Teaching Assistant - Prep

Teaching Assistant - Prepwww.aldwickbury.org.ukHarpenden,  AL5 1ADCandidate InformationLocation: Harpenden, HertfordshireContract: Permanent, Term-time Both full-time and part-time applications welcome1Welcome to AldwickburyWe are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, supportive, anddedicated Teaching Assistant to join our Junior Department.This is an exciting time to join Aldwickbury, following our moveto co-education in the Pre-Prep in September 2025. As thistransition continues, girls will be moving into Year 3 from thestart of the next academic year. We are proud to extend thesame high standards of academic excellence, holistic education,and breadth of opportunity to both girls and boys.We hope you will consider joining our wonderful school and ourteam of passionate, committed staff. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and wereserve the right to close the recruitment process early should asuitable candidate be appointed.Paul Symes Headmaster Thank you for your interest in joiningAldwickbury School. I hope this candidateinformation pack gives you a sense of what it islike to work at Aldwickbury School and the warmand positive environment you’ll become a part ofif you are successful in your application. Introduction to Aldwickbury School2Aldwickbury is an independent day and flexi-boarding Pre-Prep and Prep School for boys, and girls in the Pre-Prep,located in 20 acres of grounds on the outskirts of Harpenden in Hertfordshire. Operated as an Educational Trust, theSchool is administered by a Board of Governors, and is a member of the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPs).At Aldwickbury School, we inspire pupils to develop a love for learning, empowering them to try their best, embracechallenges, be themselves, and seize opportunities that come their way. We are proud to have been voted IndependentBoys’ School of the Year 2024. In September, the school welcomed girls to our community in the Pre-Prep, providingthem with the opportunity to be part of this outstanding educational offer. Girls will be moving into Year 3 from the startof the next academic year. Our approach focuses on nurturing the individual potential of each child, ensuring they feelsupported in a safe and stimulating environment. We are a non-selective school with an emphasis on personal andacademic growth. We encourage pupils to take risks, celebrate their successes, and learn from their mistakes, and we areincredibly proud of the value we add to their education.Aldwickbury is committed to offering a holistic education that achieves academic success, where creativity, collaboration,critical thinking, and communication are at the heart of the curriculum. As a forward-thinking school, our leadership teamand staff continuously strive to enhance our educational offer. The Future Thinking initiative, introduced three years ago,has been instrumental in helping children prepare for an ever-changing world. We foster a strong sense of community,encouraging pupils to grow as confident, independent learners who are excited to contribute to the world around them.Through our dedicated staff, we aim to provide an outstanding experience that prepares pupils for their next stages ineducation at a wide range of excellent senior schools.Independent Boys’ School of the Year 2024We are immensely proud that Aldwickbury was awarded the prestigious title of Independent Boys’ School of the Year atthe highly regarded Independent School of the Year Awards. Even more significantly, we are the first-ever Prep School towin this category.This incredible achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of our entire team, the boys'ability to embrace the challenges and opportunities available to them, and the invaluable support of our parents,governors, and wider school community. Together, we have built an inspirational environment where our pupils are notonly happy, but also challenged, kind, and able to flourish as their authentic selves.Our EthosOur community is one where all staff should feel supported, where kindness connects us as ‘one team’. We work with passion todeliver an outstanding education for the pupils.  Our culture is one of integrity, respect and high ambition, underpinned by a growth mindset. We are encouraged throughendeavour and self-reflection to develop, grow and support each other’s wellbeing and happiness . The Teaching Assistant will work closely with teachers to support pupils’ learning, providing individual and small-group support as needed.Key responsibilities:Support the delivery of lessons, working with groups or individual pupils as directedAssist with the development of pupils’ reading skills, including listening to pupils read and managing readingresourcesSupport pupils with ICT and computing tasksCovering classes or duties when teaching staff are absent, as agreedSupport teachers with the administration and organisation of classroom tasks, including using school IT softwareHelp to maintain a stimulating and safe learning environment, including creating and supporting classroomdisplaysSupervise pupils during break and lunchtime periods, including undertaking basic first aid duties where requiredCommunicate with parents regarding the progress and wellbeing of pupilsCollaborate with teachers and the Head of Individual Development on pupil learning, interventions and supportplansLiaise with the Head of Juniors and other teaching staff to ensure cohesive support for all pupils3The RoleJob Title:Reporting To:Job Purpose:Teaching AssistantHead of Individual