Teaching Assistant

St Thomas Primary School, Exeter, Devon, EX2 9BB

25 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  As soon as possible

• Closing date

  23 February 2026 at 12am (midnight)

• Date listed

  21 January 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teaching assistant
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Early years
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Fixed term
• Full-time equivalent salary: £13.26 -£13.69 per hour

Teaching Assistant job summary

We are seeking to appoint a Teaching Assistant to join our hardworking, dedicated and collaborative team on a fixed-term contract. This post is funded through SEND provision and is linked to supporting an individual pupil with additional needs in our Reception class.

The role is for 27.5 hours per week. 39 weeks per year (term time plus inset days) You will be responsible for supporting a young pupil within the Reception setting through play-based learning and focused talk. The role may include intimate care where required, which will be supported by a member of the staff team.

An understanding of the principles of trauma‑informed practice, what makes effective learning, a reflective yet dynamic approach, strong communication skills, and a genuine passion for making a difference to all children are essential requirements for this post.

You will work as part of a supportive team, under the direction of the class teacher and SENDCo, to ensure the pupil receives the best possible educational experience and is supported to achieve their fullest potential.

We expect our staff to be calm, nurturing and patient, able to use positive behaviour management strategies and to support pupils’ social and emotional needs. As an inclusive school, our children are at the heart of everything we do. This role would particularly suit someone with experience of working with children with additional needs, especially within EYFS and Nursery settings.

St Thomas Primary School is situated just over the River Exe, close to the centre of Exeter. We are a single‑form entry school and are proud to be at the heart of the welcoming, vibrant and multi‑cultural St Thomas community. We want our children to REACH for their dreams by living our school values: Respect, Equality, Aspiration, Community and Harmony.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Exeter Learning Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We encourage you to read our Safeguarding Policy before applying. We will ask for references and conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful candidates.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About St Thomas Primary School

• School type: Academy, ages 5 to 11
• Education phase: Primary school
• School size: 193 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 5 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: St Thomas Primary School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/st-thomas-primary-school

St Thomas Primary School is a member of Exeter Learning Academy Trust, a primary trust with big ambitions for the children in our care. The school has been under the leadership of an acting Headteacher for 12 months and following the retirement of the substantive head teacher we are now looking to recruit a dedicated and ambitious school leader for our children.

St Thomas is a welcoming and happy school with an ethos of aspiration and achievement for all pupils. It sits within the heart of its community, has a strong family ethos and is well regarded. We will be looking for the successful candidate to continue to work closely with the community, ensure the school has a rich and diverse curriculum offer and that our most vulnerable pupils build strong and lasting relationships leading to excellent outcomes and great futures.

School location

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