Job Description
Prep School and Nursery Teaching Assistant
Shebbear College
Location: Shebbear, Beaworthy, EX21 5HJ
Start Date: 1st October 2026
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only (35.5 hours per week)
Salary: £18,770.13 per annum (Actual Pro Rata Salary)
We are currently seeking an able and enthusiastic teaching assistant to join and work within our thriving Prep School and Nursery at Shebbear College.
Shebbear College is a small independent day and boarding school of around 300 pupils, for boys and girls aged from 2 – 18. Set in 85-acres of countryside between Dartmoor and Exmoor, it is an idyllic location in which to work. Class sizes are smaller than average throughout the school and we pride ourselves on knowing every pupil as an individual, recognising their potential and helping them to achieve their best, whatever that may be. This is what makes us special and stands us apart from other schools.
We are looking for a teaching assistant who will be able to work with children from the ages of 2 - 11 and our Prep School and Nursery team. This varied role will combine supporting the teaching staff and children throughout all their academic and extracurricular activities.
Person Specification
Minimum Level 3 Childcare Qualification (or equivalent)
Experience working with children aged 2-11 years in a school, nursery or childcare setting
Good understanding of child development, safeguarding and pupil wellbeing
Ability to support learning and work effectively as part of a team
Strong communication, literacy, numeracy and basic ICT skills
Positive, caring and enthusiastic approach to working with children
Reliable, organised and adaptable, with the ability to use initiative
Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
Knowledge of EYFS and/or the primary curriculum (desirable)
You will be involved and supported by the Inspired Learning Group of schools and Nurseries. Benefits Of Service:
• Working in a small friendly school in a stunning rural location
• A competitive salary will be dependent on qualifications, skills and experience
• Longer holidays than the maintained sector
• Free lunch and refreshments during term-time
• Health & Wellbeing Centre on site during term time
• Free use of the college facilities such as gymnasium
Application Process
All applicants must complete the application form on the following link:
https://applicant.website/i/65A755/vacancy-info/0000001372
Please ensure that your referees include your current or most recent employer and we do not accept CVs.
No agencies please.
PLEASE NOTE: Shebbear College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young adults and expects all staff to share this commitment including regular training attendance.
The successful applicant will be offered the post subject to receipt of satisfactory written references, proof of appropriate qualifications, Health questionnaire, a check of online search engines and websites of publicly available information that does not identify the applicant as potentially unsuitable to work within a school setting, proof of identity, a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service, an overseas police check if required and confirmation of the right to work in the UK. Please refer to the Recruitment Selection and Disclosures Policy and Procedure on the school website.