Teaching Assistant Opportunities – Small Rural Primary Schools
Location: Colchester and surrounding villages
Contract Type: Full-time / Part-time (various roles available)
Salary: Competitive, in line with experience (term-time only)
A group of small, friendly rural primary schools near Colchester are seeking dedicated and enthusiastic Teaching Assistants to join their supportive teams across EYFS, Key Stage 1, and Key Stage 2.
These are rewarding and varied roles within nurturing school communities that value compassion, teamwork, and a love of learning. As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll make a meaningful difference each day — helping children to develop confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong enthusiasm for learning.
Working closely with experienced teachers and support staff, you’ll gain valuable classroom experience in settings where every child is known, valued, and supported to thrive. The schools offer regular training, mentoring, and professional development, ensuring you feel confident and supported in your role. Many of our Teaching Assistants go on to become Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) or train as qualified teachers through school-based routes.
Positions are available for both 1:1 Teaching Assistant roles and classroom-based support positions. These roles are ideal for individuals who are energetic, caring, and proactive, with a genuine passion for working with children.
No previous school experience is required — full training and ongoing support are provided. We also welcome applications from those with backgrounds in care, childcare, youth work, customer service, or similar roles where empathy and communication are key.
Key Requirements
1. A caring, patient, and positive approach to supporting children’s learning and development
2. Excellent communication and teamwork skills
3. A proactive and flexible attitude suitable for a busy school environment
4. Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
5. A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle (essential due to rural school locations)
The Schools Offer
6. Warm, close-knit, community-focused environments
7. Comprehensive induction, mentoring, and CPD opportunities
8. Clear pathways for career progression (including HLTA and teacher training routes)
9. Supportive colleagues and approachable leadership teams
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 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.
Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the 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 FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.
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