Early Years Teaching Assistant
We are looking for a full-time teaching assistant to join our EYFS Reception. The outdoor areas available for our Early Years are exceptional: we have our own free-flow Early Years Garden; Gray's Wood for our Forest School learning; an outdoor classroom and extensive acres. Specialist teachers lead Music, MFL, PE, Art and D&T.
at Prince's Mead School
Winchester
Background to the School
Prince's Mead is a happy and thriving co-educational IAPS day preparatory school in Hampshire, with over 230 children on roll.
Set on a beautiful site near the City of Winchester, the school is housed in an impressive Grade II listed Georgian manor house with spectacular views over the Itchen Valley.
In September 2025, Prince's Mead merged with King Edward VI School in Southampton. This merger has provided both schools with exciting opportunities for all and secured the educational and financial future of the KES group for generations to come.
At Prince's Mead, we believe in educating the whole child in order for them to become well-rounded, happy and fulfilled individuals with excellent academic results. Everything we do is informed by our firm belief that learning should be challenging, enriching and fun. We see education as a transformational process that guides pupils towards academic achievement, independence, collaboration, leadership and a readiness to take the next exciting step to senior school and beyond.
OVERVIEW
JOB DESCRIPTION
Teaching Assistants report to Form Teachers and the Head of Pre-Prep and Early Years. Responsibilities include:
SUPPORTING THE PUPIL
To help all children learn as effectively as possible by, for example:
* Clarifying and explaining instructions.
* Ensuring the child is able to use equipment and materials provided.
* Motivating and encouraging the children as required.
* Assisting in weaker areas (e.g. language, behaviour, reading, spelling, handwriting/presentation etc.).
* Helping pupils to concentrate on and finish work set.
* Meeting physical needs as required whilst encouraging independence.
* Developing appropriate resources to support the child/ren.
* Liaising with class teacher about Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
* Delivering groups such as Phonics, Fine Motor Skills and Mathematics.
* To establish a supportive relationship with the child/ren concerned.
* To develop methods of promoting/reinforcing the child's self-esteem.
* To encourage inclusion of children with learning differences.
SUPPORTING THE TEACHER
* Assist with teaching groups of children as directed by the class teacher.
* To cover the class in the absence or illness of the class teacher.
* To assist, with the class teacher (and other professionals as appropriate), in the development of a suitable programme of support (IEPs) for child/ren who need learning support as well as extending the more able.
* To provide regular feedback about the child/ren to the teacher.
* Assist with displays, filing, tidying, photocopying and the maintenance of resources.
* Please note, supporting the teacher also includes specialist teachers, for example: PE, Games, Music and MFL staff.
SUPPORTING THE SCHOOL
* To attend weekly year group and/or Pre-Prep meetings as requested.
* To attend staff meetings as requested and relevant in-service training.
* To support the preparation of classrooms before a new term or academic year at Inset.
* Assist in the implementation of the school's policies towards discipline, safeguarding and health and safety.
* To be aware of confidential issues linked to home/pupil/teacher/school and to keep confidences appropriately.
* Assist with other classes as and when necessary.
* Take a turn in the play duty rota and other wrap around care duties such as Teatime Club.
* Assist in the organisation of lunches for the year group.
* Escort children on the school's minibuses as and when required.
* Participate in and help with any outings or visits the year group might undertake.
* Attend whole school assembly on Friday.
* To be aware of all necessary health and safety procedures, such as fire evacuation, asthma/EpiPen policies etc.
PERSONAL SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL
* NVQ Level 3 or equivalent (e.g. NNEB) is preferred
* Minimum of Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy qualifications.
* Ability to work independently as well as be a team player.
* Display a flexible, adaptable and positive attitude to staff and pupils.
* Strong communication skills to promote and develop effective relationships with pupils and colleagues.
* An understanding and knowledge of child protection and safeguarding.
DESIRABLE
* Minimum 2 years' recent experience within an educational setting.
* Secure ICT skills
* Willingness to play a role in the wider life of the school.
REMUNERATION
Salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience. There are further benefits including: pension, free lunch, tea/coffee and onsite parking.
APPLICATION PROCESS
1. The closing date for applications is 4pm on Monday 23rd February 2026.
2. Applicants are asked to complete the school's application form provided (it's important to include two named referees), as well as a covering letter (no more than one side of A4).
3. Prince's Mead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the DBS.
4. At the short list interview, applicants will be interviewed by the Headmaster, as well as other members of the Senior Leadership Team.
5. Please email your completed application form and covering letter to:
6. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Equal Opportunities Statement
As an equal opportunities employer, Prince's Mead is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.
We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join Prince's Mead.
Safeguarding Statement
Prince's Mead puts at the centre of its operation the safeguarding of the pupils of the school. There is a commitment to keep safeguarding at the forefront of every employee and volunteer's mind. We encourage a culture of challenge, not just to act when there is a need, but also in the way we think to ensure the risks of harm to the pupils' individual welfare are minimised.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Job applicants will undergo appropriate child protection screening and pre-employment checks will be carried out; references will be sought and successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and other relevant checks with statutory bodies.
Successful applicants must complete mandatory pre-employment training in safeguarding and other key areas before the commencement of employment.
We comply with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) code of practice and have a written policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders, both of which are available on request. If shortlisted, you are required to declare any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect your suitability to work with children. As a result of amendments to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (exceptions order 1975) in 2013 and 2020, some minor offences are now protected (filtered) and should not be disclosed to potential employers, and employers cannot take these offences into account.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Discounted or free food
* Free parking
* On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Winchester SO21 1AN: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Language:
* English (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 24/02/2026
Reference ID: EYFS TA FEB26
Expected start date: 20/04/2026