Teaching Assistant

What skills and experience we're looking for

We are looking for someone who

· genuinely enjoys working with children and building positive relationships

· brings calmness, kindness, resilience and a sense of humour

· believes every child deserves to feel successful

· can support children with a wide range of needs and personalities

· is proactive, adaptable and willing to get stuck in

· reflective and driven to get a little better everyday

· wants to be part of a collaborative, caring school community

What the school offers its staff

Because this is a school where relationships matter.

A school where children are encouraged to be themselves, discover their strengths and develop a lifelong love of learning. A school where play, creativity, curiosity and kindness are valued just as highly as achievement.

We are proud of our supportive team culture and our commitment to ensuring every child receives the very best start to their education and their future.

If you are someone who wants to make a genuine difference, who believes in inclusion and belonging, and who wants to be part of a school community that cares deeply about children and each other, we would love to hear from you.

Further details about the role

Teaching Assistant, St Thomas Primary School

Permanent – Starting September 2026

28 hours per week. Salary £25,989 - £26,403 per annum, actual salary £16,916 - £17,186 per annum for part time, term time only working. Plus generous pension and sick pay scheme

Be the person who helps a child believe they can.

At St Thomas, we know that the right adults change children’s lives.

Not through grand gestures - but everyday showing kindness, patience, encouragement, consistency, creativity and care. Through helping a child feel safe enough to try, brave enough to speak, and supported enough to have the ambition to succeed.

We expect our staff to be able to calm and nurture children, provide positive behaviour management and be able to support their social and emotional needs. We are an inclusive school, and our children are at the heart of everything we do. This role will involve supporting children across the school, including pupils with additional needs, helping them to thrive socially, emotionally and academically.

We want our children to REACH for their dreams by following our school values: Respect, Equality, Aspiration, Community and Harmony.

St Thomas Primary School is situated just over the river Exe near the centre of Exeter. We are a single form entry school and are proud to have been serving our diverse and welcoming community for 154 years.

We are looking for someone who

• genuinely enjoys working with children and building positive relationships
• brings calmness, kindness, resilience and a sense of humour
• believes every child deserves to feel successful
• can support children with a wide range of needs and personalities
• is proactive, adaptable and willing to get stuck in
• reflective and driven to get a little better everyday
• wants to be part of a collaborative, caring school community

In this role, you will

• support pupils in class, in small groups and sometimes on a 1:1 basis
• help children access learning and develop confidence and independence
• work closely with teachers to deliver engaging and inclusive learning experiences
• support children’s social, emotional and behavioural development
• celebrate progress - from the smallest breakthrough to the biggest achievement
• contribute to a calm, safe and purposeful learning environment
• build positive relationships with families, colleagues and the wider school community
• play an active part in school life, trips, events and enrichment opportunities

Why join St Thomas?

Because this is a school where relationships matter.

A school where children are encouraged to be themselves, discover their strengths and develop a lifelong love of learning. A school where play, creativity, curiosity and kindness are valued just as highly as achievement.

We are proud of our supportive team culture and our commitment to ensuring every child receives the very best start to their education and their future.

If you are someone who wants to make a genuine difference, who believes in inclusion and belonging, and who wants to be part of a school community that cares deeply about children and each other, we would love to hear from you.

Become part of our journey by completing our application form and returning it to hr@elatschools.com if you would like to apply. Please see our Teaching Assistant Job Description for further information.

Closing Date

5th June 2026

Interview Date

12th June 2026

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.