Early Years Teaching Assistant

Early Years Teaching Assistant

This is a role for someone who will support Reception-aged children to build independence, communication and early literacy in a brand-new EYFS classroom. You will work alongside class teachers to plan and deliver day-to-day learning, manage indoor and outdoor resources, and help each child make measurable progress in their first year at school.

What you'll be doing

• Support teaching staff with planning, preparing and delivering high-quality EYFS learning activities (indoor and outdoor).
• Observe, assess and contribute to tracking pupils’ development and next steps in learning.
• Listen to children read, promote enjoyment of books and help develop early language skills.
• Maintain interactive, child-friendly displays and encourage independent learning.
• Supervise pupils during breaks, lunchtimes and on off-site visits; provide routine administrative support.
• Follow and embed school policies and the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage in daily practice.

What we're looking for

Essential:

• Full and relevant Level 3 childcare qualification or above.
• Recent experience supporting Reception pupils and knowledge of EYFS requirements, safeguarding and welfare expectations.
• Practical experience of observation and assessment to inform next steps.
• Strong spoken and written English, IT literate, well organised and able to prioritise.
• Positive interpersonal skills with children and adults and a collaborative approach to teamwork.

Desirable:

• Experience running extra-curricular activities or wider school involvement.
• Paediatric First Aid, Administration of Medicines, Level 2 Food Hygiene or Level 3 Advanced Safeguarding.

About the team

You will be based in the new Early Years Reception classroom within Cranleigh Pre-Prep, reporting to the Head of Pre-Prep and Head of Learning Support. The team values practical, play-based learning and supportive, consistent routines for young children.

What we offer

• Aviva Pension (8% employer, 4% employee), life assurance (3x salary), fee discount for eligible children (subject to availability).
• Use of sports facilities (gym, squash, tennis, pool, 9-hole golf), free term-time lunches, onsite parking, cycle to work and employee assistance scheme.

Cranleigh offers a supportive community environment and also a wide range of benefits.

Candidates are requested to submit a brief letter of application (no more than one side of A4), together with the online application and supported by a full CV (via the ‘Apply now’ button) as soon as possible and no later than 10:00 am 13th October 2026. Applications are considered as they are received and therefore the vacancy may close sooner than advertised.

Cranleigh School recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds.

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post holder will be subject to a DBS check

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