This is a fantastic opportunity for a qualified Teaching Assistant to join the Pre-Prep team within a wonderful independent preparatory school.
The role is term time only with a generous holiday entitlement. We offer a supportive, nurturing work environment enabling staff to give their best every day. We are looking for a passionate and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join our talented team.
Please note: The full time role consists of a shared role split between the Pre-Prep in the capacity of a TA and the Art department, in the capacity of an Art Assistant (see other role advertised)
Full details of the role are outlined below. If you would like to have an exploratory conversation regarding the role please contact our HR Department on [email protected]
About Holmewood House School
Holmewood House is a prestigious independent Prep School of 400 pupils aged 3-13 years, set amidst 32 acres of the most beautiful Kent countryside, just outside Tunbridge Wells. The School is a happy and supportive working environment, where we pride ourselves on the exceptional provision for our pupils and staff in all areas.
Holmewood House provides a broad, well-balanced curriculum with outstanding teachers in what is very much a family school where the positive relationships between the teachers and children allows staff to get to know and understand the individual needs of each and every child. They foster their talents and nurture their growth through a challenging and exciting curriculum.
The school wholeheartedly believes that emotional and social well-being, self-esteem, happiness and confidence are of prime importance and are in themselves inextricably linked to academic progress. Staff are excited by the curiosity and thirst for learning that each child, regardless of their ability, naturally displays. They work hard to allow each child to ask why, to query and to have the time to develop their thoughts into fresh discoveries and innovations and, in doing so, overcome the challenges faced. The end result is the celebration of learning – a reward in its own right!
The wonderful environment and outstanding facilities provide a strong framework upon which the ethos of ‘allowing children to be children’ can be achieved. Childhood is full of exciting new experiences which, parents and teachers relive, through the eyes and laughter of the children.
The relationship between home and school is of fundamental importance in ensuring every child is surrounded by the love, care and guidance which they require as they make their way through their educational journey. In short, the partnership allows the children to enjoy the most important journey of all: childhood.
Commitment to safeguarding
Holmewood House is committed to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and all staff, volunteers and other third parties are expected to share this commitment. The school adopts a rigorous safer recruitment process which is adhered to in the appointment of all new members of staff. As part of the safer recruitment process, all applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including, but not limited to, checks with past employers and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Pre Prep
Holmewood House Pre-Prep is a co-educational, comprising of an Early Years department and Key Stage 1 department. Our Early Years department comprises of A Pre-Nursery for rising 3s, a Nursery for 3 to 4s and three Reception forms. In Key Stage 1, there are three Year 1 forms and three Year 2 forms. We are a mixed ability school and pride ourselves on developing each child to their full potential, both academically and socially.
The role
This part-time position offers a fantastic opportunity to join our strong and successful Pre-Prep team and work alongside enthusiastic and dynamic colleagues. Within the school day you will be required to facilitate opportunities for children to experience successful learning of knowledge and abilities, including ‘soft’ skills. The ideal candidate will be passionate about education and will have an ability to connect with pupils to create positive and trusting relationships. We are looking for an individual who will uphold the school’s key three values; Aspiration, Self-belief and Kindness. Experience and a passion for outdoor education would be beneficial.
More details of our school can be found on our website: www.holmewoodhouse.co.uk
This role reports to the Assistant Head, Head of Pre Prep.
Key responsibilities
To carry out the duties of a Learning Support Assistant as circumstances may require and in accordance with the school's policies under the direction of the Assistant Head, Head of Pre Prep
To be considered for this role candidates must hold a recognised childcare qualification; NVQ 3 equivalent or higher.
Teaching and learning
· To assist in the educational and social development of pupils under the direction of the Form Teacher, Head of Learning Strategies, Head of EYFS, Assistant Head Head of Pre-Prep and Head of Holmewood House
· To endeavour to give every child the opportunity to reach their potential and meet high expectations
· To share the responsibility for pastoral care of the children
· To attend relevant staff meetings and participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as identified in appraisal and annual reviews
· To assist with cover for absent colleagues as directed by the Assistant Head Head of Pre-Prep and Head of EYFS
· To promote good relationships between staff and parents
· To establish and maintain a positive regard towards pupils
· To fulfil the role of Learning Support Assistant and contribute to the monitoring and the needs of the children, including making observations on Tapestry (EYFS only)
· Ensure your working practices are appropriate to meet ISI standards and requirements
· To deliver intervention booster lessons or lead phonics groups when required
Other requirements
· To contribute to the operation of the school through effective participation in meetings and management systems necessary to coordinate the management of the school
· To take part in marketing and liaison activities such as Open Evenings, Parents Evenings, Review days and events with partner schools
· To take responsibility for own professional development and duties in relation to school policies and practices
· To engage in the School performance and development system
· To liaise effectively with parents and governors
· Attend any required out of working hours activities e.g. training, staff meetings, parent evenings
· To undertake After School Care duties or clubs as required
· To undertake any duties or tasks as reasonably requested by the Assistant Head Head of Pre-Prep and the Head of Holmewood House
Person specification
· To work effectively as part of a team and be able to reflect on advice and suggestions made by colleagues and ensure sharing and effective usage of resources to the benefit of the school, department and pupils
· Be pro-active and use own initiative where required
· To display positive and professional communication skills with both staff and pupils
· To be a positive role model towards the Holmewood House community
· To support the aims, ethos and values of Holmewood House
· The ability to inspire, motivate and support pupils and colleagues
· To keep up to date with all Holmewood House policies and the Holmewood House Handbook
· To set a good example in terms of punctuality and attendance
· Build positive rapport with pupils and personal warmth to gain the confidence of pupils staff and parents
· To respect confidentiality within the Pre-Prep and the Holmewood House community
Whilst every effort has been made to outline the main duties, responsibilities and requirements of the post, the list is not exhaustive. Employees will be expected to comply with any reasonable request from their direct line manager or other members of the management/leadership team to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description.
It is understood that areas of responsibility are from time to time subject to review and change in light of the changing needs of the school environment and the professional development of the staff. This job description may therefore be amended from time to time.
Salary
Dependent upon qualifications and experience.
Pension & School Benefits
Holmewood House offers a range of benefits including a generous employer contributory pension, free parking, term-time working with generous holiday entitlement and free lunch/refreshments.
Hours of work
0.5 week with hours between 8am and 4pm with one day to 5pm.
Start date
September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Offer
The successful applicant will be offered the role subject to the satisfactory completion of a number of background checks including but not limited to; an enhanced DBS check, the taking up and verification of references, the verification of career history and fitness to undertake the role.
Safeguarding
All staff have a responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children with whom they come into contact and are required to adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Safeguarding policies at all times.
Application
If you wish to be considered for this role, please complete an application form, which can be found on our website at:
Holmewood House Job Opportunities and email to: [email protected]
The closing date for applications is Friday 17 July 2026, however the school reserves the right to short-list and interview candidates ahead of the closing date.
If you would like more information on the role or require a hard copy application form please contact: [email protected]
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
