also offer the Malaysian National Curriculum. While the national and international schools and classrooms are separated, facilities and non-curricular activities are shared between the schools. With over 8,500 students, we have a 60-year history in the country providing education to students and have gained a reputation for excellence and high standards in education.
Key benefits
- A culture of engagement and trust, where staff contributions are recognised and valued.
- A passionate and motivated team of professionals who put children at the heart of decision-making.
- An embedded whole campus commitment to professional development and a commitment to serving others.
- A peer network of like-minded teaching colleagues and support from non-academic staff.
- Access to expertise, best practise sharing and learning opportunities across countries and cultures.
- A commitment to employee well-being.
We also offer
Benefits include:
- Competitive salary
- Tuition fees discount for children of employees
- Medical outpatient and insurance benefits
- Personal Accident insurance coverage
- Generous contributions to an Employee Provident Fund (EPF)
Key Responsibilities
- Support the class teacher in planning and delivering engaging, age-appropriate lessons and activities.
- Assist in creating a safe, caring, and stimulating learning environment that encourages curiosity and exploration.
- Provide individual and small group support to children to reinforce learning and promote development.
- Help manage classroom routines, transitions, and behavior in a positive and consistent manner.
- Prepare and organize learning materials, resources, and classroom displays.
- Support the implementation of the Early Years curriculum and contribute to children’s progress observations and records.
- Promote the social, emotional, and physical well-being of all children.
- Assist with personal care needs when required, maintaining dignity and respect at all times.
- Communicate effectively with teachers, parents, and colleagues to support each child’s learning journey.
- Participate in school events, meetings, and professional development activities as required.
- Uphold the school’s safeguarding, health, and safety policies and maintain confidentiality at all times.
Skills, Qualifications and Experience
- Minimum of a diploma or certificate in Early Childhood Education, Teaching, or a related field (a degree is an advantage).
- Previous experience working with young children in an early years or primary school setting, preferably in an international or bilingual environment.
- Familiarity with international curricula such as the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), IPC, or similar frameworks is an advantage.
- Basic understanding of child development and age-appropriate learning strategies.
- First aid training or certification (preferred).
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with children, parents, and colleagues.
- A caring, patient, and nurturing approach towards young learners.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a diverse and dynamic team.
- Creative, energetic, and proactive in supporting classroom learning and play-based activities.
- Good command of spoken and written English (additional languages are an advantage).
- Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and promoting a positive learning environment.
- Willingness to participate in school events, training, and continuous professional development.
ISP Leadership Competencies
You consistently demonstrate and role-model the ISP Leadership Competencies in all that you do.
Collaboration. Takes an active part in leading their school or region; is cooperative and a genuine team player, developing positive, supportive relationships with colleagues to solve problems and maximise opportunities.
Learning & Getting Better. Continually demonstrates personal commitment and passion for learning and getting better using evidence and feedback, supporting others in their continual learning, development, and growth.
Innovation Leadership. Is good at creating an environment where ideas for learning initiatives and services are generated and can motivate and inspire others through the process of creation through to completion.
Outcome driven. Can be counted on to find solutions. Is consistently looking to exceed goals and is focused on KPIs.
Resilience. Can deal with setbacks and challenges calmly and effectively.
Community Focus. Is committed to meeting and exceeding the needs and expectations of our students and their families.
Integrity & Ethical Management. Has the ability to work ethically and with integrity; helps others feel valued; upholds and models the ISP Vision, Purpose, and Principles.
Leading & Inspiring Others. Supports, encourages, and inspires students, colleagues, and teams so that they give their best.
Understanding People. Is a very good judge of talent, can objectively articulate the strengths and motivations of people inside or outside the organisation.
Influencing & Communication. Consistently informs, influences, and inspires students, parents, and colleagues through timely and effective communication.
Agile. Responds and adapts to changing circumstances; manages and solves problems by providing solutions in a climate of ambiguity.
Strategic, Commercial & Financial Awareness. Has the ability to apply understanding of the business and industry to improve effectiveness and profitability.
Planning & Decision Making. Makes decisions on the best course of action and then plans, organises, prioritises, and balances resources to achieve the desired outcome.
Diversity & Equity. Has the sensitivity, awareness, and skill to understand the values, behaviours, attitudes, and practices across cultures that supports all children and adults to learn and work effectively.
ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles
ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.