KS1 Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant (KS1) – Darlington

Start: ASAP
Contract: Full-time / Term-time only
Salary: Dependent on experience

Are you a nurturing, detail-driven practitioner with a passion for early primary education? We are seeking a highly skilled KS1 Teaching Assistant to join our warm, child-centred Darlington school. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on precision, routine, and responsive support for young learners.

About the Role

You will work closely with the class teacher to provide targeted, evidence-based support to pupils in Year 1 and Year 2. This post requires a TA who is confident in delivering structured interventions, maintaining calm and predictable environments, and supporting children who may need additional help with communication, emotional regulation, or early literacy and numeracy skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver finely-pitched phonics support (Little Wandle / Read Write Inc) and early reading interventions with fidelity.

• Provide precise modelling of language, including pre-teaching key vocabulary and reinforcing speaking and listening routines.

• Offer 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with emerging needs in communication, sensory regulation, or social interaction.

• Implement individualised strategies for children with SEND, including visual supports, chunked instructions, and structured transitions.

• Monitor and record pupil progress daily using simple but rigorous tracking tools.

• Prepare differentiated resources that meet each child’s stage of development, not simply their age.

• Foster a warm, regulated, and reassuring presence—especially during moments of dysregulation or anxiety.

• Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCO, and external specialists to ensure consistent approaches.

• Support play-based and continuous provision, ensuring purposeful interaction and high-quality modelling.

We Are Looking For Someone Who:

• Has recent experience working in KS1 or EYFS-to-KS1 transition.

• Understands child development and can identify very early signs of learning barriers.

• Is confident using phonics schemes, early maths strategies, and speech-and-language-friendly practice.

• Can follow behaviour and SEND plans with precision, consistency, and empathy.

• Has excellent communication and a calm, grounded approach.

• Brings creativity, patience, and a commitment to inclusive education.

• Holds a relevant Level 2/3 TA qualification (or equivalent experience).

Why Join Us?

• A supportive agency who value reflective practice.

• Ongoing CPD for a wide variety of courses.

• A nurturing environment where every child and every adult is known, valued, and encouraged to grow.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.