Graduate Teaching Assistant in Birmingham

Ark St Alban's Academy is seeking a skilled and determined candidate to join its special educational needs and disabilities (SEN/D) team. The academy is rapidly expanding its pastoral care provision, including the support it provides to pupils with SEN/D. Led by the academy SENDCO, the successful candidate will work directly with pupils both in and outside of the classroom.

The successful candidate will take responsibility for supporting pupils in their learning of the curriculum, leading targeted interventions and coordinating between teachers, parents, and the wider pastoral team. They will demonstrate a passion for raising the achievement of vulnerable pupils and the ability to learn specialist skills to quickly become an expert in specific aspects of SEN/D provision.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work directly with the SENDCO, speech and language therapist, and external agencies. They will lead the work of the academy in supporting specific pupils or in meeting specific special education needs. The right candidate will demonstrate the capability to specialise and to increase their impact on pupil progress over time.

Working with SEN/D pupils is vital work and, when done well, is often life-changing for the young people involved. The successful candidate will need to have experience of communicating effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. They must be persistent, determined, and compassionate, demonstrating the highest expectations for what young people with SEN/D can achieve.

We believe that all pupils can, and will succeed, at school and at university, and this role is pivotal in our work to provide all pupils with the safety and support they need to flourish.

Benefits:

• Salaries 2.5% higher than main pay scale.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Access to Ark rewards – a scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers.
• Interest-free loans – up to £5,000 available for season ticket or to buy a bicycle.
• Gym discounts – offering up to 40%.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme – providing free, confidential counselling, legal advice, and a range of different support.

We are committed to addressing educational disadvantage. We consistently guide pupils to GCSE and A-Level outcomes which place our cohorts in the top 10% of schools nationally on many measures, including those for the progress of disadvantaged pupils. Our school serves pupils from central Birmingham, with a high percentage eligible for the Pupil Premium.

Diversity and inclusion: We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective.

Safeguarding statement: Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check.

Please note we will be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage you to submit your application at your earliest convenience.