International Schools Partnership Careers

Newton College

Job Description

Primary Teaching Assistant

Responsible to: Head of Stage

Our Teaching and Learning Philosophy

As a school community, we believe that everyone is a learner — children and adults alike. We aim to nurture in our learners a lifelong love of learning, while developing the skills, knowledge, and understanding needed to achieve their personal best.

We thrive in a welcoming and secure environment where everyone feels valued and accepted. Our goal is to cultivate happy, caring, creative learners who are confident, resilient, and motivated to succeed.

The Primary Teaching Assistant supports the teacher and the wider school team in providing high-quality teaching and learning experiences. They promote the well-being, inclusion, and academic progress of all pupils by fostering a positive and stimulating learning environment.

Support for Pupils

●       Use specialist (Primary/curricular/learning) skills/training/experience to support pupils

●       Establish productive working relationships with pupils, acting as a role model and setting high expectations with positive reinforcement of good behavior

●       Promote the inclusion and acceptance of all pupils within the classroom

●       Support pupils consistently whilst recognizing and responding to their individual needs and the delivery of tailored learning activities as devised by the teacher, either in a small group setting or on a one-to-one basis

●       Encourage pupils to interact and work cooperatively with others

●       Engage all pupils in activities which are suitable for their age

●       Promote independence and employ strategies to recognize and reward achievement of self-reliance

●       Guiding, monitoring and recording student progress. Provide feedback to pupils in relation to development and achievement

 Support for the Teacher

• Use specialist knowledge, skills, and training to support pupils’ learning and development.
• Establish productive relationships with pupils, acting as a positive role model and setting high expectations.
• Promote the inclusion, participation, and acceptance of all pupils within the classroom.
• Provide consistent support, recognising individual needs and adapting learning activities accordingly (in small groups or one-to-one).
• Encourage pupils to collaborate, develop independence, and take pride in their achievements.
• Observe, guide, and record pupils’ progress; provide constructive feedback to support their learning and personal development.

Support for the School

●       Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection reporting all concerns to an appropriate person

●       Be aware of and support differences and ensure all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop

●       Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the school

●       Establish constructive relationships and communicate with other agencies/professionals in liaison with the teacher to support achievement and progress of pupils

●       Attend and participate in regular teaching assistant meetings

●       Participate in training and other learning activities as required

●       Recognize own strengths and areas of expertise and use these to advise and support others

●       Supervise pupils on visits, trips and out of school activities as required

●       Provide support outside of class, such as covering short-term absences of teaching assistant, teacher colleagues

●       Covering lunch time, break time and end of day duties

Behaviour and Safety

• Create a safe, purposeful, and stimulating learning environment built on mutual respect.
• Apply consistent behaviour management strategies that promote self-control, independence, and responsibility.
• Model positive attitudes, values, and behaviour at all times.
• Take responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all pupils, reporting any concerns promptly following school procedures.

Team working and collaboration

• Work effectively as part of a team, sharing best practices and supporting colleagues.
• Participate in meetings, assemblies, and professional learning sessions related to pupils and curriculum development.
• Support the induction and professional growth of colleagues as appropriate.
• Provide cover for colleagues when needed and ensure continuity of learning.

Person Specification

Essential Skills and Attributes:

• Excellent communication and listening skills.
• Strong organisational abilities and flexibility to meet the needs of pupils.
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and engage young learners.
• Energy, patience, empathy, and a caring nature.
• Understanding of children’s emotional, social, and developmental needs.
• Capacity to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
• A sense of humour and a positive, professional attitude.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, or equivalent Primary Education qualification.
• Demonstrable understanding and experience of the EYFS and/or Primary Curriculum.
• Strong knowledge of child development and the importance of play-based, active learning.
• Native English speaker or C1 level proficiency.
• Satisfactory DBS and reference checks.

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. 

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging 

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.