Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant – 5 days a week (fixed term contract from 15 April – 5 July 2024)

Downsend is a forward thinking and innovative independent school providing education for children aged 6 months -16 years. Based over four sites we have three separate Little Downsend Schools in Ashtead, Epsom and Leatherhead. Our Leatherhead school teaches children from the age of 2 (First Steps) to 7 (Year 2).  All the Little Downsend sites are overseen by Head of Little Downsend, Mrs Lisa Burns, who instils the same ethos, high standards and innovative curriculum across each school through her dedicated team of experts. We prepare our children for the future with a creative approach to learning that inspires young minds. From nursery through to GCSEs, we provide the platform for academic success.

We are looking to appoint a Teaching Assistant ideally qualified to Level 3 in Early Years & Childcare to work within our 2-3 year old classes five days a week term time.  There is also the opportunity to work in Extended Day and to work flexibly during school holidays in our holiday club.

Downsend School offers very competitive rates of pay within the sector. The Role Profile gives an indication of the tasks and responsibilities involved, but can only give a list of duties and cannot fully convey how the school works. Therefore, if you would like further information about the role and responsibilities, please email Lisa Burns, Head of Little Downsend at lisa.burns@downsend.co.uk, who will be pleased to discuss it further with you.

Downsend is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. This means we will undertake pre-employment background checks before any appointment is confirmed. All appointments are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check. It is also essential and a mandatory condition of your employment that you undergo criminal, police or embassy record checks (as appropriate) from all countries, outside of the UK, where you have lived and/or worked for 3 months or more in the last 10 years or where you have completed your teacher training (or relevant qualifications) if not in the UK. Please note that checks are not required prior to the age of 16.

How to apply

We are delighted that you are interested in joining Downsend School. To apply: Visit www.downsend.co.uk to see more about our schools Download and complete the application form Email the application form plus a covering letter to hr@downsend.co.uk You may also send a CV if you wish, but this must be in addition to the application form, not instead of it.

Overview of employee benefits

Downsend aims to offer every member of our team a competitive salary, a range of great benefits and opportunities for career progression.

Our benefits include:

Pension Cognita

Care First - Employee Assistance Programme

School fees discount (conditions apply)

Lunch available

Cycle-to-work scheme

Reimbursement for eye tests every two years for VDU operators

My Staff Shop - discounts for staff across a range of companies

Next steps

The closing date for applications is 2nd April 2024.  Applications will be considered as they are received and all applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application. Please do contact our Michaela Abraham, our HR Administrator, on 01372 385419 if you have any questions.