Come and work for us

THAMESIDE PRIMARY SCHOOL

TEACHING ASSISTANT – Initially to work in KS1

32.5 hours per week, (12 month Fixed term initially)

To start beginning of September 2026 (with the potential of some additional transition days from 13^th July)

Hours of work: Full time, Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 3:30pm (with 30-minute lunch break), term time only

Salary: RG3 Scalepoints 5-7, actual starting salary £19,017 per annum

We are looking for an experienced, dynamic and proactive KS1 Teaching Assistant to support high-quality learning within a continuous provision environment. The successful candidate will be self-motivated and able to make a positive difference to the wellbeing, engagement and progress of our young learners. You will support a range of children, including those with early SEND needs, through a balance of play-based and structured learning opportunities.

The ideal candidate will be flexible, nurturing and enthusiastic about supporting child-led learning. You will have excellent communication skills, a strong understanding of continuous provision, and be able to work effectively as part of a team.

The successful candidate will:

Demonstrate experience of working with KS1 or Early Years children, including those with early SEND needs
Have a secure understanding of continuous provision and how to support learning through play
Be skilled at building positive and respectful relationships with children, parents and colleagues
Be an enthusiastic team player who is willing to share ideas and contribute to the development of provision
Be keen to develop their own professional learning and embrace new initiatives
Be an inspiring Teaching Assistant who motivates children to engage and achieve their best
Be committed to ensuring every child flourishes and reaches their full potential

Your duties will include:

Supporting the class teacher in delivering engaging learning opportunities within a continuous provision model
Interacting with children during provision to scaffold, extend and deepen their learning
Supporting early phonics, reading and writing through both adult-led teaching and child-initiated activities
Observing children’s learning and contributing to assessment and next steps
Preparing, organising and maintaining an engaging and well-resourced classroom environment
Providing welfare support to children, including attending to first aid needs where required
Supporting children’s personal, social and emotional development through positive interactions
Assisting with supervision during break times and lunchtimes

Closing date: Tuesday 30^th June 2026 at 12pm

Interview Date: Tuesday 7th July June 2026 (morning)

For an application pack please contact the school office by emailing sbm@thameside.reading.sch.uk.

The school is committed to safeguarding children and is an equal-opportunity provider. All appointments are made subject to satisfactory references, employer checks and enhanced DBS disclosure. We will also complete social media searches to check your suitability to work in a school.

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Supervisor – After School Club (Aftercare)

Hours: 15 hours per week, Mon–Fri, term time only

Salary: RG4 £9,519 per annum Start date: September 2026 Aftercare operates: 3.00pm – 6.00pm (3 hours per day)

Role Overview

We are seeking an enthusiastic, organised and child-centred Aftercare Supervisor to lead our school-run Wraparound Care provision. This is a highly rewarding role for someone who is passionate about creating a safe, nurturing and engaging environment for children aged 4–12.

As the Supervisor, you will oversee the day-to-day running of the Aftercare session, lead a small team of Play Assistants, and ensure high-quality provision that supports children’s play, wellbeing and social development.

This role is ideal for someone with experience working with children and who is ready to take on leadership and operational responsibilities within a busy, vibrant setting offering after school care for up to 40 children in KS2. Key Responsibilities

· Lead the daily operation of the Aftercare session, ensuring a safe, calm and positive environment.

· Supervise and support Play Assistants, providing guidance, direction and role-modelling best practice.

· Plan and oversee engaging activities for children across all age ranges.

· Ensure safeguarding and health & safety compliance at all times, including risk assessment and incident reporting.

· Support children with additional or complex needs, including 1:1 support where required.

· Promote positive behaviour in line with school policies.

· Communicate effectively with parents and school staff regarding attendance, wellbeing and any concerns.

· Oversee food preparation for after-school snacks/tea.

· Maintain accurate registers and records including attendance, first aid and safeguarding logs.

· Complete and support staff training such as Food Hygiene, Safeguarding and First Aid.

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

· Confident in leading a team and managing a busy childcare environment

· Warm, positive and able to build strong relationships with children

· Highly organised, proactive and able to use initiative

· Calm under pressure and able to respond to the needs of the moment

· Committed to safeguarding and inclusive practice

Experience working with children is essential; experience in a supervisory or leadership role is desirable.

How to Apply You can download an application pack from our website: www.thameside.reading.sch.uk (Go to: About Us → Come & Work for Us!) Or email sbm@thameside.reading.sch.uk to request a pack.

Closing date: 5th July 2026

Interviews: week commencing: 6th July 2026

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Play Assistant for After School Club (Aftercare)

Hours: Up to 15 hours per week, Mon to Fri term time only

Starting salary scale RG2 £8,777 per annum (actual salary based on 15 hours p/w, term time only)

Start date: September 2026 (or as soon as possible)

After school club operates from 3.00pm - 6.00pm (3 hours per day)

Role Overview

We are looking for a passionate and creative Play Assistant to join our school-run Wraparound Care Service. As a valued member of the Aftercare Team, you will gain hands-on experience delivering a wide range of engaging, inclusive and participative childcare activities for children aged 4–12.

If you are a student at university, this could be the job that suits you. Or, if you need to work between 3–6pm due to other commitments, this role offers a consistent, family-friendly schedule that may fit perfectly around your day.

Our Play Assistants are enthusiastic, caring and committed to supporting children’s development throughout their time in Aftercare. This is a demanding but highly rewarding role, ideal for someone who enjoys working with children and, ideally, has some relevant experience.

You should be self-motivated, have strong communication skills and be able to engage positively with children of all ages.

Your responsibilities include:

· Plan and deliver safe activities with groups of children from all class ranges

· Engage with children encouraging them to participate in activities to promote learning and social development

· Support children on a 1:1 basis who have complex needs (if required)

· Encourage fair and caring behaviour among the children

· Support with managing behaviour in line with school policies.

· Supporting the enactment of Health and Safety requirements as directed.

· Encourage independence and self-esteem

· Ensure safety and safeguarding procedures are adhered to ensure children are kept safe

· Assist with food preparation for serving afterschool tea/snacks

· Complete various training courses including Food Hygiene and Child Safeguarding.

You can also download an application pack via the school’s website www.thameside.reading.sch.uk (Go to: About us, Come & Work for us!) or email to request an application pack. Please email: sbm@thameside.reading.sch.uk

The school is committed to safeguarding children and is an equal opportunity provider. All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure.

Closing date for applications is: 9th July 2026 but interviews will be offered on receipt of strong applications. Please return applications electronically to sbm@thameside.reading.sch.uk