Early Years Teaching Assistant

Cedarwood Primary School

  • Cedarwood Primary School
  • Address: Kesgrave, Ipswich, Suffolk IP5 2ES
  • Salary: £18,377 - £18,964 actual per annum (£25,185 - £25,989 pro rata)
  • Hours: 32.5 hours per week, 38 weeks per year, term time only
  • Contract: Fixed term for 1 year from 1 September 2026 - 31 August 2027 initially. Required from 1 September 2026
  • Reference: 5089

Cedarwood Primary School is seeking to appoint an excellent, highly motivated, creative and dedicated Early Years Teaching Assistant to work as part of our successful Early Years team.

This exciting role will involve supporting teaching and learning within our Foundation Stage provision and working closely with children during the vital early stages of their education. You will have experience of supporting children in Early Years or Year 1 within a primary school setting and will be passionate about helping every child achieve their full potential.

We are looking for someone who

  • has recent experience working within an Early Years or Year 1 classroom in a primary school

  • has undertaken relevant training in Early Years education, child development, phonics, communication and language, or SEND

  • has a strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum and transition into Key Stage 1

  • has experience of supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

  • can build positive and nurturing relationships with children, families and colleagues

  • is committed to inclusion, safeguarding and ensuring excellent outcomes for all children

  • has excellent communication, organisational and teamwork skills.

An Early Years qualification is desirable.

Job share applications will be considered.

We will offer you

  • friendly, enthusiastic children who enjoy learning

  • a supportive and dedicated staff team

  • high-quality professional development opportunities

  • a welcoming and inclusive school community

  • the opportunity to make a real difference to children's early learning experiences.

At Cedarwood, our aims of ‘Excellence and Enjoyment for All’ extend to all aspects of the school and we are committed to supporting pupils and staff to achieve their very best. Our school is a warm and happy place to work and learn, and we are delighted to be able to welcome a new Early Years Teaching Assistant to join our team.

To find out more

Please read the Job Description (pdf), Job Applicant Privacy Notice (pdf), Covering Letter (pdf) and Application Guidance (word)

To find out more about the position, or to arrange a visit, please call the school office on 01473 612981 or email ***email_hidden***

For further information and school policies, please visit our website

To arrange a visit, please email Kath Smith-Howel l, School Business Manager on ***email_hidden***

How to apply

To apply, please complete an application form on our website, alternatively please complete the Application Form (word) and email to ***email_hidden***

Closing date: 4 pm, 25 June 2026.

Interview date: week commencing 29 June 2026.

Please note the deadline may be brought forward if sufficient applications are received therefore candidates are encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible

Cedarwood Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, online searches, verification of qualifications and safeguarding checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING

To apply, please follow the application process detailed above.

This job does not have a Suffolk Jobs Direct online application form.

The ‘Apply Now’ button below only allows you to submit a job alert, not an online application.