Additional Needs Support Assistant (Level 2) in Liverpool

The Governing Body is looking for passionate and motivated support assistants to join our amazing team. Following an increase in pupil numbers, Millstead School is looking to recruit a number of ANSAs to work on our 2 sites (Everton L5 and Naylorsfield L27 areas). Millstead School caters for children aged 2 – 11 years who have severe or profound learning and/or physical needs, including complex autism.

The governors and headteacher of our OUTSTANDING school (Ofsted January 2024) are looking for engaging individuals who have the desire, drive and enthusiasm to make a difference to our pupils’ lives and who can make an immediate contribution to the way our pupils learn and interact. They should be dynamic in their approach to making learning fun and accessible for all pupils. The successful candidates will work with a talented and friendly staff team who are both forward thinking and innovative, and who have high expectations of themselves and the pupils they support. At Millstead School no two days are ever the same. Some days are challenging, most days are fun and every day is rewarding.

What the school offers its staff:

• Fixed term and permanent opportunities available at our Everton site (L5) and our Netherely site (L27).

Overall Responsibility:

• To work with teachers as part of a professional team to support teaching and learning for pupils across the school who all have severe learning difficulties, profound and multiple learning difficulties or autism.
• To provide specialist assistance to pupils who need particular help to overcome barriers to learning including sensory, behavioural, communication, medical or physical difficulties.
• To support other staff under the direction, guidance and supervision of the class teacher or learning support officer.
• Contribute to the safeguarding and promotion of the welfare and personal care of children and young people.

Section 1 - Duties:

General:

• Implement planned individual or group learning activities/teaching programmes as agreed with the teacher, adjusting activities according to pupils’ responses as appropriate.
• Work with pupils on therapy or care programmes, designed by a therapist/care professional.
• Participate in planning and evaluation of learning activities with the teacher, providing feedback to the teacher on pupil progress, achievements, responses and behaviour.
• Support the teacher in monitoring, assessing and recording pupil progress/activities.
• Provide feedback to pupils in relation to attainment and progress under the guidance of the teacher.
• Support learning by arranging/providing resources for lessons/activities under the direction of the teacher.
• Share information about pupils with other staff, parents/carers, internal and external agencies, as appropriate.
• Attend to pupils’ personal needs including toileting, hygiene, dressing and eating, as well as help with social, welfare and health matters, reporting problems to the teacher as appropriate.
• Understand and support independent learning and inclusion of all pupils if required.

Specific:

• Administer medication/physical therapy programme in accordance with an agreed plan under direction of healthcare practitioner and following appropriate training.
• Assist in the development of individual development plans for pupils.
• Carry out physical intervention and/or restraint when necessary in accordance with the school’s Positive Management Policy and Procedures and having completed appropriate training to support children whose behaviour can be challenging.
• Support the work of volunteers and other teaching assistants in the classroom.
• Support the use of ICT in the curriculum.
• Assist in escorting and supervising pupils on educational visits and out of school activities.
• Select, prepare and clear away classroom materials and learning areas ensuring they are available for use, including developing and presenting displays.
• Support children’s learning through play.
• Support the total communication environment across the school through the use of Makaton signing, PECS and assisted technologies.
• Assist with break-time and lunchtime supervision including facilitating games and activities.
• Support pupils in developing and implementing their own personal and social development.
• Monitor and manage stock and supplies for the classroom.

Health and Safety:

• Undergo Basic First Aid training and update courses.
• Be aware of the responsibility for personal Health, Safety and Welfare and that of others who may be affected by your actions or inactions.
• Co‑operate with the employer on all issues to do with Health, Safety & Welfare.

Continuing Professional Development - Personal:

• In conjunction with the Headteacher, take responsibility for personal professional development to keep up to date with developments in teaching pedagogy and changes in the School Curriculum.
• Undertake any necessary professional development as identified in the School Improvement Plan taking full advantage of any relevant training and development available.
• Maintain a professional portfolio of evidence to support the Appraisal process.
• Effectively manage own time when dealing with a wide range of day-to-day and long term demands of the post.

This job description will be reviewed annually and may be subject to amendment or modification at any time after consultation with the post holder. It is not a comprehensive statement of procedures and tasks, but sets out the main expectations of the School in relation to the post holder’s professional responsibilities and duties, including the provision of high quality teaching and learning support across the School and the pastoral care of the children in their charge.

Commitment to safeguarding:

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment to keeping children safe. Any offer of employment will be subject to statutory pre-employment checks including satisfactory references and Enhanced DBS and Barred List checks. This post is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (as amended in 2013 & 2020) and shortlisted candidates will be required to disclose any relevant criminal history prior to interview.