SEN Teaching Assistant in Highbridge

The Teaching Assistant (TA) plays a vital and multifaceted role within the school environment, contributing significantly to the academic, social, emotional, and physical development of pupils.

The primary purpose of this role is to supervise, support, and guide pupils during teaching periods, structured learning activities, and unstructured times such as the midday break.

The TA ensures that pupils remain safe, engaged, and appropriately supported in all areas of the school, including classrooms, corridors, playgrounds, dining areas, and during off site activities such as educational visits.

A central aspect of the role is to assist the Headteacher, SENCo, and classroom teachers in developing, delivering, and evaluating programmes of work that promote academic achievement, personal growth, and social and moral development.

The TA contributes to creating a stable, caring, and supportive learning environment where pupils can thrive, feel valued, and reach their full potential.

This includes fostering a positive atmosphere that encourages curiosity, resilience, independence, and respect for others.

The role also involves working closely with pupils who may require additional support due to learning difficulties, disabilities, behavioural challenges, or high learning ability.

This requires creativity, adaptability, patience, and a deep understanding of individual needs to ensure that all pupils can access the curriculum and participate fully in school life.

The TA must be able to recognise barriers to learning, implement strategies to overcome them, and work collaboratively with staff and external professionals to ensure that pupils receive the support they need.

By supporting the physical and organisational aspects of the classroom, the TA helps to ensure that teaching staff can focus on delivering high quality instruction and that pupils have access to a stimulating and supportive learning environment.

Key responsibilities include

• Preparing resources, materials, and equipment for lessons, ensuring that everything is ready for teaching and learning activities.
• Setting up and clearing away learning spaces, including arranging furniture, distributing materials, and ensuring that equipment is stored safely.
• Creating and maintaining displays that celebrate pupils’ work, reinforce learning objectives, and enhance the visual appeal of the classroom.
• Ensuring that classrooms remain tidy, organised, and conducive to learning, promoting good habits and encouraging pupils to take responsibility for their environment.
• Assisting with the use of ICT and other specialist equipment, ensuring that pupils can access technology safely and effectively.

The TA must develop a strong understanding of pupils’ general and specific learning needs, including:

• SEN profiles and diagnoses.
• Emotional and social development
• The TA works with pupils who have a wide range of special educational needs, including:
• Autism spectrum conditions.
• Dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other specific learning difficulties.
• Speech, language, and communication needs.
• Social, emotional, and mental health difficulties.
• Physical disabilities.
• Gifted and talented pupils requiring extension activities.

The TA uses a range of strategies to promote inclusion, engagement, and progress, ensuring that all pupils can access the curriculum and participate fully in school life.

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