Teaching Assistant

• Clifford Community Primary School and Nursery
• Address: Clifford Road, Ipswich IP4 1PJ
• Salary : £25,185 - £25,989 per annum (pro rata)
• Hours: Full Time (32.5 hours)
• Contract: Fixed term for 12 months (with possibility of extension)
• Reference: 5389

Clifford Community Primary School is looking for a caring, committed and engaging SEND Teaching Assistant to join our EYFS team on a full-time, fixed-term basis for 12 months, with the potential to stay on. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a real difference at the very start of a child’s school journey, supporting young learners to feel safe, included and ready to thrive.

If you are passionate about helping children with additional needs to access a nurturing and engaging early years environment, and you value working as part of a warm, supportive team, we would love to hear from you.

About Clifford Community Primary School

Located in the heart of Ipswich, Clifford Community Primary School is a community-focused school where kindness, care and strong relationships sit at the centre of all we do. We are proud of our supportive staff team, our wonderful pupils and families, and the positive culture that helps our children flourish.

Our school is a place where community truly matters. We work closely together, value one another’s contributions, and create an environment where both children and staff feel respected, encouraged and supported. Joining Clifford Community means becoming part of a team that believes every child deserves the very best start in life.

This is an important and rewarding role within our EYFS provision, supporting children with SEND to access learning, develop confidence and participate fully in the life of the classroom. Working closely with the class teacher and wider team, you will help create an inclusive environment where each child is given the support they need to succeed, both academically and emotionally.

Key responsibilities

• Support children with SEND in our EYFS classes to access learning, play and daily routines with confidence and independence
• Plan and deliver targeted interventions such as Bucket Time, Intensive Interaction and other communication-focused activities that help children make meaningful progress
• Monitor, record and contribute to pupils’ EHCPs and support plans, helping ensure each child receives consistent, well-matched support
• Work closely in line with the direction of the class teacher, contributing positively to the rhythm and organisation of the classroom
• Help create an inclusive, welcoming learning environment where every child feels valued, supported and able to take part.

The person

We are looking for someone who brings patience, warmth and a genuine commitment to helping children with additional needs to achieve their best. You may already have experience in supporting pupils with SEND , or you may be looking to build on your current knowledge in a supportive school where training and teamwork are valued.

We’re looking for

• experience supporting children with a range of SEND needs, including autism, speech and language difficulties, sensory processing needs, developmental delay and complex learning needs
• a sound understanding of the EYFS framework and child development, with the ability to support early learning in ways that are age-appropriate and engaging
• confidence using a range of communication and interaction strategies to help pupils connect, engage and make progress
• experience of delivering targeted interventions such as Bucket Time, Intensive Interaction, Attention Autism, sensory activities and communication-led sessions
• knowledge of positive behaviour support strategies, with the ability to respond calmly and consistently to challenging behaviour
• the flexibility to adapt learning activities to meet individual needs, interests and learning styles
• experience of observing, recording and reporting on pupil progress in a clear and meaningful way
• an understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality and professional boundaries
• the ability to support personal care needs where required
• a patient, nurturing and resilient approach, with a calm and flexible manner in changing situations
• the ability to build trusting relationships with children, families and colleagues
• strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to use initiative and seek guidance when needed
• an openness to learning and taking part in SEND-specific training
• a helpful, organised approach that contributes positively to classroom preparation and day-to-day routines.

What we offer

We are proud to offer a welcoming, community-minded environment where staff are valued, supported and encouraged to grow. This is an exciting time to join our wonderful EYFS team, where good humour, teamwork and a shared commitment to our children help create a genuinely positive place to work.

Benefits of joining our team

• The chance to become part of a kind, supportive team that works closely together and values every member’s contribution
• A role in a warm EYFS setting with wonderful, enthusiastic pupils who bring energy and joy to the classroom each day
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in children’s early education and development
• A school culture that places community, wellbeing and pastoral care at the heart of everything we do
• A supportive environment where you will be encouraged to learn, develop your skills and take pride in your role.

For more information

Please read the Person Specification (Word).

Please look at our website where you can find out more about our school.

Visits to the school are welcome please contact the school office on 01473 251605 or [email hidden] to arrange an appointment.

For an informal discussion only, please contact Cieran Dadds , Headteacher, on 01473 251605.

The school reopens on 1 September 2026.

How to apply

Please read the Application Guidance for School Support Staff (Word) and complete the Application Form for School Support Staff (Word) .

Completed applications to be returned to [email hidden]

Closing date: 9am, 14 September 2026.

Interview date: 17 September 2026.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks required for relevant posts.

Suffolk County Council - welcoming diversity.