About The School - St. Margaret's Prep School
At St. Margaret's our children are happy, curious and kind. They thrive in our beautiful, countryside school, where we prioritise a holistic education, fostering character development alongside academic excellence. Our school runs from ages 2 through to 11 years old, we will support every child through every stage of their education.
Whilst academic achievement is high, so is our focus on wellbeing, as we know that happy children are high achieving children. We nurture our pupils and develop the characteristics and qualities we know they will need to build bright futures. We ensure they are fully prepared for the next steps in life, both in the classroom and beyond.
The school now has an exciting opportunity for a combined
Classroom Teaching Assistant and Lunchtime Assistant to join our fantastic team as Maternity Cover.
About Cognita
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ 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
St Margaret's Preparatory School is looking for someone to take on a combined Classroom Teaching Assistant and Lunchtime Assistant role. Join our dedicated team and help maintain our beautiful 7-acre grounds in Gosfield, North Essex. In this role, you’ll be responsible for assisting the classroom teaching staff and also supporting the pupils in play during their lunch break. You’ll assist in lessons, prepare materials, and provide individual support to help every child thrive. Beyond the classroom, you’ll supervise pupils aged 2–11 during lunch and break times, ensuring they enjoy safe, happy, and inclusive play. This is a fantastic opportunity to apply and develop your Classroom assistant skills in a supportive environment.
This is a fixed-term Maternity Cover role immediately available. This part-time role combines three days in class as a Teaching Assistant and two days as a Lunchtime Assistant (2 hours each day).
To view a full Role Profile,
click here .
Who we are looking for:
You are enthusiastic, adaptable, and passionate about working with children. You have strong communication skills and a high standard of English and Maths. Experience across EYFS, KS1, and KS2 is essential, and a CACHE Level 3 or Level 5 qualification is required , as this will help support Nursery/EY ratios. You’re confident using educational technology and committed to safeguarding and promoting equality. If you can work collaboratively, lead by example, and bring energy to both learning and play, we’d love to hear from you. First aid training and SEND knowledge are desirable, but not essential.
Benefits at Cognita
- Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
- Enrolment in our company's Pension Scheme
- Free lunch provided during Term Time
- 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. The Closing Date for Applications is:
14th December 2025.
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.
