Teaching Assistant (Qualified)

Do you want to be part of our growing team? We are looking for Full‑Time, Part‑Time and Casual teaching assistants to join our team, term‑time only. We offer comprehensive training, fully paid induction and on‑going CPD opportunities. As a qualified Teaching Assistant, your role will be to support our teachers in providing and developing a high‑quality education to address the individual needs of pupils. Good autism practice is essential to this role, along with a person‑centred approach to learning. You will have the ability to be flexible and dynamic. It is vital that you can maintain an environment where our pupils feel happy, safe and valued. You will possess the relevant TA qualifications for this position and a qualifications matrix can be found on the person specification. You must be comfortable in providing intimate care.

Duties and Responsibilities

• To co‑operate with the Headteacher and staff at all levels in providing a caring, happy, safe and secure environment for pupils.
• To foster and maintain good working relationships and full co‑operation with members of staff, parents and professionals.
• To play an active part in promoting good public relations in the locality to increase public awareness and support for the aims and objectives of Autism East Midlands.
• In consultation with Teachers, plan and implement programmes of work for pupils for whom specific responsibility is given.
• To support pupils to enable them to access learning, using autism specific, individualized approaches, both with 1:1 and group learning situations.
• To attend and contribute to classroom, curriculum, staff and other meetings as appropriate, including in‑service training and mandatory training.
• To support pupils in a range of community settings, including college links.
• To liaise with families and external agencies in a professional manner and record appropriately within the bounds of confidentiality.
• To contribute to individual pupil records, reports, etc., in consultation with the Class Teacher and specialist staff.
• To maintain good links with parents through home‑school diaries, attendance at parents’ meetings, home visiting, etc., in consultation with the Class Coordinator and Teachers.
• To always encourage self‑advocacy and respect dignity.
• To work within equal opportunity guidelines whilst demonstrating diversity and respect for individual choices.
• To protect pupils from danger, harm and abuse in accordance with current safeguarding adults and children legislation and be responsible for the general welfare and security of those within your care.
• To understand and manage pupil behaviour, following physical intervention guidelines as defined by Autism East Midlands.
• To bring to the attention of the Class Coordinator and Teachers any significant development and/or behavioural difficulties associated with a particular pupil.
• To assist with supervision of pupils at break and mealtimes, etc., and fully participate in toilet training, personal hygiene and other aspects of the self‑care programme.
• In consultation with the Class Coordinator and Teachers, to maintain a good quality of physical environment, including the maintenance of equipment and organising designated display work.
• To promote high standards of hygiene and welfare for the pupils within the class, liaising with senior staff as appropriate.
• To ensure that your conduct within the community does not conflict with the professional expectations of Autism East Midlands.
• To undertake other duties appropriate to the position as delegated by the Headteacher / Senior Leadership Team.
• Conform with health and safety requirements set in legislation and adhere to safe working practices, health and safety policies and other policies and procedures of Autism East Midlands.
• Comply with Health and Safety, Fire Regulations and Autism East Midlands policies.
• To carry out any other reasonable duties and responsibilities within the overall function commensurate with the grading and level of responsibilities of the post.

What We Offer

• Extensive induction with autism specialist training
• Paid job‑related qualifications during employment
• Free initial DBS Check
• Employer pension scheme
• Friendly and supportive work environment
• Refer a friend scheme worth £500
• Access to the Blue Light Card scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Paid maternity / paternity / adoption leave

We reserve the right to close the advert once sufficient applications have been received, therefore we advise you to submit your application as soon as possible. Autism East Midlands is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from anyone interested in working with people with autism. We are also a Disability Confident Employer. If you meet the person specification criteria and are eligible for the Disability Confident scheme, we will guarantee you an interview – just let us know in your covering letter or in your email when you send us your application form. Either way, don’t forget to tell us if you are applying under the Disability Confident scheme. Autism East Midlands is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. If you are a successful applicant you will need an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check; the cost will be met by Autism East Midlands. The successful applicant will need to sign up to the annual DBS Update Service at a current cost of £13 per year. We require evidence to show your Right to Work in the UK (if applicable).