Early Years Teaching Assistant – Whitehaven
Summary
Are you caring, creative, and passionate about supporting young learners? A special school in Whitehaven is seeking two Early Years Teaching Assistants to support little ones in their earliest learning journeys in September. This is a long‑term temporary role with competitive pay—perfect for someone wanting to make a lasting impact in the foundation years.
The Role
You’ll be part of a warm, structured preschool or nursery environment, supporting children aged 2–5 to grow, explore, and flourish. Your role is vital in helping young children access foundational learning, develop communication and social skills, and feel secure and happy in their setting.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting small group and one‑to‑one learning through play‑based activities.
- Helping children access the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum through hands-on tasks.
- Using visual supports, sensory materials, and interactive approaches to engage early learners.
- Encouraging early communication, independence, and social interaction.
- Assisting with routines—including mealtimes, toileting, and outdoor play—sensitively and respectfully.
- Observing progress and supporting practitioners in planning next steps.
- Collaborating as part of a team to maintain a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment.
The Ideal Person and Skills/Education Needed
We’re looking for someone who:
- Holds an Early Years or Childcare qualification, or has relevant experience.
- Has a genuine warmth and patience with young children, especially those with emerging needs.
- Communicates clearly, works collaboratively, and is responsive to children’s cues.
- Can support routines and personal care with dignity and attentiveness.
- Is adaptable, observant, and keen to support each child’s unique development.
- Values early years education as the foundation for lifelong learning.
The Setting
Located in Whitehaven, the school or nursery setting focuses on building strong partnerships with families and fostering secure relationships with children. Local early years providers in the area underscore the importance of community ties and responsive, nurturing practiceresearchbriefings.files.parliament.uk+9fid.cumberland.gov.uk+9whitehavenchildcare.com+9. Children benefit from consistent routines and a learning environment rich in play, exploration, and individual attention.
Hours
Monday to Friday, 8.30 am–3.30 pm. Both full‑time and part‑time applications are welcomed.
The Benefits
- Enjoyable, hands‑on early years role with structure and predictability.
- Competitive pay.
- A caring and inclusive workplace with like-minded professionals.
- Opportunities for ongoing professional development.
- Long‑term temporary role, with potential to become permanent.
Bring your passion for early childhood development into practice and help young children build their confidence and love for learning every day.
Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education, you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07 % statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temp to perm
Pay: £90.00-£105.00 per day
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Work Location: In person