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Key Stage 1 (KS1) Teaching Assistant — Justteachers (Leeds, UK) Key Stage 1 Phonics & Learning Support. Source: FatCamera / Getty Images
About Us
Justteachers is an established educational recruitment consultancy specializing in connecting passionate teaching assistants, teachers, and SEND specialists with nursery, primary, secondary, and special education settings across the UK.
Focusing heavily on local partnerships within Leeds and the wider West Yorkshire region, Justteachers partners with inclusive, nurturing primary schools—such as community and academy settings in the LS6 postal area—to foster environments where both pupils and staff thrive.
Website Link: https://www.justteachers.co.uk/
Job Overview & Key Responsibilities
Starting in September 2026, this ongoing, part-time KS1 Teaching Assistant position is based at an inviting primary school in the LS6 area of Leeds. Working within Key Stage 1 classrooms (Ages 5–7), you will work closely with class teachers to deliver early-years phonics, guided reading, foundational numeracy, and personal development interventions.
Key Responsibilities
- Targeted Academic Support: Lead small group sessions and provide 1:1 assistance across phonics, literacy, and early mathematics to ensure steady pupil progress.
- Classroom Preparation: Assist teachers with setting up interactive learning materials, managing classroom resources, and maintaining a tidy learning area.
- Early Years Engagement: Help young learners develop independent study habits, social confidence, and active classroom participation.
- Behavior & Emotional Nurturing: Reinforce positive behavior policies while offering social-emotional support to help pupils self-regulate during school activities.
- Progress Monitoring: Observe pupils during tasks and relay key developmental milestones and progress notes to the class teacher.
Requirements & Desired Qualifications
- Experience: Prior experience supporting children within a primary educational or nursery environment (KS1 experience preferred).
- Literacy & Phonics Familiarity: Strong understanding of early learning principles, including foundational phonics schemes (e.g., Read Write Inc., Little Wandle) and basic numeracy.
- Core Competencies: A patient, nurturing approach, strong teamwork skills, and effective verbal communication with young children.
- Reliability: Ability to commit to a consistent, ongoing part-time timetable starting in September 2026.
- Safeguarding Clearance: Enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one via Justteachers) plus valid UK work eligibility.
Job Role Comparison Table
| Feature / Aspect | EYFS Nursery Assistant | KS1 Teaching Assistant (Justteachers) | Key Stage 2 Teaching Assistant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Age Group | Ages 3–5 (Early Years Foundation) | Ages 5–7 (Years 1 & 2) | Ages 7–11 (Years 3 to 6) |
| Academic Focus | Play-based learning & personal care | Structured Phonics, Early Reading & Numeracy | SATs preparation, advanced literacy & core STEM |
| Working Pattern | Full-time / Shift work | Part-Time / Ongoing placement | Full-time or Part-time |
| Daily Pay Rate | £85.00 – £95.00 per day | £95.00 – £105.00 per day (Pro-rata) | £95.00 – £110.00 per day |
Key Benefits of This Role
- Competitive Daily Rate: Earn between £95 and £105 per day (pro-rata), tailored to your prior educational experience.
- Work-Life Balance: Ongoing part-time schedule allows you to balance personal, academic, or family commitments effectively.
- Supportive School Environment: Join a highly collaborative LS6 primary school with approachable leadership and modern learning resources.
- Dedicated Agency Mentorship: Receive ongoing support, local placement management, and guidance from a dedicated Justteachers consultant.
- Career Growth Pathways: Gain structured classroom experience that can serve as a stepping stone toward Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) status or PGCE/QTS teacher training.
How to Prepare a CV for This Position
- Highlight Early Literacy & Phonics Experience: Place any experience delivering phonics schemes, guided reading groups, or early years interventions near the top of your profile.
- Detail Specific Key Stage Experience: State clearly whether your previous child-facing roles involved Early Years (EYFS), Key Stage 1 (KS1), or Key Stage 2 (KS2).
- Emphasize Soft Skills & Nurturing Traits: Use concrete terms like “patient,” “proactive,” “behavior management,” and “small-group intervention leadership.”
- List Safeguarding & Training Qualifications: Include credentials such as Level 2/3 Childcare/TA certificates, Safeguarding, First Aid, or Enhanced DBS details.
Career Guide Tips for Growth
- Familiarize Yourself with Key Phonics Frameworks: Study widely used UK phonics programs like Read Write Inc. or Little Wandle Letters and Sounds to increase your confidence and value in the classroom.
- Understand KS1 Curriculum Milestones: Learn the expected learning goals for Year 1 and Year 2 (such as Year 1 Phonics Screening Check requirements).
- Track Interventions: Keep personal records (preserving pupil anonymity) of how your targeted small group interventions improved pupil engagement and reading scores.
How to Prepare for the Interview
- Prepare Phonics & Reading Examples: Be ready to explain step-by-step how you would assist a child who is struggling to blend sounds or decode basic words.
- Demonstrate Positive Behavior Strategies: Have examples ready of how you use praise, reward charts, or calm redirection to keep young children focused.
- Review Safeguarding Basics: Refresh your knowledge on child protection reporting channels (e.g., reporting concerns promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead).
Top 3 Interview Questions & Guidance
1. “How do you keep a small group of Year 1 children engaged during a 15-minute phonics intervention?”
How to answer: Focus on interactive learning methods. Explain that you use visual flashcards, hands-on letter tiles, praise, and quick movement-based games to keep energy levels high and attention focused.
2. “What steps do you take when a pupil becomes frustrated because they cannot complete a writing task?”
How to answer: Highlight patience and scaffolding. Describe how you validate their feelings, break the exercise down into smaller steps (such as using sound mats or sentence starters), and offer encouragement as they achieve minor milestones.
3. “How do you ensure effective communication with the main class teacher throughout a busy school day?”
How to answer: Emphasize brief, structured updates. Explain that you check in before lessons for specific objectives and provide quick verbal or written feedback at the end of sessions regarding pupil progress and behavior.
Salary Insight
- Daily Pay Rate: £95.00 – £105.00 per day (Pro-rata, dependent on experience and qualifications).
- Work Schedule: Part-time, ongoing contract starting September 2026.
- Pay Structure: Transparent weekly agency payroll processing.
How to Apply
To apply for the KS1 Teaching Assistant position in Leeds via Justteachers:
- Online Application: Register and submit your updated CV via the official Justteachers website (
www.justteachers.co.uk). - Location: LS6 Postal Area, Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom.
- Vetting Requirements: Applications require full work history checks, an Enhanced DBS disclosure, UK right-to-work proof, and professional references.
Disclaimer
This job summary and career preparation guide has been independently structured for recruitment and informational purposes. Justteachers retains all primary rights to its job postings, pay rates, and candidate selection criteria. Prospective applicants should confirm full position specifics directly with their assigned Justteachers recruitment consultant.