EYFS Teaching Assistant/EYFS Practitioner

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Overall Purpose of the Post: To work in conjunction with the class teacher to support children’s learning and to share in the care and well-being of the children throughout the school. To take intervention groups/work with individuals as directed by the teacher. To supervise and support children over lunchtime.

• Work as part of a team and as directed to support quality education for the children.
• Act as a role model within the school community and demonstrate flexibility and excellent timekeeping.
• Be aware of and support school policies and procedures.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality.
• Work or play with individuals or small groups of children to assist in the delivery of the planned curriculum, as directed by the class teacher/SENCO.
• Set up group activities under the guidance of the class teacher.
• Work with children on practical activities, giving assistance and encouragement.
• Read to, and with, small groups of children.
• Under the direction of the class teacher assist in the planning, creation and mounting of displays of the children’s work.
• Provide support and assistance for children’s pastoral needs (e.g., dressing, going to the toilet, caring for sick, injured or distressed children).
• Report any concerns regarding children’s welfare or education to the class teacher.
• Under the direction of the Class Teacher, liaise with parents as appropriate on routine matters, maintaining sensitivity and confidentiality at all times.
• Assist with the reception and departure of children at the beginning and end of school sessions.
• Accompany classes and small groups of children on educational visits.
• Assist with the preparation of resources e.g. photocopying, repairing books, and filing of work, making games and apparatus.
• Help the inclusion of all children, including those with EAL and supporting individual children who find it difficult to form relationships or successfully access the curriculum.
• Working with outside agencies, such as Educational Psychologists, by liaising and supporting their work with pupils.
• Assist pupils with physical needs and difficulties.
• Develop skills and knowledge and complete training programmes as directed by the SENDCO or Headship team.
• Supervise pupils at lunchtime, both eating their meals indoors and during play sessions.
• Support the behaviour of pupils with particular regard to safety and school procedures.

All Staff Will:

• Promote equality of opportunity.
• Follow Safeguarding Guidelines and Child Protection policy/procedures.
• Contribute to producing/delivering priorities in the School Improvement Plan.
• Keep their own performance under review, contributing to monitoring, evaluation and review and participate in performance management/appraisal.
• Promote positive attitudes and behaviour.
• Contribute to the smooth day to day running of the school.
• Be committed to achieving the school values.
• Work to develop the Trust to have successful inclusive schools.
• Respond promptly to concerns from parents, staff or students.
• Promote the school in the community.
• Work in partnership with all colleagues including the Governing Body.
• Support Codes of Professional Ethics/Safe Practice in the Staff Handbook.
• Have regard for and act in accordance with Health and Safety policy/practice.
• Celebrate success of pupils and staff.

The post holder shall ensure that the duties of the post are undertaken with due regard of the Trust’s policies and to their personal responsibilities under the provision of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and all other relevant subordinate legislation. This job description should not be viewed as a comprehensive description of the post. Whilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities of the post, each individual task undertaken may not be identified. Employees will be expected to comply with any reasonable request from those in a position of responsibility to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description. To work with and alongside other staff to ensure that the Trust provides the best possible outcomes for all children. To provide emergency back-up cover in the event of staff absence. The post-holder may be required to work in any of the offices/schools/nurseries within Ivy, as directed by the CEO.