Senior Teaching Assistant

Flying Start is the Welsh Government targeted Early Years programme for families with children under 4 years of age in some of the most disadvantaged areas of Wales. The core elements of the programme are drawn from a range of options that have been shown to influence positive outcomes for children and their families. These include:

• Funded quality, part-time childcare for 2–3-year-olds
• An enhanced Health Visiting service
• Access to Parenting Programmes
• Early Language Development

The updated Programme for Government commits to the continuation of support for the flagship Flying Start programme and, in line with the Co-operation Agreement with Plaid Cymru. The Welsh Government have extended this commitment to deliver a phased expansion of early years provision to include all two-year-olds, with a particular emphasis on strengthening Welsh-medium provision.

The cabinet has agreed that Flying Start is the most suitable vehicle to deliver this commitment in a phased way.

The Flying Start programme in Cardiff sits within Cardiff Early Help. Cardiff Early Help is an innovative and progressive service within the Housing & Communities directorate in Cardiff Council. Cardiff Early Help consists of several multi-professional teams that work collaboratively, as well as with partners, to support families.

In response to the phased expansion of Flying Start we are seeking to expand the Flying Start Advisory team by appointing an additional Senior Teaching Assistant.

This post sits within the Flying Start Advisory Team and is managed by the Flying Start Advisory Teacher.

The postholder will focus primarily on the childcare aspect of the Flying Start Programme but will work closely with professionals from the other 3 core elements.

The postholder will support the Flying Start Advisory Teachers and wider members of the Flying Start Advisory Team in supporting Flying Start childcare providers to develop and maintain high quality care and education provision and whilst ensuring they maintain the requirements of their Flying Start contract. This will require the post holder to support and challenge practice and take on the role of being a “critical friend”.

Many of our teams have moved to hybrid working, this involves online and homeworking, visiting Flying Start Childcare settings, as well as office-based work. Where homeworking is required, you will be given the necessary equipment however, you will need to arrange your own internet connectivity.

We will offer you:

• A friendly and supportive working environment.
• Regular support and supervision to support you in your work.
• A wide and extensive training programme with opportunities to train in specific areas.
• Our systems and technology enable and promote agile working and Cardiff Council has a variety of supportive policies for its employees.

Opportunities to help shape the future delivery of Flying Start childcare services.

This post:

• requires flexibility
• requires the ability to travel across the region
• requires a full UK driving licence and sole use of a vehicle

We are looking for a Senior Teaching Assistant with a sound knowledge of Early Years practice and a proven record of experience in Early Years.

We are looking for someone who can work well in a growing team.

We require someone that works well with others, can establish and maintain positive working relationships and take on the “critical friend” role to ensure Flying Start providers are delivering high quality education and care for Flying Start children.

The post holder will be organised and focused and able to juggle a lot of demands at once to ensure the service achieves the best outcomes for Flying Start children.

We are looking for someone who is flexible and adaptable and can work comfortably with change.

The post holder will be proficient with using Microsoft Office applications including emails, spread sheets, reports and presentations.

Full details of the post is available on the Job Description and Person specification.

This role is term-time at 37 hours per week, 39 weeks per year. The advertised salary is based on a full-time role (37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year). The…