Pre School TA

Job Title: Cambridge Preschool Teaching Assistant (TA) Department: Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Reports To: Preschool Class Teacher / Head of Early Years Job Purpose The Cambridge Preschool Teaching Assistant supports the Preschool Teacher in delivering a safe, stimulating and nurturing learning environment aligned with the Cambridge Early Years curriculum. The Teaching Assistant helps children develop socially, emotionally, physically and academically through play-based and inquiry-led learning while ensuring their wellbeing, safety and individual learning needs are met. Key Responsibilities Classroom Support * Assist the Preschool Teacher in planning, preparing and delivering engaging learning activities. * Support children during individual, small group and whole-class activities. * Prepare and organize classroom learning materials, teaching aids and activity resources. * Help maintain a clean, safe, attractive and stimulating classroom environment. * Encourage children’s curiosity, creativity, confidence and independence. Child Development * Observe children’s progress and provide feedback to the class teacher. * Support children’s language, communication, literacy, numeracy and social development. * Assist children who require additional learning support. * Encourage positive behaviour using age-appropriate behaviour management strategies. * Promote emotional wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem. Health, Safety and Welfare * Ensure children’s safety during classroom activities, outdoor play, excursions and school events. * Supervise children during meals, break times, toileting and transitions. * Maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness. * Follow all child protection, safeguarding and health and safety policies. Learning Environment * Assist with setting up learning centres and activity stations. * Help display children’s work and maintain classroom learning displays. * Organize classroom resources and learning materials. * Support the use of educational technology where appropriate. Administrative Support * Assist with attendance records and classroom documentation. * Help prepare assessment evidence, portfolios and learning journals. * Photocopy, laminate and prepare teaching resources. * Support inventory and organization of classroom supplies. Parent Engagement * Welcome and assist parents during drop-off and pick-up times. * Communicate routine classroom information under the guidance of the class teacher. * Support school events, exhibitions and parent engagement activities. Professional Responsibilities * Work collaboratively with teachers, school leadership and other staff. * Attend staff meetings, training sessions and professional development programmes. * Demonstrate professionalism, confidentiality and ethical conduct at all times. * Carry out additional duties assigned by the Head of Early Years or School Management. Qualifications * Diploma or Certificate in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a related field. * Previous experience working with preschool or kindergarten-aged children is an advantage. * First Aid certification is desirable. Skills and Competencies * Good understanding of child development and early years education. * Knowledge of the Cambridge Early Years framework is an advantage. * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. * Patience, empathy and a caring attitude towards young children. * Strong organizational and classroom management skills. * Ability to work effectively as part of a team. * Creativity in supporting learning through play. * Basic ICT skills for educational activities and record keeping. Personal Attributes * Passion for working with young children. * Positive, energetic and enthusiastic personality. * Reliable, responsible and trustworthy. * Flexible and willing to learn. * Professional appearance and conduct. * Strong commitment to safeguarding and child welfare. Working Environment The Teaching Assistant works primarily in preschool classrooms and outdoor learning areas, supporting children aged 3–5 years within a Cambridge Early Years learning environment. The role requires active participation in classroom activities, play, supervision and school events while maintaining a safe, inclusive and nurturing atmosphere that promotes every child’s holistic development.