Phonics and Reading Support Teaching Assistant

Job Advert: Phonics and Reading Support Teaching Assistant
Location:  Preston
Start Date: February 2026
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:40am – 3:20pm (Term Time Only)
Pay: £13.75 per hour (paid weekly)

Are you passionate about early reading and phonics?
Do you have a talent for supporting young learners to grow in confidence and make progress?

A mainstream Primary School in Preston, is looking to appoint a dedicated and enthusiastic Phonics and Reading Support Teaching Assistant to join our team from February 2026. This is a term-time-only position, working across EYFS and Year 1 to support early reading development and help close gaps in learning.

About the Role:

This role focuses on delivering high-quality phonics and reading support through small-group and one-to-one interventions. You will work closely with class teachers and the school’s phonics lead to help children build the foundations they need to become confident, fluent readers.

You’ll be part of a nurturing and inclusive school environment, where every child’s progress is celebrated and supported.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver targeted phonics interventions to pupils in EYFS and Year 1 using school-approved schemes
• Support individual and small groups of children to develop early reading fluency and comprehension
• Work closely with teaching staff to identify gaps and monitor pupil progress
• Use effective questioning and modelling to engage and challenge learners
• Provide positive encouragement and feedback to help children grow in confidence
• Maintain accurate records of interventions and outcomes
• Contribute to a calm, purposeful and inclusive learning environment

Essential Requirements:

• A Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent)
• UK mainstream classroom experience is essential
• Strong understanding of early phonics and reading development
• Experience of working with young children, ideally in EYFS or KS1
• Patience, positivity and a nurturing approach to support learning and behaviour
• The ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children

We Offer:

• Weekly pay at a competitive hourly rate
• A supportive and welcoming team environment
• A full induction and opportunities for ongoing training
• The opportunity to make a real impact on children’s early learning

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.
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