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Reception Teaching Assistant (Level 1 To 3 Depending On Experience & Qualification) (E7149) - Rothwell Victoria Junior School

Leeds City Council
Pay £16119.39-20483.13 per year
Location Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS19, United Kingdom
Contract time Full time

The Breakroom Take

6.2

Rated 6.2 out of 10, based on 340 employees who took the Breakroom Quiz

See all job reviews

  • Recommended by parents
  • Proper breaks

About Leeds City Council

Leeds City Council is a local authority. They oversee local services.

Job description from Leeds City Council

To Start 1st September 2025.

Rothwell Victoria Junior School is a 'Good' school in South Leeds.

Our most recent Ofsted inspection (May 2023) states:

'Parents are overwhelmingly positive about their children's experiences at Victoria Junior School. Staff know the pupils well and put them at the heart of everything they do. The school's vision and values are evident in the day-to-day life of the school. Leaders expect pupils to work hard and show care and respect to others'.

We are seeking to appoint 2 x Reception TA's

Are you a skilled Teaching Assistant with a passion for early years? If so, a unique and exciting opportunity awaits! We are seeking two strong, skilled teaching assistants to support our youngest learners. This is an exciting time to join our school, as we look to expand our age range from September 2025 and open up a brand new Reception Class.

We are seeking individuals with a 'can do' mentality and the drive and determination to ensure that the pupils with whom they work with can overcome barriers to learning and progress; helping to keep them safe, happy and successful throughout their time with us. If you are passionate about playing a vital role as we build a through primary school, we would love to hear from you.

The vacancy is for a full time (30 hours per week), term time position which will include 2.5 hours per week supporting lunchtime assistant cover.

School visits are strongly encouraged. If you would like to visit the school prior to applying, appointments will be on Tuesday 22nd April at 9:00am or 3:30pm. Please call the school office to book onto one of these sessions or email recruitment@victoria-jun.leeds.sch.uk

The closing date for completed applications is 12noon on Monday 28th April 2025.

Interviews are to be held Friday 9th May 2025.

Please note that CVs will not be accepted.

Further information including job description and application forms can be found and downloaded from our website. https://www.rothwellvictoriajunior.co.uk/key-info/current-vacancies

Application forms and job packs can also be requested by emailing recruitment@victoria-jun.leeds.sch.uk

All completed applications should be returned to recruitment@victoria-jun.leeds.sch.uk by the date and time stated.

Our School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments made are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. If shortlisted, you will be required to disclose relevant information regarding criminal history and an on-line search will be conducted. This includes only information publicly available on-line.

We promote equality, diversity and inclusion and want a workforce which reflects the population of Leeds. This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

The above post is not a Leeds City Council vacancy and has been advertised on behalf of the relevant organisation. To apply please follow their application instructions.

Policy statement on the recruitment of ex-offenders

Job insights from Breakroom

Teaching assistants

Teaching assistants support teachers and help children with their educational needs

What you’ll do as a teaching assistant:

  • Support teachers in the classroom
  • Support children with their educational needs
  • Be responsible for the health and safety of children
  • Listen, support and teach children

Is it right for you?

This job may involve:

  • Standing
  • Sitting
  • Physical activities
  • Using a computer
  • Emotionally demanding duties

Map

Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS19, United Kingdom

A map of the rough location for this vacancy

What employees say

Pay

    Okay
  • Only some people are paid a living wage

    Do Leeds City Council pay teaching assistants enough to live on?

    Some people are not paid a living wage.

    How we know this

    55% of people say they are paid below the Real Living Wage for where they live.

    Based on data from 29 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and February 2025.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should be paid enough to live on.

    The Real Living Wage is a voluntary rate employers can sign up to that is based on the real cost of living.

    The current rates are £12.60 per hour, and £13.85 per hour in London.

    Find out more in our explainer about the Real Living Wage.

  • Okay
  • Only some people are paid market rates

    Do Leeds City Council pay teaching assistants market rates?

    Only some people are paid above average for their job.

    How we know this

    53% of people are paid below average for the type of work they do.

    Based on data from 32 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2025.

    Why this matters

    Pay can vary a lot between types of job. Employers should be ensuring that the rates their staff are paid are in line with similar roles elsewhere.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people don’t get paid breaks

    Do teaching assistants at Leeds City Council get paid breaks?

    No. Most people don’t get paid breaks.

    How we know this

    88% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.

    Based on data from 32 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2025.

    Why this matters

    A good job should have paid breaks.

    You should be paid for all your time at work, whether you’re on a break or not.

  • Good
  • Most people get sick pay

    Do Leeds City Council pay teaching assistants sick pay?

    Yes. Most people get proper sick pay.

    How we know this

    88% of people say they would get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.

