Cognita Schools
Early Years Teaching Assistant
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About the School - Little Downsend, Leatherhead
Little Downsend Leatherhead, located just a 5 minute walk from the Junior and Senior School, possesses its own special character, with large bright, well equipped classrooms, brimming with interactive activities. Little Downsend Leatherhead has the largest outdoor area of the three schools, with over an acre of garden space including playgrounds, astro turfed sports area and a magnificent forest school zone.
At each of our Little Downsend schools, we instil the same nurture, innovation, love of life, dynamic energy and high standards, supported by experienced and passionate teachers.
The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Early Years Teaching Assistant to join our fantastic team.
About Cognita
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 21 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, "Thrive in a rapidly evolving world".
About the Role
Hours: 21 hours a week, Monday to Wednesday, 8:30 am - 4pm with a 30 minute unpaid break
Employment type: Term-time only, fixed-term contract, 1.9.2026-31.8.2027
Our Little Downsend Schools are happy, caring, and energetic environments where every child is encouraged to reach their full potential and develop a lifelong love of learning. We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join our well-qualified team and help deliver the highest quality educational experience. In this role, you will support pupils’ education, welfare, and personal care in line with school policies—including assisting with changing where age-appropriate—and help maintain a positive, safe, and stimulating classroom environment. You will work closely with teachers in planning and delivering lessons, share responsibility for discipline and pastoral care, and play an active role in safeguarding and promoting children’s wellbeing. The role also involves contributing to school life through break and lunchtime duties, attending staff meetings, INSET days, parents’ events, and open mornings, as well as participating in appraisal processes. If you are committed to supporting young learners and being part of a warm, collaborative school community, we would love to hear from you.
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To view the full Role Profile, please click here.
Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for a Teaching Assistant with an NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) or an equivalent Level 3 qualification, alongside GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a school setting, a strong understanding of child development and learning processes, and a commitment to delivering high-quality childcare and early learning. You should demonstrate a positive approach to inclusive practice, be confident in supporting professional staff to achieve objectives, and have the ability to supervise children while adhering to behaviour management policies. A thorough understanding of child safeguarding arrangements is essential.
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Benefits at Cognita
- Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
- Enrolment in our company's Pension Scheme
- Free lunch provided during Term Time
- School holidays and public holidays
- Free parking on site (subject to availability)
- School fee discount
- Exclusive third-party discounts
- Ongoing professional development
How to Apply
Complete this application before the closing date: Sunday 2nd August 2026.
Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance.
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.
Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.
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