Prep School Teaching Assistant (Part-Time 0.7 to 0.8)
Start date: As soon as available
We have an exciting opportunity for a Teaching Assistant to join our wonderful school. You will be passionate, enthusiastic and love working with children, the outdoors and have loads of energy to work in a busy school with a friendly, supportive and committed team.
Moyles Court is a co-educational day and boarding school from 2 ½ to 16 years. It is a thriving, friendly and happy school with a strong belief in traditional family values. Class sizes are small, and the school prides itself on the individual attention it is able to give to all of its pupils.
As part of a dynamic and popular team, you will be expected to enthuse, engage and inspire our pupils within our beautiful New Forest setting.
Purpose of the job
Teaching assistants are integral members of our Staff team and play a full part in the life of the School.
The primary duties of a TA are to support the learning of children in the classroom. TAs also play a key role in the welfare of the children and will be required to work closely with a particular class or classes.
Establishing a detailed knowledge of each child as a unique individual and an effective working partnership with the class teacher is the key to success. This role would be focussed on years from Reception through to year 4 with a heavy bias towards KS1.
Duties and Responsibilities
TAs have a varied day, including break and lunch duties (on a rota basis). They will also be expected to:
● Work with a group of children under supervision and guidance of the teacher
● Work with individual children as required
● Supervise a class of children for a limited period of time on a needs basis
● Assist with assessments conducted by the teacher
● Carry out observations of children's progress
● Record evidence of children's progress using Tapestry (EYFS ONLY)
● Accompany children for lessons beyond the classroom (e.g. Outdoor Learning, PE or swimming)
● Help prepare sets and costumes and assist with rehearsals for school productions
● Tidy and replenish resources in classrooms
● Prepare worksheets and other resources (laminating, photocopying etc.)
● Monitor, order and tidy stationery (incl. photocopying paper)
● Upkeep / maintenance of displays of the children's work
● Prepare / put up display material that supports the children's learning in the classroom
● Keep notice boards around the school tidy, attractive and up to date
● Interact positively and professionally with parents, carers and guardians
● Proactively supervise children at all times, including when on lunch/break duty
● Any other task or activity as reasonably requested by the school management
● Conforming to the School's Code of Conduct
● Adherence to the School's safeguarding procedures
This job description is not necessarily a comprehensive definition of the post. It may be subject to modification or amendment at any time after consultation with the holder of the post. Many of these tasks will be shared between teaching assistants, and good collaboration will be expected. TA's are managed by the Class Teacher and the Head of Prep School.
Candidate specification
There are certain criteria that we would expect a candidate to possess:
* Level 3 Approved Teaching Assistant Qualification or higher qualification such as a PGCE or other teaching qualification. The school would also consider helping a candidate train for an appropriate Level 3 qualification if necessary.
The following list outlines the further qualities, skills and experiences that the selection panel will be keen to explore with candidates. It is understood by the panel and, we hope, by prospective candidates, that no single person will fulfil every criterion. We encourage candidates who do not "tick every box", therefore, to apply nonetheless and to be open during the selection process about those areas in which they would wish to develop their skills and experience further.
* 5 GCSEs (A*-C) including English & Maths
* ELSA qualification
* Polite, friendly and outgoing with a good sense of humour
* Experience of working with primary aged children
* Recent paediatric first aid training or experience
* Ability to support children with Music, Drama, Forest School, Dance and/or physical activities
* A confident person with common sense and initiative
* Flexible and adaptive work ethic
* Ability to plan and lead relevant learning activities with young children
* Trustworthy and proactive i.e. able to work under minimal supervision with maximum levels of confidentiality
* Empathy and patience with young children and parents and guardians
* Good interpersonal and communication skills
* Strong literacy and numeracy skills
* Self-motivation and drive
* The ability to work in a team
* Ability to communicate well with children and in particular be prepared to demonstrate: o Motivation to work with children and young people o Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people o Professional attitudes to use of authority and maintaining discipline o Understanding of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people
Hours of Work
This post is for 34 weeks term time only. The hours of work are flexible but ideally would equate to 0.7 to 0.8 maximum FTE.
Benefits
* In term time, staff are provided with lunch in the school dining room and tea and coffee at break times
* Small class sizes
* Idyllic New Forest location
How to apply
Application forms should be completed and addressed to the Headmaster, Mr. Robin Padfield, and should be sent to Mrs. Kimberley Mills, Moyles Court School, Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 3NF or via email to
Applications will be considered on receipt and an early application is encouraged. The closing date for all applications is Friday 26th September 2025.
Interviews are currently planned for Wednesday 8th October 2025 (subject to change).
Moyles Court School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. In accordance with our Child Protection Policy, we are unable to process applications without a fully completed application form. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All convictions, cautions and bind-overs, including those regarded as 'spent' must be declared when applying. The applicant may post such a declaration in an envelope marked 'Private & confidential for the Headmaster' which will only be opened should the candidate be shortlisted. The successful applicant must obtain List 99 clearance and
DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance at enhanced level.
Equal Opportunities
The School is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff.
Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £25,000.00-£52,557.58 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
* St. Leonards and St. Ives West BH24 3NF: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
* Special education: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person