    Based on data from 32 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2025.

    Why this matters

    Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off without worrying.

    At a good job you should still get paid if you’re scheduled to work but can’t due to sickness. Your contract should say how many sick days you can take each year.

    This is more than the legal minimum, which says you should only get paid if you are unwell for 4 full days. See Citizens Advice for more details.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people do unpaid extra work

    Do teaching assistants at Leeds City Council do extra work that they don't get paid for?

    Yes. Lots of people do unpaid extra work.

    How we know this

    71% of people report that they do extra work that they don’t get paid for.

    Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2025.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should get paid for any extra work they do, even if it is outside your contracted hours. At a good job, you should be paid for all the time you spend at work.

Hours and flexibility

    Good
  • Most people don’t worry about their hours

    Do teaching assistants at Leeds City Council worry about hours?

    Most people don’t worry about getting enough hours.

    How we know this

    86% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.

    Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2025.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting enough hours each week.

    A good job should guarantee you a minimum number of hours in a contract, if you want it.

    This makes it easier to plan your finances, because you know how much you’ll be earning.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get a choice of shifts

    Do teaching assistants at Leeds City Council get to choose the shifts they work?

    Some people don’t get enough choice over which shifts they work.

    How we know this

    67% report that their manager doesn’t give them enough choice over which shifts they work.

    Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2025.

    Why this matters

    A good job is flexible around your personal life. This means you get a say in when you prefer to work.

  • Okay
  • Can be hard to book holiday

    How easy is it for teaching assistants to book a holiday at Leeds City Council?

    Some people find it hard to book holiday.

    How we know this

    63% of people report it’s hard to book holidays.

    Based on data from 27 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2025.

    Why this matters

    A good job should let you take time off when you need it, and it shouldn’t be a nightmare to arrange.

  • Good
  • Shifts don’t get changed at short notice

    Do Leeds City Council managers change teaching assistants shifts at short notice?

    Most managers don’t change people’s shifts at short notice.

    How we know this

    100% of people say their manager doesn’t changes their shifts at the last minute.

    Based on data from 11 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2025.

    Why this matters

    If your manager is often changing your shifts at short notice that’s a sign of poor planning. At a good job you won’t be messed around at the last minute.

  • Good
  • Most people find it easy to take sick leave

    How easy is it for teaching assistants to take sick leave at Leeds City Council?

    Most people find it easy to take sick leave.

    How we know this

    71% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.

    Based on data from 28 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2023 and March 2025.

    Why this matters

    Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off when you need to.

    A good job should support you when you’re unwell and have systems in place that will allow you to take time off to recover when you need it.

  • Good
  • Most parents say it’s good

    Is working as teaching assistants at Leeds City Council good if you have caring responsibilities?

    Most parents and carers say this is a good place to work.

    How we know this

    83% of people who care for a child or other relative report this is a good place to work.

    Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2023 and March 2025.

    Why this matters

    Whether it’s looking after children or caring for a relative, a good job should support your responsibilities outside of work.

Workplace

    Good
  • Most people feel treated with respect

    Do teaching assistants at Leeds City Council feel treated with respect by their managers?

    Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.

    How we know this

    67% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.

    Based on data from 27 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and February 2025.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should get treated with respect by their managers. You shouldn’t feel discriminated against or bullied, and if you have a problem you should be able to speak to someone about it.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get proper breaks

    Do teaching assistants at Leeds City Council get proper breaks?

    Some people don’t get proper breaks.

    How we know this

    45% of people report that they don’t get to take proper breaks.

    Based on data from 29 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2025.

    Why this matters

    When you take a break it should be a proper rest. It should last the full duration and you shouldn’t get pulled off it.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people are stressed

    Is it stressful for teaching assistants to work at Leeds City Council?

    Most people feel stressed here.

    How we know this

    91% of people say they often feel stressed at work.

    Based on data from 32 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2025.

    Why this matters

    Work isn’t always easy, but if you’re frequently feel stressed, that’s not good.

    Your employer should support you with enough people and resources to get your job done without feeling overwhelmed.

  • Good
  • Most people enjoy their job

    Do teaching assistants at Leeds City Council enjoy their jobs?

    Most people enjoy their job.

    How we know this

    87% of people report they enjoy their job.

    Based on data from 23 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2023 and March 2025.

  • Okay
  • Only some people recommend their team

    Do teaching assistants at Leeds City Council recommend working with their team?

    Only some people recommend working with their team.

    How we know this

    55% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.

    Based on data from 33 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2025.

    Why this matters

    A good job means enjoying the place where you work.

    The people you work with every day really matter. They can be the difference between a terrible day and a great one.

