Teaching Assistant Grade 3, £25,185 - £25,989 pro rata Temporary, part time, term time plus 2 weeks 32.5 hours per week. Required from 27th March 2026 until end of Summer Term 2027 Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young children? Laurel Avenue Community Primary is seeking a dedicated and caring Teaching Assistant 3 to join our warm and welcoming school community. This is a wonderful opportunity to become part of a supportive team where your enthusiasm and commitment will help children thrive. Laurel Avenue Community Primary is a small, vibrant school with at least 115 pupils aged 2 to 11. Our school is a lively and inclusive environment, where every child’s individuality is celebrated and nurtured. We are proud of our ambitious curriculum, high expectations, and the strong sense of community that unites our staff, governors, and families. At Laurel Avenue, we are committed to ensuring every child reaches their full potential, and we value staff who share our passion for inclusive education and high standards for all. We are looking for a Teaching Assistant 3, to work closely with another experienced Teaching Assistant in supporting the learning and wellbeing of two children within our Year 1 and 2 classroom. You will help to deliver individualised support plans and create a nurturing learning environment. Key Responsibilities: • Collaborate with another Teaching Assistant to provide consistent, caring support for two children, following their individual timetables and support plans throughout the day. • Guide and encourage the children in all aspects of their learning, both in small groups and one-to-one, by clarifying instructions and adapting your approach to their needs. • Implement sensory activities and targeted interventions, drawing on recommendations from external professionals to ensure each child receives the best possible support. • Prepare and organise resources, ensuring children can access equipment and materials that help them engage fully in their learning. • Motivate and reassure children, offering individual attention, praise, and positive feedback to help them stay focused and confident. • Work closely with the class teacher, SENCO, and other professionals, sharing insights and contributing to the planning and delivery of support strategies. • Consistently apply agreed behaviour management strategies, fostering a calm and positive classroom atmosphere. • Take pride in creating a welcoming and inclusive space where every child feels valued and understood. We are looking for someone who shares our belief in the power of education to change lives. If you are kind, empathetic, and committed to helping children with special educational needs reach their potential, we would love to hear from you. We’re Looking For: • A positive and empathetic approach, with a genuine interest in supporting children and building strong relationships with colleagues and families. • The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, while also showing initiative and adaptability when needed. • Flexibility, resilience, and a willingness to embrace new challenges in a busy school environment. • Experience working with children with SEND, and a commitment to inclusive practice. • Confidence in contributing to team planning, including identifying next steps for children’s learning and development. • Creativity and enthusiasm for motivating and engaging children, using a variety of strategies to support their progress. • Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing demands effectively. • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, to work effectively with children, staff, and families. What We Offer • A thriving, well-resourced, and attractive learning environment where you can make a real impact. • Access to a dedicated SENCO, available three days a week, to support you in your role and help you develop your expertise. • Friendly, enthusiastic children who are eager to learn and benefit from your care and encouragement. • A supportive, welcoming staff team that values collaboration and celebrates each other’s successes. • Opportunities for ongoing professional development and tailored support to help you grow in your career. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit their application form before the closing date of 27th March 2026, 12.00 noon, to g.davison101@laurelavenue.durham.sch.uk Where our roles are customer facing and you are required to speak to members of the public, the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post. As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required. Where our roles are customer facing and you are required to speak to members of the public, the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post. As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and, if successful, you will need to apply for an enhanced DBS disclosure. As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required. This post is not open to job share. Term time only plus two additional weeks’ pay is calculated on the basis of the following: • Number of ‘teaching’ weeks – 38 weeks; plus • Public (bank) holidays – 1.6 weeks (8 days); plus • Two additional weeks, inclusive of CPD – 2 weeks; plus • Individual leave entitlement - 5.4 weeks (27 days) or 6.4 weeks (32 days) Individual leave entitlement is calculated on the length of continuous service. Employees with less than 5 years’ service will receive 27 days annual leave. Employees with more than 5 years’ service will receive 32 days annual leave. For example: Calculation for employees with less than 5 years’ service: 40 weeks (term time plus 2) 27 days (annual leave) 8 days (public holidays) = 47 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments Calculation for employees with more than 5 years’ service: 40 weeks (term time plus 2) 32 days (annual leave) 8 days (public holidays) = 48 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments Closing date: 27th March 2026, 12.00 noon Interview date: 30th and/or 31st March 2026 Laurel Avenue Community Primary School The Woodlands Durham DH1 2EY Tel: 0191 3868416 Email: laurelavenue@durhamlearning.net Website: http://www.laurelavenue.durham.sch.uk VPRS/161