EYFS Teaching Assistant (High Hurstwood CoE Primary School)

Hours of work: 30.5 hours per week

Working pattern: Part-time, term-time only (working for 39 weeks per year plus 6.05 weeks annual leave, which will increase after 5 years' continuous service)

(As the position is part-time & term-time only, the above salary will be pro rata)

Fixed term for: 12 months

Closing date: 01 July 2026

For more information and to apply for the above post, please contact:

High Hurstwood CoE Primary School

Chillies Ln, High Hurstwood, Uckfield TN22 4AD

Phone: 01825 733231

Email: [email protected]

Website: High Hurstwood Church of England Primary School - Home

Please note, we do not accept CVs.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Teaching Assistant – High Hurstwood CE Primary School

Hours: 08:50am – 15:30pm, Monday to Friday (Term-time only). Includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch break daily.

At High Hurstwood, we believe that a child’s first steps in education set the tone for their entire journey. We are looking for an enthusiastic, nurturing, and proactive Teaching Assistant to join our wonderful Early Years team from September.

This role is beautifully varied. In the mornings and during lunch transitions, you will be based in our delightful EYFS class, Pandas, helping our youngest learners build confidence, independence, and a love for school. In the afternoons, you will use your skills to deliver targeted interventions, supporting children across the school to close gaps and achieve their full potential. Your work will directly enable our children to flourish.

Our School: A Special Place to Grow

High Hurstwood is more than just a place of work; it is a community. We are a small village primary school in a beautiful rural setting between the towns of Uckfield and Crowborough. High Hurstwood CE Primary School is a popular school with an excellent reputation. Our motto ('Belong ~ Enjoy ~ Excel') encapsulates what we want for the children and staff at High Hurstwood and also reflects our Christian Values.

We are part of a village community and also have close links with our local church. We pride ourselves on our motivated pupils, supportive parents, and an incredible staff team characterised by drive and enthusiasm. When you join us, you aren't just an employee—you are a key member of a warm, happy school family.

What You’ll Bring to the Team

We are looking for a candidate who has a deep understanding of early childhood development, paired with the flexibility to deliver structured learning interventions. You will need:

• Early Years Passion: Experience working within an EYFS setting, with a strong understanding of how to support independent learning, play, and physical development.
• Intervention Expertise: The ability to deliver targeted, high-impact interventions (such as phonics, speech and language, or maths support) to individuals or small groups of children.
• Transition & Care: A nurturing approach to support our Pandas pupils during their lunchtime transition in the school hall (12:00–12:30), helping them build social skills and independence in a busy environment.
• Communication & Team Spirit: The ability to collaborate closely with the Class Teacher, track pupil progress accurately, and communicate warmly with parents and the wider school team.

Why Join High Hurstwood?

• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and specialized training.
• The chance to make a real difference in a small, vibrant school community.
• A comprehensive handover and time to settle into the Pandas classroom routines.

How to Apply

We would love to meet you! Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged. To arrange an appointment, please contact our Headteacher, Karl Luckhurst, via email or telephone.

To apply: Please submit a completed application form along with a covering letter (no more than two sides of A4) outlining how your experience meets the person specification and why you are the right fit for High Hurstwood and our Pandas class.

Shortlisting: Thursday 02 July.

Interview date: Friday 03 July.

This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018.

The school will need to ensure that they are not knowingly employing a person who is disqualified under the 2018 Regulations in connection with relevant childcare provision. Accordingly, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate to the school, by completing a self-declaration form as part of the pre-employment checks process, that they have not been disqualified under the 2018 Regulations.

If the preferred candidate is found to be disqualified under the 2018 Regulations, the offer of employment will be subject to the application by the preferred candidate to Ofsted for a waiver and the receipt of a waiver from Ofsted.

Additional Information

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record.

All school based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.