Vacancies

We currently have vacancies in our federation for:

• SENCo
• Teaching Assistants 

Scroll down for more details.

Crigglestone and The Castle Nursery Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and expect all members of staff to share this commitment.

​All positions are subject to a DBS check, completion of a medical check and references will be sought.
Candidates and volunteers are encouraged to read the federation Education Safeguarding policy and safeguarding information on our website.

​Applications for advertised posts will only be accepted on the official Wakefield application form. CV's are not accepted at our school. All references will be verified. Conditional offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.

 In our federation we have a culture of vigilance, staff are trained on safer recruitment practices. All staff will be given a thorough induction into their new role.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

SENCo - Apply Now!

Full Time - 1.0 FTE     

MPS / UPS Pay Scale

Start Date: ASAP (January 2026)

The Governing Body for the Federation of Crigglestone and The Castle Nursery Schools are looking to appoint a confident, passionate SENCo to join our dedicated federation team. The position will be based across the federation and does involve some teaching commitment.

The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting our children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) at both schools, while also contributing to the broader educational experience. This role requires balancing the responsibilities of leading SEND provision and supporting the educational team effectively to ensure high-quality education and achievement for all children. This role will involve some teaching commitment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and oversee the implementation of the federation’s SEND strategy and policy.
• Be part of the federation DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) Team
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date SEND records
• Oversee and lead our Enhanced SEND Provision (Social Communication Needs) at The Castle Nursery School
• Coordinate and monitor the progress and outcomes of children with SEND.
• Liaise with parents, teachers, and external agencies to provide the best support for children with SEND.
• Deliver training to staff on SEND issues and strategies.
• Assist in planning, preparing, and delivering high-quality educational support that caters to the diverse needs of all children.
• Create a stimulating and supportive learning environment that fosters children's curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.
• Assess, track and monitor the progress of children with SEND, providing feedback to support their ongoing development.
• Join a federation team who already have a positive culture which promotes inclusion for all.
• Collaborate with colleagues to enhance the curriculum and share best practices for teaching and learning.
• Fulfil the professional responsibilities of a teacher as outlined in the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document and meet the expectations in the Teachers’ Standards.

What we are looking for:

• A qualified (QTS) teacher with a passion for Early Years
• An experienced and knowledgeable SENCo
• A SENCo with significant EYFS experience
• Someone who believes in each child and has high aspirations for their achievement.
• Possesses a strong understanding of SEND legislation and best practices.
• Has achieved the SENCo Award (mandatory qualification for SENCos in school) or is on the journey to completing this having already been a SENCo for some time
• Delights in being with children and puts their well-being at the heart of everything.
• Has the ability to make learning fun and engaging, ensuring all children are appropriately challenged.
• Is prepared to go the extra mile with a smile on their face!
• A hard-working professional, who is energetic and passionate about delivering quality first teaching.
• A team player with excellent communication skills.
• Previous experience of working in Early Years is essential.
• Knowledge of the Curiosity Approach is desirable but not essential.
• A thorough understanding of good Early Years practice, with the passion and enthusiasm to ensure that all children make the best possible progress in a stimulating and nurturing environment.

We can offer:

• Being part of a federation of schools with opportunities to work cooperatively with staff across both schools
• Support and continuous professional development
• Happy and enthusiastic children

The successful applicant will join a caring and committed federation staff team who create an inclusive, happy and successful learning environment for our children.

Commitment to safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. An Enhanced Disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service will be required. Our recruitment process follows the Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):

• Childcare disqualification
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
• Medical
• Online and social media
• Prohibition from teaching
• Right to work
• Satisfactory references
• Suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

This is a federation post, so can be based at either school depending on the needs of the federation.

Visits to the federation are welcomed and encouraged. Please email or ring to arrange a suitable time. [criggadmin@crigglestonecastle.wakefield.sch.uk / (01924) 251151]

Application forms can be emailed to: kquinn@crigglestonecastle.wakefield.sch.uk

Teaching Assistant Vacancies - Apply Now!

The Federation of Crigglestone and The Castle Nursery Schools are Curiosity Approach settings. We have high aspirations for all of our children.  We provide children with safe, secure and nurturing environments which enable them to become ‘thinkers and doers’ of the future.  We aim to spark curiosity, awe, wonder and a love of learning for all of our children, giving them the firm foundations to develop as successful lifelong learners. 

We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated and committed Teaching Assistants to join our dedicated Early Years team.

What we are looking for:

• Qualified early years practitioners with an approved Level 3 or above qualification
• Previous experience of working in Early Years is essential
• Knowledge of the Curiosity Approach is desirable but not essential
• Good oral and written communication skills
• A thorough understanding of good Early Years practice, with the passion and enthusiasm to ensure that all children make the best possible progress in a stimulating and nurturing environment.
• A team player

The role will involve:

• Taking responsibility for the observation and monitoring of the needs of their key children.
• Thinking educationally & creatively to provide a full range of stimulating activities to develop their physical, intellectual, emotional and social development, in line with The Curiosity Approach.
• Working as part of a dynamic team providing support for all the children in the setting. 
• Facilitating and enabling the children by providing appropriate levels of support and interaction in their self-chosen play.
• Prioritising the health, welfare and the safety of the children.
• Engaging in regular continuous professional development, linked to school development priorities

The successful applicants will join a caring and committed federation staff team who create an inclusive, happy and successful learning environment for our children.

Every child and adult is valued at our school, and we provide good opportunities for CPD.

The positions are subject to a DBS Disclosure check, completion of a medical check and references will be sought. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and expect all members of staff to share this commitment.

These are federation Teaching Assistant posts, so will be based at either school depending on the numbers of children and level of need.

Application forms can be sent to: Crigglestone Nursery School, High Street, Crigglestone, WF4 3EB or emailed to kquinn@crigglestonecastle.wakefield.sch.uk

The successful applicants will be required to complete a Disclosure Application Form and provide criminal conviction information.

Visits to either of our schools will be warmly welcomed.  Please contact us to arrange a visit. 

This post is 31.25 hours per week.

08:45 to 15:30 Mon-Fri, Permanent, Term Time Only

Pay Range: £23,500 - £23,893 (Full Time Equivalent, Actual Salary £16,596 - £16,873 Pay Award Pending).  Starting pay depends on experience.