Support Assistant Higher Level

Archbishop Runcie Church of England First School

Christon Road

Gosforth

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE3 1US

Fixed Term Maternity Cover to 16 July 2027 or the return of the substantive postholder

Start Date 2 November 2026

The Governors of Archbishop Runcie Church of England VA First School wish to appoint a Support Assistant Higher Level to cover PPA across school (from Nursery to Year 4).

The post holder will be expected to cover lessons, supervise classes during the absence of the class teacher and will be expected to work with small groups of children under the guidance of teaching staff. This will include implementing programmes, managing behaviour positively and assisting pupils in relevant activities in line with the school’s policies and procedures.

We are a welcoming church school with happy, highly motivated children. We have exceptional expectations of ourselves and the children. Parents are highly engaged with the school’s work. This is a wonderful opportunity to be part of a genuinely loving and caring school. We are looking for staff who care deeply and are passionate for children and their learning, who can build very strong relationships with pupils and their families, and who are willing to go the extra mile to make a difference to our local community.

The successful candidates will:

• have experience of supporting learning in all Key Stages within the first school age range
• have a passion for creating a calm and purposeful learning environment
• have experience of delivering group learning sessions, including phonics
• have successful, recent experience of supporting teaching and assessing learning
• work positively with parents and families and be willing to participate in all aspects of school life
• have high expectations of children's achievements and behaviour
• be flexible and work collaboratively and successfully as team members
• support the vision and Christian ethos of the school
• be innovative, creative and imaginative
• have a passion for working with children with additional needs, with good knowledge of best practice

As a small school, we work very closely together so being a ‘team player’ is essential and an open and honest approach is vital. Because of our broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum, strong subject knowledge is also crucial. This post will be to work within the first school age range.

It would be advantageous to have experience of teaching Read, Write Inc Phonics as well as have had paediatric first aider training (or be willing to undertake this training).

This post is suitable for experienced HLTAs and/or someone with a good level of qualification. The postholder will be expected to be flexible and work additional hours (paid) to meet the needs of the school where required.

The successful candidate will set high standards for themselves, the school and our children. S/he will have a positive outlook and will be excited at the prospect of working as part of a small team where everyone “mucks in”.

Application packs can be downloaded from the school website (https://archbishop-runcie.eschools.co.uk/website). Completed applications should be sent electronically FAO Mrs Massey, Head Teacher, via email (admin@archbishop.newcastle.sch.uk). CVs will not be accepted.

Archbishop Runcie CE (VA) First School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; we expect all staff and volunteers to share this firm commitment. As such, an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be undertaken alongside other relevant employment checks deemed appropriate. We will also undertake online searches for shortlisted candidates.

The deadline for applications is Monday 21st September 2026. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to undertake a range of tasks and a formal interview later that week.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or age. We look forward to receiving your applications.