Development and Head of JuniorsWe are seeking an individual who shares our commitment to ensuring that every pupil isnurtured and encouraged to fulfil their potential. This is a fantastic opportunity for someonewith the drive, enthusiasm, and talent to support pupils in Years 3 and 4Main Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe Junior Department is a happy, purposeful and welcoming environment for children aged 7-9 years. Pupils benefitfrom full access to the Prep school’s facilities, enriching both their academic and co-curricular experience. There are up to three forms in each year group, with a maximum of 18 pupils per class. Each class is led by a FormTeacher who takes full responsibility for the academic and pastoral care of their pupils. Form Teachers deliver themajority of subjects, supported by specialist teaching in subjects such as Future Thinking, Art, Music, Drama, Sportand French.  We are committed to providing a well-rounded education, nurturing kind, confident and happy individuals who leavethe Junior Department fully prepared for their transition to Middle School in Year 5.The Junior Department4Main Duties and Responsibilities (continued)Key accountabilities:Support the school’s ethos by contributing to a positive and inclusive learning environmentAssist in implementing the school’s aims and philosophies, encouraging each pupil to develop their abilities to thefullestPlay an active part in the life of the school community, as reasonably required by the HeadmasterAssist with the cover of absent colleagues, ensuring that set work is completed appropriately Participate in the school’s Performance Review (Appraisal) schemeUndertake essential training as required, such as safeguarding and child protection modulesAttend whole-school staff INSET sessions at the start of each termMaintain confidentiality in all matters relating to pupils, parents, staff, and the wider school communityPerson SpecificationEducation, Qualifications and KnowledgeEssentialDesirableEducated to at least GCSE level (or equivalent),including English and MathsExperience of working with children within therelevant age range (this may include teachingpractice or voluntary work)Understanding of the importance of safeguardingand child protection in a school environmentKnowledge of, or willingness to developunderstanding of, effective classroom supportstrategiesCommitment to continued professional developmentRelevant Teaching Assistant qualification (e.g. Level 2or Level 3 TA)Paediatric or basic First Aid qualificationAdditional relevant qualifications (e.g. coachingawards, SEND training, other CPD)Experience of working within the independent sectorExperience in a range of educational settings (e.g.state sector, holiday camps, boarding environments)Personal QualitiesKind, patient and supportive mannerEnergy, enthusiasm and imagination in supportinglearningOrganised, reliable and flexible approach to dutiesAbility to relate well to children within the relevantage rangeA genuine interest in supporting pupils’ learning anddevelopmentCommitment to promoting a positive, inclusive, andnurturing school environmentProfessional integrity and discretionWillingness to contribute to the wider life of theschool (e.g. clubs, trips, events)Confidence to show initiative and suggest ideaswhere appropriateInterest in extracurricular activities such as sport,music, drama, or outdoor educationThe responsibilities outlined are not exhaustive, and the Teaching Assistant may also be required to undertake other generalduties as reasonably directed by the Head of Individual Development or Head of Juniors.5Aldwickbury School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The school aims to provide a safe and nurturing environment where all pupils are happy and can be themselves. Aldwickbury expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. To apply, please visit: Vacancies | Aldwickbury Independent schoolEarly application is advised, as applications will be considered as they are received and we reserve the right to appointat any time in the process.The closing date for applications is 15th March 2026. Interviews will be arranged with the shortlisted candidates.Thank you for your interest in joining Aldwickbury School.Interview and Application ProcessTerms of AppointmentPerson Specification (continued)Skills and AbilitiesEssentialDesirableStrong communication and interpersonal skills, bothwritten and verbalAbility to deal positively and constructively withpupils, parents, and colleaguesAbility to work effectively as part of a team andindependently when requiredAbility to work within a busy environment andprioritise Competent in the use of IT for classroom supportand administrative tasksAbility to maintain confidentiality and demonstrateprofessionalism at all timesConfidence supporting pupils with differing learningneeds, including SENDExperience supporting reading, phonics, or numeracyinterventions.Confidence assisting with classroom displays andcreative learning activitiesHours of work:Contract:Required for:Salary:Benefits:Monday to Friday, between 15 and 35 hours per week. We welcome applications for both part-time and full-time positionsPermanent, Term-timeSeptember 2026The school offers a competitive remuneration package that is based on qualifications, responsibility,and experienceContributory pension schemeFree on-site parking Complimentary school meals when in sessionUse of the School’s facilities at times allocated to staff, including the swimming pool and sports hallEmployee Assistance ProgrammeCycle to work scheme