About Us
We are a welcoming Primary School situated on the picturesque Thorney Island, between Emsworth and Southbourne. Rooted in the heart of the local area, we invite all children from the surrounding community to join us in a nurturing, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment.
Our school offers a unique setting where children benefit from extensive outdoor grounds, an adventure playground, climbing wall, all-weather Daily Mile track, a sensory garden, and a dedicated nurture space. Our proximity to the local beach and access to a range of community facilities further enrich the opportunities available to our pupils.
We are proud to provide a broad and engaging curriculum, enhanced by numerous educational trips and visits, and a wide variety of extra-curricular activities that support every child's academic, physical, emotional, and social development.
At our core, we believe in providing a safe, stimulating, and supportive space where every child is valued, every family is welcome, and every opportunity is embraced.
Job Details
Start date: 4 November 2025
Contract: Permanent
Hours of work: Mon - Fri, 8.30am - 3.05pm hrs per week), term time only
Salary: NJC Grade 3, scp 3-4, £24,796 - £25,185 pro rata (£15,911 - £16,242 actual salary)
Closing date for applications is: 9.00am Tuesday 14 October 2025.
Interviews will take place on: Wednesday 22 October 2025
What You Need to Succeed
Do you have a passion for supporting children in their learning journey?
Are you patient, caring, and ready to make a real difference every day?
We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Teaching Assistant to join our friendly and supportive primary school team. This post will involve working in an allocated class, or with a specific child, in EYFS, Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2.
The role will involve:
* Supporting teachers in creating a positive, engaging learning environment.
* Working with individuals and small groups of children to help them reach their full potential.
* Encouraging pupils' social and emotional development, as well as their academic progress.
* Contributing to classroom organisation and the smooth running of daily activities.
The successful candidate will:
* Be educated at GCSE level in Maths and English to Level 4/Grade C or above
* Have experience of supporting children with a range of additional needs
* Be flexible, adaptable and able to work as part of a team in the daily life of the school
* Demonstrate empathy and understanding of children's emotions and behaviour, helping to remove barriers to learning
* Be able to work independently, using initiative, to support all learners to achieve the best outcomes
* Have a positive, nurturing and proactive attitude with high aspirations for themselves, children and colleagues
We can offer:
* A warm, welcoming and supportive school environment and staff team.
* Opportunities for professional development.
* The chance to play a key role in shaping children's education and wellbeing.
* Pupils who enjoy learning and are eager to succeed.
Join us and help inspire a love of learning in our children
Visits to look around the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged. Please contact the school office on to arrange this.
Further Information
Thorney Island School and West Sussex County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service check along with other relevant employment checks, including satisfactory references.
How to Apply
To apply for this role please download the job description and application form below.
Please complete the application form ensuring that you explain the skills and experience you can bring to the role (please refer to the key skills in the job description).
Once complete please return to
Should you have any questions regarding the role or the application please feel free to email us or contact us on
NOTE TO CANDIDATES - Please do not select the 'Apply online' button as the School processes your applications directly rather than through this site.
The reference number for this role is SCHO01073.
Job Reference: SCHO01073