Teaching Assistant

Tree Tops Primary Academy has an exceptional opportunity for a committed, enthusiastic and passionate Teaching Assistant to join us from January 2024. Becoming a member of the team will enable you to work with like-minded colleagues who share your goals and ambitions. You will be part of a team that provides an outstanding education for all of our pupils through creative, carefully sequenced and highly effective inquiry led learning, where all learners are at the very core of driving our curriculum.

The successful candidate will need to have relevant experience and/or qualifications in working with primary-aged children. We are also looking for proven high standards of both spoken and written English and Mathematics. Being able to communicate effectively with children and adults is essential, together with a friendly and approachable manner. Our newly appointed Teaching Assistant will be able to work using their own initiative and demonstrate effective behaviour management skills. In return, they will join a supportive environment with plenty of development opportunities within the academy and across the wider Trust.

This is a fixed term position until August 2024. The role can be offered on a part time or full time basis (dependent on the successful candidates' preference) offering an actual salary between £10,560 - £17,160 per annum (£22,714 full time equivalent) ranging anywhere between 20 - 32.5 hours per week, Term Time + 1 week of inset. We kindly ask applicants to state their preference of hours on the application form. 

We are particularly looking for someone who:

• is dedicated to the job and prioritises the needs of the children in their care.
• has experience of working with primary aged children and the Early Years Foundation Stage
• is resilient and solution-focused
• is committed to working as part of a team with everyone

In return, we can offer:

• An inspiring and supportive staff team committed to providing a good level of education for every pupil.
• An excellent offer of continuing professional development for all staff.
• An exciting and creative learning setting where everyone is listened to and there is a very strong teamwork ethic.
• Many wider career opportunities through the Leigh Academies Trust.

Note that whilst the position is offered on a fixed term basis initially, every effort will be made to offer a substantive position thereafter, either at Tree Tops Primary Academy or within the wider family of academies across Leigh Academies Trust. The central Recruitment Team will keep in touch with you throughout your contract to discuss options available to you. 

Do you know a great Teaching Assistant who would like to hear about opportunities with Leigh Academies Trust? If so, make a referral today for the chance to receive £100 as a 'thank you'. Simply complete the referral form by clicking here. T&C's apply.

Working for Tree Tops Primary Academy: Tree Tops Primary Academy, located on the outskirts of Maidstone, is set in magnificent grounds with ample space for both outdoor learning and play. Our thriving nursery is located on site and offers an excellent start for our children’s education. We have separate and spacious facilities for Early Years, KS1 and KS2.

Our academy is a happy, caring and vibrant community which offers a stimulating learning environment. By developing potential, drive and self-esteem we help everyone to become a unique, responsible, respectful, motivated and successful individual. The academy caters for boys and girls from the age of three to eleven years. It is well equipped, having its own nursery, library, two halls, kitchens and extensive outdoor areas.

Tree Tops Primary Academy values the diversity and talents of all our pupils, parents and staff. We focus on preparing our children for the next step in their education, ensuring they are fully engaged in all aspects of their learning, including decision making, being good communicators and becoming independent, knowledgeable learners. Learning experiences, which our pupils will remember for their whole education career, are created by our hard working and dedicated staff, where pupils of all ages are given the opportunity to work with experts and with children in other year groups and in cluster schools. It’s our pupils who are our best advert and they would warmly welcome the chance to proudly show you our school.

We aim to give every child the very best start to their education through lively and engaging teaching using an exciting, broad and balanced curriculum. We want our children to enjoy a wide range of experiences which bring the curriculum to life and make learning active, meaningful and relevant. All staff work hard to ensure the best possible quality of education for the children in every class.

We were delighted that in June 2019 Tree Tops was judged as Good with Outstanding Leadership and management and Outstanding for pupils' personal development and welfare.

Being part of Leigh Academies Trust: As of 1st September 2022, our Trust comprises 30 geographically organised academies (14 secondaries, 14 primaries and 2 special) educating 20,000 students, and employing 3,000 talented staff. The Trust is establishing four ‘clusters’ of academies: North Kent; Central Kent; South East London; Medway. In addition, the Trust is responsible for one of the region’s biggest initial teaching training organisations, a large teaching school hub and is an accredited apprenticeship provider. Our future plans are found in our Vision 2030 document available on our website.

As part of Leigh Academies Trust, you will have ample opportunity to collaborate with your peers both within the academy and across the whole Trust. This is an important part of our vision as we know through experience that we perform better when we work together. You are supported to undertake regular self-development to continue your professional development and hopefully progress further within the organisation.

Click here to view the benefits available to all LAT employees from day one. 

Based on the quality and quantity of applications received, Leigh Academies Trust reserves the right to close this vacancy sooner than the specified closing date. Applicants will be notified of this where possible. Therefore, early applications are encouraged.