Reception Teaching Assistant

About The Bliss Charity Primary School The Bliss Charity Primary School is a Voluntary Aided primary school located in the heart of Nether Heyford, just off Junction 16 of the M1. We are proud to be a welcoming and thriving school at the centre of our village community. Our school is built on a foundation of care, respect, and high aspirations for all. We are committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment where every child is valued as an individual and encouraged to thrive both academically and personally. Working closely with parents, governors, and the wider community, we aspire to our pupils developing confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning. Role Purpose We are looking for a full time Teaching Assistant to join our Class Reception team. The ideal candidate will support the learning, development, and well-being of children in Reception (EYFS) through engaging, hands-on learning experiences that promote independence, creativity, curiosity, and confidence. They will help create a nurturing and stimulating environment where children are encouraged to explore, problem-solve, and develop essential life skills through play-based learning. Key Responsibilities Supporting Children's Learning Assist in planning and delivering practical, child-led, and play-based learning activities. Encourage children to explore, investigate, and learn through hands-on experiences both indoors and outdoors. Support the development of early literacy, numeracy, communication, and social skills through creative activities. Promote independent learning by encouraging children to make choices, solve problems, and complete age or ability-appropriate tasks on their own. Observe and respond to children's interests, adapting activities to meet individual learning needs. Creating an Engaging Learning Environment Help maintain a safe, welcoming, and stimulating classroom environment. Set up and organise learning areas that encourage exploration, creativity, and independent access to resources. Support activities involving art, construction, sensory play, role play, gardening, cooking, and other experiential learning opportunities. Ensure resources are accessible and invite children to take ownership of their learning. Supporting Children's Development Foster children's confidence, resilience, and self-esteem through positive encouragement. Model and promote positive behaviour, cooperation, and respect for others. Support children's emotional well-being and help them develop self-regulation skills. Encourage creativity, imagination, and critical thinking through open-ended questioning and discussion. Have high expectations of language and oracy skills, ensuring that these are modelled at all times. Observation and Assessment Observe children's progress and contribute to assessment records in line with EYFS requirements. Share observations with teachers and parents when appropriate. Identify and support