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Primary Teaching Assistant - Thornton Heath, Year 1 Cover (Short-Term)
Location: Thornton Heath, South London (Croydon Borough)
Pay: 100-120 per day (Reflecting need for immediate, short-term commitment) Contract: Temporary Cover
Start Date: Immediate Start in January 2026
Duration: Short-Term Cover (January only)
Hours: 08:30 - 16:30, Monday to Friday (Term Time Only)
Commutable From: Croydon, Norbury, Mitcham, Streatham, Purley, Beckenham
Long Term Futures is urgently seeking a highly flexible, adaptable, and proactive Primary Teaching Assistant to provide essential short-term cover for the month of January within a supportive primary school community in the heart of Thornton Heath. This role is primarily focused on supporting a Year 1 class.
We are specialising in finding proactive support staff who can seamlessly step into a classroom and make an immediate impact on the academic and social development of younger pupils, specifically within Key Stage 1 (KS1). Our focus for this role is securing an experienced candidate for a stable, defined temporary placement to cover an absence.
To make the process smoother and faster for this immediate need, we will prioritise candidates available for a rapid, paid trial half-day rather than a formal, lengthy interview.
The Role
Deliver vital support within the Year 1 classroom and confidently lead small intervention groups focused on early literacy (e.g., phonics) and numeracy.
Foster a positive learning environment and model good social skills, particularly during structured tasks and independent learning.
Be flexible and adaptable to the changing daily needs of the classroom and the teacher's instructions.
Be proactive in identifying pupils who require additional assistance and stepping in without being prompted.
Provide general classroom assistance, which may involve helping the class teacher with tasks such as marking pupil work, preparing resources, and setting up activities.
Help maintain pupil confidence and routine during a period of staff cover.
Work in close partnership with the class teacher to assist with day-to-day lesson delivery and classroom management.
What We Are Looking For
Previous experience in a Teaching Assistant capacity or a similar child-focused support role is essential, with specific experience in Key Stage 1 (Year 1 is highly desirable).
Solid knowledge of the Key Stage 1 curriculum.
A patient, adaptable, and nurturing personality suitable for working with 5-6-year-old children.
A proactive work ethic and the ability to manage tasks independently.
Excellent communication skills to build rapport quickly with pupils, colleagues, and parents.
Crucially, immediate and confirmed availability for the entire month of January 2026.
What We Offer
Immediate, consistent, short-term work for January.
Competitive daily pay reflecting the urgency and commitment required.
Personalised support from a dedicated specialist consultant.
Access to free Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses, such as phonics training and speech and language support.
The opportunity for a rapid, paid trial half-day to bypass the standard interview pressure.
How to Apply
Send in your up-to-date CV.
Have a friendly initial chat with Jack at Long Term Futures.
Complete the necessary compliance checks (Right to Work, DBS, and professional references).
Undertake a brief video interview regarding safeguarding procedures.
Attend a rapid trial half-day at the school.
Start your new role in January!
If you are interested in this position for short-term Year 1 cover in January or would like to hear about other education vacancies in Thornton Heath and the surrounding areas, please contact Jack at Long Term Futures today.
Please note: To be considered for a trial day, you must hold a valid, up-to-date DBS certificate and be able to provide two professional references.
