KS1 Teaching Assistant (Phonics Experience Essential)
(Blackburn & Darwen)
Job Title: KS1 Teaching Assistant – Phonics Specialist
Location: Blackburn & Darwen
Contract: Full-time or part-time, ongoing
Pay: £85–£100 per day (depending on experience and qualifications)
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About the Role
Teaching Personnel are recruiting an experienced KS1 Teaching Assistant to support pupils across Year 1 and Year 2 in primary schools across Blackburn and Darwen.
This role is ideal for a TA with strong phonics knowledge (Little Wandle, Read Write Inc, Letters & Sounds, Jolly Phonics).
You will be supporting both whole-class learning and targeted phonics intervention groups, helping children progress in reading, writing and early literacy.
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Requirements
To ensure quality and suitability, applicants must have:
✔ Experience supporting KS1 pupils
✔ Strong phonics knowledge (Little Wandle / RWI / Letters & Sounds etc.)
✔ A minimum of a Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification
✔ Recent experience working in a primary school
✔ A valid DBS (or willing to apply for one)
✔ Good understanding of safeguarding and child protection
Please note: This role is not suitable for candidates without school experience.
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Key Responsibilities
* Deliver phonics interventions to small groups and individual pupils
* Support the class teacher with daily activities in Year 1 & 2
* Help raise attainment in reading, writing and early literacy
* Provide clear, consistent behaviour support
* Prepare learning materials and assist with classroom organisation
* Track pupil progress and give feedback to the teacher
* Encourage pupil independence and confidence
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The Ideal Candidate Will Have
* A passion for early literacy and phonics
* Strong knowledge of KS1 curriculum
* Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
* A caring, patient and supportive approach
* High expectations for pupil achievement
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Why Work with Teaching Personnel?
* A dedicated consultant covering Blackburn & Darwen (Morgan)
* Flexible working options
* Access to regular CPD (including accredited phonics training)
* Competitive rates of pay
* Opportunities for long-term and permanent placements
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How to Apply
If you’re an experienced KS1 Teaching Assistant with strong phonics knowledge, click “Apply Now” or contact Morgan Sharkey at Teaching Personnel for more information.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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