Pre-Prep Learning Support Assistant

One year fixed contract 

September 2026 start - Potential flexibility for a later start

Reports to: Head of Pre-Prep

Salary: £25,192 per annum

Hours of work: 3 days 8am to 4:15pm, 1 day 8am to 5pm, 1 day 8am to 6pm

The Appointment

The School is seeking to appoint a flexible, forward-thinking, dynamic and innovative individual with excellent interpersonal and organisational skills to the role of Learning Support Assistant in the Pre-Prep. 

You will work as part of a committed team with the EYFS and Key Stage One children. A sound knowledge of the EYFS is desirable.

Candidates must be highly motivated, imaginative and keen to regard this as an exciting opportunity for further career development.

The Role

The list below is not exhaustive and assumes that from time to time other tasks not listed may be required to ensure the efficient operation of the school.

• Implement all safeguarding policies and procedures

• Maintain excellent parent partnerships

• The supervision of health and safety

• Implement all Culford’s policies and procedures

• Supporting the learning of all pupils in the Pre-Prep School aged 3-7 years including, but not limited to, in class and group support, small group and 1:1 interventions, observations and planning activities for the EYFS and KS1 curriculum

• Liaise with the Head of Pre-Prep to develop the role

• Help with school events, trips and activities

The Person

Essential: 

• Qualifications and Training Level 3 or above that includes an Early Years Qualification

• Previous experience of working within a school setting.

Desirable:

• Experience of Early Years is desirable.

Personal Skills and Attributes

• Be responsible, honest and reliable

• Be practical and enjoy working with children

• Stay calm in an emergency

• Have good verbal communication skills

• Understand safe working practice and health and safety legislation (training will be given)

• Be well organised and capable of prioritising work

• Be happy to work alone and as part of a group

• Have a smart and professional appearance and demeanour

• Be committed to supporting young people

• Be committed to the School’s Equal Opportunities Policy

• Have a willingness to undertake appropriate professional development where necessary

• Be forward thinking and seek continuous improvement

• Model and promote the values of flexibility, innovation, dynamism and resilience

This job description will be reviewed annually and may be subject to amendment or modification at any time after consultation with the post holder. It is not a comprehensive statement of tasks but sets out the main expectations of the School in relation to the post holder’s professional responsibilities and duties.

Culford is a boarding and day school for over 850 children aged 1 to 18, set in 480 acres of beautiful Suffolk parkland, with an 18th century grade II mansion at its centre and three separate schools: the Pre-Prep & Nursery (ages 1 to 7); the Prep (ages 7 to 13); and the Senior School (ages 13 to 18).

We believe in educating the whole person to deliver a well-rounded, fulfilled individual with excellent academic results. Everything we do is informed by our firm belief that learning should be challenging, enriching and fun. Culford is a Christian school with a Methodist tradition. We see education as a transformational process that guides pupils towards academic success, clear moral values, and the development of leadership and a readiness for the world of adulthood.

References: Successful appointment is subject to receipt of three satisfactory references

All appointments are subject to pre-employment checks to meet vetting and barring requirements. For more information about that process please refer to the application form.

As an equal opportunities employer, Culford School 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 Culford School.

Culford School 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.

Job applicants will undergo appropriate child protection screening and be subject to checks with previous employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. Successful applicants must complete mandatory pre-employment training in safeguarding and other key areas before the commencement of employment.

Culford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect all staff to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; 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.

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. As you have been 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.

If you are unsure whether you need to disclose criminal information, you should seek legal advice or you may wish to contact Nacro or Unlock for impartial advice. There is more information on filtering and protected offences on the Ministry of Justice website.

Nacro - https://www.nacro.org.uk/criminal-record-support-service/ or phone 0300 123 1999

Unlock – https://hub.unlock.org.uk/contact/ phone 01634 247350 text 07824 113848