SEN Teaching Assistant

About the role

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated Teaching Assistant, preferably with SEN experience, who would love the opportunity to make an impact on the teaching and learning at Southfield school. Our new build is due for completion in taking our numbers up to 100 pupils. Due to this we are looking to expand our team of teaching assistant.

The successful candidate will work in small classes of children who are not yet working at age related expectations. All pupils have an EHCP, which often states a diagnosis of Autism and associated Speech, Language and Communication needs. Children may demonstrate challenging behaviours.

Southfield school is ambitious and committed to the personal development of all staff. There are excellent opportunities for high-quality CPD and we are keen to support you in your development.

In return, you will benefit from working with a dedicated team of staff focused on delivering outstanding learning. You will be actively-encouraged to give your input, as we make significant improvements within the school.

Visits to the school for potential candidates are warmly welcomed. Please contact the School Office to book an appointment.

Level Description

The Teaching Assistant will work under the direction of a teacher in whole class, group, or individual situations. They will have some basic knowledge of specialist communication skills e.g., Makaton and PECS. There will be a need to interpret information or situations and to solve them according to school policy and to refer more complex problems to the class teacher. All tasks will be carried out within recognised procedures or guidelines and the teacher will be available for support or guidance.

Job Description

Support for pupils:

Work with pupils on specific tasks in small group or individual situations as required by the teacher

Ensure that all personal equipment for pupils is up to date and inform the teacher of any requirements

Support pupils according to the school policy, pupils’ needs and their risk assessments.

Follow approved strategies outlined in Behaviour Support Plans and report any significant changes in behaviour to the teacher

Complete accurate records on pupils’ progress and achievement in accordance with agreed procedures

Support for the teacher:

Assist the teacher to ensure that the aims and objectives of the school are achieved

Prepare materials, set out equipment, keep equipment sorted and tidy. Report any broken items

Supervise individual and small groups of pupils

Supervise pupils on playground/ lunch break as part of a team

Undertake any photocopying or other administrative tasks that may be required

Put up wall displays etc. as directed by the class teacher

Produce teaching aids and materials as required by the class teacher

Support for the curriculum:

Use computer programs and other ICT equipment to support student’s learning as appropriate.

Use basic Makaton signs and PECS

Undertake tasks to support the curriculum and assist with events connected to the curriculum e.g., Sports Day, Multicultural events, Swimming etc.

Support the implementation of Government and school initiatives under the direction of the class teachers.

Support for School:

Assist in general cleaning duties to maintain a safe and caring learning environment.

Where these duties and responsibilities are carried out effectively the Headteacher and Governors feel that the following outcomes will be apparent:

Within the school there will be a positive ethos that reflects its commitment to continuing achievement.

Effective teaching and learning will take place with pupils making at least good progress.

The post holder will feel valued and will have a clear knowledge and understanding of what they need to do to contribute to pupils’ learning.

The post holder will appreciate how their role relates to, and is different from, that of teaching staff.

Effective and efficient use will be made of resources and the skills and talents of the post holder.

Policies will be consistently applied to secure effective pupil management and the achievement of pupil targets.

The class teacher will have confidence in the post holder who has demonstrated the ability to work in effective partnership focusing on the individual needs of pupils in the class.

The duties and responsibilities of any post may change from time to time. Post holders may be expected to carry out other work not explicitly mentioned above, appropriate to the level of responsibility is vested in the post.