Teaching Assistant - Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist in Nottingham

Teaching Assistant - Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist

Teaching Assistant - Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist

Reporting to – Head of School

Working Arrangements – FULL-TIME TTO

Salary – £23,100+ (Depending on experience)

Edison Young People provides specialist education and support for children and young people who may have experienced difficulties accessing and achieving within mainstream education.

We believe that a young person should not be defined by their past experiences or the challenges they have faced. Our aim is to provide the relationships, environment, education and support they need to overcome adversity, develop confidence and resilience, and achieve positive outcomes for their present and future lives.

Across our schools, we place strong emphasis on individualised teaching, positive relationships and high quality support. We work to create environments where young people feel safe, valued, understood and able to engage in learning.

About Us

The Place Independent School operates across two sites in Bottesford and Barkestone, Nottinghamshire, providing specialist education for young people from Year 3 through to Year 13.

The school provides a nurturing environment with small class sizes, individualised support and opportunities for outdoor learning. The school also incorporates therapeutic and experiential opportunities, including interaction with a range of school farm animals.

The Place is committed to helping young people feel safe, develop confidence and independence, and achieve their individual potential.

About the Role

We are looking to recruit a Teaching Assistant - Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist to join The Place Independent School.

The role requires an understanding that CYP with autism may communicate, learn, process sensory information and respond to their environment in different ways. The Teaching Assistant will provide consistent, respectful and person centred support based on each CYP's individual needs.

The role will involve working closely with young people and colleagues to provide a positive, supportive and consistent environment in which young people can learn and develop. We are looking for someone who shares our commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.

Key Responsibilities

• Understand that behaviour may be a form of communication and respond calmly and consistently to pupils experiencing distress or dysregulation.
• Identify possible triggers and early signs that a pupil is becoming overwhelmed.
• Use agreed positive behaviour support and de-escalation strategies.
• Work with teachers to implement individual education and support plans.
• Prepare appropriate learning materials and resources.
• Break tasks into manageable steps and provide appropriate prompts or scaffolding.
• Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people at all times.
• Follow the school's safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures.
• Recognise and report safeguarding concerns promptly to the appropriate designated safeguarding staff.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, the SENCO, senior leaders and other Teaching Assistants.
• Work appropriately with external professionals involved in supporting pupils, which may include educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and other specialist services.
• Provide one-to-one and small-group support for pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder and associated needs.
• Develop positive, trusting and professional relationships with pupils.
• Support pupils to access lessons and participate meaningfully in learning activities.

Person Specification

• Have experience of working with children or young people.
• Demonstrate an understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder and how autism may affect communication, social interaction, sensory processing and learning.
• Be patient, calm, compassionate and consistent.
• Be able to build positive relationships with pupils who may have complex or differing communication and support needs.
• Be able to follow individual support plans, behaviour plans and risk assessments.
• Have good verbal and written communication skills.
• Be able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary school team.
• Demonstrate good organisational and observational skills.
• Be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Be willing to undertake relevant training and continuing professional development.

Essential Qualifications

All staff at The Place Independent School are expected to demonstrate a commitment to inclusion, equality, safeguarding and the individual needs of every pupil.

The postholder will be expected to undertake appropriate training and professional development and to carry out other reasonable duties consistent with the responsibilities and level of the post.

This job description is intended to describe the main responsibilities of the role and may be reviewed and amended to reflect the changing needs of the school.

What We Offer

We know that great schools are built by great people. That’s why we want working at Edison Young People to be about more than just a job. Here are just some of the benefits we offer:

• A competitive salary, recognising the skills, experience and commitment our staff bring to their roles.
• Generous annual leave, either working term time only, giving you the opportunity to enjoy school holidays with your family and friends, or for non teaching staff, receive 5.6 weeks' annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Additional dedicated wellbeing days to give you time to focus on yourself and recharge.
• Further wellbeing initiatives including a fully funded cashback health scheme, helping you claim back costs towards services such as optical, dental, physiotherapy and other eligible health costs.
• Staff socials including Summer Festival, Christmas party and other team social events.
• Opportunities to get involved in educational trips, including travel with young people on trips across Europe.
• Invest in your future with our supportive workplace pension scheme.
• Opportunities to develop and progress, with access to a wide range of training.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of working at Edison Young People is knowing that what you do matters. Every day, our staff have the opportunity to help a young person build confidence, overcome challenges, discover their strengths and take another step towards a positive future.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

All employees have a responsibility to contribute to a safe environment and to follow safeguarding policies, procedures and reporting arrangements, which are regularly reviewed.

The successful candidate will be expected to maintain appropriate professional boundaries, identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, and contribute to the creation of a safe and positive environment for all young people.

Employment will be subject to appropriate pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS, satisfactory references and the right to work in the UK.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion across our organisation.

We want our schools to be places where everyone feels valued, respected and able to contribute.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives and are committed to providing equality of opportunity throughout our recruitment and employment processes.

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