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Cover letter example

Nursery school teaching assistant cover letter example

Town councils read ATSEM applications through their human resources department, often with the education manager. They check your status, your diploma and your understanding of the role: a support to the teacher and the children, with hygiene, canteen and nap duties.

A formal letter is still expected in the public sector.

Cover letter example

Replace the parts in brackets with your own details.

Subject: Application for an ATSEM position, Town of [City]

Madame la Maire,

I am applying for the ATSEM position advertised by the Town of [City] for the start of the school year. I passed the ATSEM concours in [year] and hold the CAP Accompagnant éducatif petite enfance.

For the past [x] years I have worked as a contract ATSEM in a moyenne section class at [School name]. I prepare the materials for the teacher's workshops, take charge of a small group when she works with another, and help children become independent with dressing and toileting. At lunch I supervise the canteen, then the nap for the youngest. After class, I clean the room and organise materials for the next day.

Working with the same teacher, I learned to anticipate her needs and to tell her about anything I notice in a child: unusual tiredness, difficulty with others, a change after a family event. I also work with the AESH supporting a child with autism in our class.

I am applying for a permanent ATSEM post in your schools and remain available for an interview with your human resources department.

Yours faithfully,[First name Last name][Phone number]

What to highlight

  • Your status: concours passed, CAP AEPE, or contract application
  • Experience with children aged three to six
  • How you work with a teacher in the classroom
  • Acceptance of canteen, nap and cleaning duties
  • Knowledge of the town or the school

Mistakes to avoid

  • Addressing the letter to the headteacher instead of the mayor or HR department.
  • Presenting the job as teaching rather than supporting the teacher.
  • Omitting your concours status, which determines how you can be hired.
  • Using an informal tone in a public sector application.

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Frequently asked questions

How should I address the letter?

In French public sector letters, the application is usually addressed to the mayor (Madame la Maire or Monsieur le Maire) or to the president of the intercommunal body. Use the formal closing expected in French administration. If the advertisement names an HR contact, you can send it to that person while keeping the formal address.

Can I apply if I have not passed the concours yet?

Yes. Many towns hire contract ATSEM or staff acting as ATSEM, especially for replacements. Say that you are preparing the concours and mention your CAP AEPE or experience with young children. A contract post can be a way to gain experience before the exam.

Should I mention that I speak English?

You can, briefly, especially if the town has bilingual classes or many international families. But the job is carried out in French with the children, teachers and parents, so make clear that your French is fluent.

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