Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant 

Start date: Monday 9 November 2026
PCD5 – £26 847 FTE, pro rata
Term time only | Fixed-term position until July 2028 linked to EHCP Funding 

Hours: 30 hours per week

Come and join our fabulous small school!

Hawkshead Esthwaite Primary School is looking for an enthusiastic, caring and committed Teaching Assistant to join our friendly and dedicated team.

We are a small rural school where we know our children exceptionally well and are passionate about giving them the very best experiences, both inside and outside the classroom. We are looking for someone who shares our high expectations, our nurturing and inclusive ethos, and our belief that children thrive when learning is engaging, purposeful and fun.

The role will be based primarily within Key Stage 2, supporting children both within the classroom and through individual and small-group work. However, as a small school, flexibility is important and the successful candidate should be happy and willing to work with children across the school when required.

We are looking for someone who:
•    is warm, positive and genuinely enjoys working with children;
•    has high expectations and wants every child to succeed;
•    can build strong, supportive relationships with children while encouraging independence;
•    works well as part of a small, close-knit team and is willing to get involved in the wider life of our school;
•    understands the importance of adapting support to meet individual children's needs;
•    is enthusiastic about learning beyond the classroom and appreciates the value of outdoor learning;
•    is willing to support the wider opportunities we provide for our children, including educational visits, performances and special events;
•    is flexible, reliable and able to use their own initiative;
•    has good literacy, numeracy and communication skills.

Experience of supporting children with SEND would be a particular advantage.

A relevant Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning, or equivalent, is desirable. However, we are also interested in hearing from candidates who meet our other essential criteria and have the right skills, experience and values. Where the successful candidate does not already hold a relevant Level 3 qualification, they will be expected to work towards one, with appropriate training and support provided by the school.

There may also be opportunities for the successful candidate to undertake additional paid hours within our after-school provision, by agreement.
What can we offer you?

Most importantly, we can offer you wonderful children who deserve the very best.

You will also become part of a supportive, hardworking team within a school where everyone's contribution matters. We offer opportunities for professional development, a beautiful environment in which to work, and the chance to play a real part in the life of a small and ambitious school.

Closing date: Wednesday the 21 October 2026
Interviews: Friday 23 October 2026
Start date: Monday 9 November 2026 or as close as possible
How to apply

A Candidate Information Pack, including the full Job Description and Person Specification, and an application form are available from the school. 
Please complete the application form and submit it together with a covering letter explaining your interest in the role and how your skills, experience and personal qualities make you suitable for the post.

 Completed applications should be returned to Kate Deakin at admin@hawkshead.cumbria.sch.uk by 12 noon on Wednesday 21 October 2026. CVs will not be accepted. 

We warmly encourage prospective applicants to visit the school. To arrange a visit, request the Candidate Information Pack and application form, or for an informal conversation about the role, please contact Kate Deakin on 015394 36354 or at the email address above.

Safeguarding
Hawkshead Esthwaite Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate pre-employment and safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a children's barred list check where applicable, satisfactory references and other relevant checks in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

References will be sought as part of the recruitment process. Candidates should be aware that, in accordance with safer recruitment guidance, the school may undertake an online search of shortlisted candidates as part of its due diligence checks.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. Applicants will be required to disclose relevant convictions and cautions in accordance with current legislation.

Hawkshead Esthwaite Primary School is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.