    If you’d recommend your team to a friend, this shows that something’s going right.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get enough training

    Do teaching assistants get enough training when they start at Leeds City Council?

    Some people didn’t get enough training when they started.

    How we know this

    45% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.

    Based on data from 29 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2025.

    Why this matters

    A good job should give you good training when you start, not just drop you in at the deep end.

    This means that you’ll be happier and more productive from day one and shows that your employer values you.

    It’s also very important if your job involves anything that could be dangerous. Good training from the outset keeps you and your team safe.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people don’t get support to progress

    Are teaching assistants given support to progress at Leeds City Council?

    Most people aren’t given support to progress here.

    How we know this

    In the last year, 76% of people report not being given an opportunity to get better at their job, learn a new skill, learn to manage a team or get more responsibility in their role.

    Based on data from 25 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2025.

    Why this matters

    A good job should help you progress at work, if you want to. That might be supporting you to get better at the job you currently have, learn something new, manage a team or take on more responsibilities.

    This means you’ll be able to build on your skills and experience, and earn more money.

  • Needs improving
  • Head office doesn’t understand what’s happening

    Do teaching assistants think Leeds City Council head office understands what's happening where they work?

    Most people think head office doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.

    How we know this

    86% of people think that this employer’s head office or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.

    Based on data from 29 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2025.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, the role of head office should be to support the people on the frontline serving customers.

    To do that properly, the company’s owners or head office need to have a good understanding of what’s really happening on the frontline. This is especially important when a company owns multiple locations.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people don’t feel well informed by head office

    Do teaching assistants feel well informed about how Leeds City Council is doing?

    Most people don’t feel well informed about how the company is doing.

    How we know this

    86% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.

    Based on data from 28 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2025.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, there should be a supportive relationship between the people working on the frontline serving customers and the people who own the company or work in head office.

    You should be kept informed about how the company is doing as a whole, both in good times and when things get tough for the business.

Find out more about working at Leeds City Council

What Leeds City Council employees say about their job

  • Best thing

    Flexi-time (if you log it correctly, some people got into arguments about whether they did this), some hybrid working

    Worst thing

    The culture was repulsive. Mixed signals from mangers, ableism, nepotism. As with anything, those you hear from are miserable in their jobs and rather than do something about it they just roam around trying to make everyone else miserable.

    3.0

    Business support assistant at Leeds City Council, March 2025

  • Best thing

    My colleagues are amazing and my manager respects me and does not micromanage. There are lots of opportunities to try different things and get involved on projects.

    Worst thing

    Unfortunately, the rest of the Council. We are often weighed down compensating for lack of IT literacy, and many customers often complain that we cannot meet their demands even though we are often under strict budgetary constraints. The phones get unnecessarily busy due to issues that we are not trained to resolve.

    8.9

    IT support at Leeds City Council, June 2024

See more reviews
  • Best thing

    Being around culture in the city centre

    Worst thing

    Low paid.
    No job progression.
    Short staffed so having to stretch ourselves thin, having to deal with customer complaints because not able to offer the best service as we are short staffed.
    Lack of training and development opportunities
    No infrastructure to be allowed to work from home (as classed as a ‘manual worker’ on some days, even though ‘office workers’ can work from home when, even when they are sick.
    Repetitive and boring work, not able to do everything that the job description says is part of our role.

    7.1

    Visitor assistant at Leeds City Council, February 2024

  • Best thing

    The people

    Worst thing

    Issues aren’t really dealt with and most things are kept secret

    7.0

    Deputy registrar at Leeds City Council, August 2023

  • Best thing

    I work in an excellent team in a technical college and love the fact that my job is different every day. Great holidays - 13 weeks a year - and free parking. When I leave work I leave work, I don’t have things to do at home.

    Worst thing

    Travelling on the M1 into Leeds at the minute is a nightmare! But there are no aspects of my job worthy of complaint.

    9.3

    Receptionist at Leeds City Council, April 2023

  • Best thing

    Educating children

    Worst thing

    Lack of staff

    4.8

    Teaching assistant at Leeds City Council, March 2021

  • Best thing

    Perks, hours, job security

    Worst thing

    Stress, poor communication, budget cuts

    6.6

    Manager on duty at Leeds City Council, January 2021

  • Best thing

    Working with such lovely staff.

    Worst thing

    worry of catch Covid 19

    6.2

    Teaching assistant at Leeds City Council, January 2021

  • Best thing

    Events
    Socialising with other members of the team

    Worst thing

    Inept and incompetent management
    Antisocial hours

    5.0

    Technical supervisor at Leeds City Council, September 2020

  • Best thing

    My work mates

    Worst thing

    Having to work a sleep in

    6.2

    Support assistant at Leeds City Council, July 2020

  • More reviews from Leeds City Council employees

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