Early Years Teaching Assistant – DL5 Area, Darlington – January 2027 Start

Location: DL5 Area, Darlington
Salary: £90–£100 per day
Job Type: Full Time
Start Date: January 2027
Key Stage: Early Years
Essential Qualification: Recognised Early Years (EYFS) Qualification
Essential Experience: Phonics

About the Role

Vision for Education is working in partnership with a local primary school in the DL5 area of Darlington to recruit a caring, enthusiastic and qualified Early Years Teaching Assistant for a full-time position starting in January 2027.

This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated Teaching Assistant who has experience supporting young children in an Early Years setting and holds a relevant Early Years qualification.

The successful candidate will work closely with the class teacher to support children's early learning, communication, language development and school readiness. You will play an important role in helping children develop their early reading, writing, speaking and listening skills while creating a positive, nurturing and inclusive learning environment.

Previous experience supporting phonics development is essential. The ideal candidate will be confident supporting phonics sessions, working with individual children and small groups, and adapting activities to meet the needs of pupils at different stages of their development.

This role would suit a proactive, patient and compassionate individual who understands the importance of early education and is passionate about helping young children build strong foundations for future learning.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the class teacher in delivering engaging and age-appropriate Early Years learning activities.

• Deliver and support phonics activities using appropriate teaching strategies and resources.

• Work with individual children and small groups to develop phonics knowledge, letter recognition and early reading skills.

• Support children with letter sounds, blending, segmenting and early word recognition.

• Help develop children's early literacy, communication, speaking and listening skills.

• Support early writing, mark-making, number recognition and basic mathematical development.

• Encourage children's confidence, independence and positive learning behaviours.

• Provide targeted support for children who require additional help with their learning and development.

• Assist with play-based learning activities that support children's social, emotional, physical and academic development.

• Help prepare classroom resources, displays and learning materials.

• Promote positive behaviour and support consistent classroom routines.

• Create a safe, welcoming, stimulating and inclusive learning environment.

• Work collaboratively with the class teacher and wider school team to monitor children's progress.

• Build positive relationships with children and colleagues.

• Follow the school's safeguarding policies and procedures at all times.

What We're Looking For

• Essential: A relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or recognised equivalent EYFS qualification.

• Essential: Previous experience supporting phonics in an Early Years or primary school setting.

• Experience working as a Teaching Assistant in Nursery, Reception or another Early Years environment.

• A good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.

• A strong understanding of phonics, early reading and language development.

• Confidence supporting letter sounds, blending, segmenting and early literacy activities.

• A caring, patient, enthusiastic and proactive approach.

• The ability to build positive relationships with young children and school staff.

• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

• The ability to support children with different abilities and developmental needs.

• A genuine passion for helping young children develop and achieve their potential.

• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.

• Availability to work full-time from January 2027.

What We Offer

As a Teaching Assistant with Vision for Education, you will benefit from:

• Competitive daily rates of £90–£100, paid through PAYE.

• A Guaranteed Pay Scheme, subject to availability and qualifying criteria.

• Pension contributions, subject to a qualifying period.

• Social and networking events.

• FREE training and continuing professional development opportunities.

• Access to a dedicated consultant who will provide ongoing support.

• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to children's early learning and development.

About Us

Vision for Education is a market-leading education supply agency committed to supporting schools and helping young people achieve their potential. We work with education professionals to provide rewarding opportunities in schools across the country.

We do not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation, and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Vision for Education is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All registered staff will undertake thorough interviewing and referencing checks and must hold, or be prepared to undergo, an Enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service.

How to Apply

If you are an enthusiastic and experienced Early Years Teaching Assistant with a relevant Level 3 EYFS qualification and phonics experience, looking for a full-time opportunity in the DL5 area of Darlington from January 2027, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today via this website, or for more information about this role and other opportunities, call our team on 01642 243843.

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