Learning Assistant
Part time, term time only
Starting November 2025
Headington Rye Oxford Prep School stands in its own beautiful 12-acre secure and secluded site, complete with wooded playground area and wonderful outdoor surroundings. In a warm, safe and nurturing environment where individuals come first, Headington is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, pastoral support and an impressive range of extracurricular opportunities.
Executive Summary
We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Learning Assistant with NVQ Level 3 in childcare. The successful applicant will join a dedicated and dynamic team and work alongside teachers and other Learning Assistants. He/she should have a passion for working with children, a genuine commitment to children’s needs and a willingness to take a full and active part in the life of the School.
Role Description
The Learning Assistant is a part-time (35 hours over 4.5 days per week), term-time position starting in early November 2025.
The hours are:
7.45 am - 3.45 pm Monday & Tuesday
8.15 am - 3.45 pm Wednesday & Thursday
8.15 am - 12.15 pm Friday
Key Responsibilities
- take responsibility for the social and emotional wellbeing and the welfare and safety of the pupils in the class, keeping teachers informed of important issues
- support teachers in promoting and fostering a happy and safe classroom ethos and a stimulating learning environment, including the management and preparation of resources
- support teachers in delivering lessons, promoting positive learning experiences and providing individualised support to meet pupils’ needs
- plan, prepare and deliver small group activities as required, such as phonics and reading sessions
- engage with and supervise children during outdoor activities such as break times and Outdoor Learning sessions
- cover supervision of classes as required
- escort children to and from the Senior School site when required
- follow the School’s safeguarding policy, attend relevant training and to read updates
Person Specification
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- experience of working with children, ideally between the ages of 3 and 11
- NVQ Level 3
Desirable
- First Aid qualification
- art and craft skills
- good knowledge of phonics
Personal Attributes and Skills
- excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- energy, enthusiasm, a positive manner and sense of humour
- good initiative and willingness to be flexible
- patience and a sense of calm when needed
- sympathy with the values and ethos of the School
Terms of Appointment
Type of Contract
Part-time (35 hours over 4.5 days per week, permanent, term-time positions starting early November 2025. The hours are:
7.45 am - 3.45 pm Monday & Tuesday
8.15 am - 3.45 pm Wednesday & Thursday
8.15 am - 12.15 pm Friday
Benefits
Pension
Contributory membership of the School’s Support Staff Pension Scheme with a School contribution of up to 9.95 per cent upon successful completion of six months’ service.
Fee remission
In accordance with the School’s policy, which may be subject to change, up to 50 per cent fee remission for pupils attending Headington Rye Oxford and up to 20 per cent fee remission for boys attending Magdalen College School (under a reciprocal agreement) and subject to the terms of their policy. Fee remission is calculated on the number of weeks and hours worked and is pro rata for part-time staff who work at least 50 per cent of a normal working week.
Prorated Salary
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Additional Benefits
All staff have access to a broad programme of wellbeing activities. The programme currently includes access to the School’s gym and swimming pool, weekly Yoga, Step and Tone and Zumba classes and regular staff social activities such as Book Club and Staff Choir. Staff also benefit from free access to the Employee Assistance Programme, a free, confidential helpline that offers advice on a range of issues. Free restricted parking is available for all staff on site.
Appointment Process and How To Apply
Applicants should submit an application form and a covering letter detailing their skills and experience to recruitment@headington.org
- Applications will only be accepted from candidates completing the application form in full. CVs will not be accepted in substitution for completed application forms. However, they may be sent in addition to the application form.
- We will seek references on shortlisted candidates and will approach previous employers for information to verify particular experience or qualifications, before the interview. References will ask about your suitability to work with children.
- If you are invited to interview you will receive notification outlining the interview process and guidance regarding the documentation you are required to provide.
Closing Date: Thursday 4th September 2025
Interviews: week commencing Monday 15th September 2025
Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis and we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts early depending on the volume of applications we receive. We therefore encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as once we have closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit your application form.
All appointments are subject to satisfactory completion of all employment checks, ie references, Disclosure and Barring Service, medical questionnaire, Right to Work in the UK.
Headington Rye Oxord is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and DBS and barred lists checks. The School expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Important documents
