Junior School DTE Technician

Main Responsibilities

The main focus of this role is to provide support to teachers (in the preparation of resources for lessons and in the classroom), to support students (in small groups or on a one‑to‑one basis during practical activities and with projects) and to support after‑school clubs. Adhering to all relevant H&S legislation and general maintenance of equipment and resources are integral to the role. There is scope for the successful applicant to be involved in the wider life of the school through, for example, after‑school clubs and educational visits. A person who would be able and willing to assist in cross‑curricular projects would also be welcomed.

Daily Preparation in DTE

• Check the safety of machinery and other equipment.
• Replace broken blades, check guards, speed of drills, etc.
• Check for any plugs which may have been disturbed by the cleaners and become loose.
• Generally correct and report on any shortfall in the cleaning.

Lesson Preparation for DTE (and occasionally other practical subjects)

• Refer to the timetable, scheme of work or teacher as appropriate.
• Check equipment/tool/material request sheets.
• Remove appropriate resources (i.e. trays of pupils’ work) from storage and put out ready for use.
• Preparing rooms and materials for lessons, demonstrations, displays, exhibitions and examinations.
• Designing and constructing models, teaching aids and apparatus.
• Preparing and placing the relevant materials, tools and equipment (e.g. battery drills, hot glue guns, soldering irons, power supplies, test equipment, etc.).
• General administrative support including photocopying of resources.

During Lessons

During lessons (usually DTE but occasionally other practical lessons as and when required) the main requirement is to assist the teacher as appropriate with the general instruction, care, and supervision of the pupils in lessons. As such, the Technician’s prime role changes to that of teaching assistant. However, this should always be a supportive role as directed by the teacher. It is essential that project work remains entirely that of the children and adult intervention should be kept to a minimum. It is essential that the DTE technician is supportive and sensitive toward the children. These are 7 to 11 year olds and require a thoughtful and measured approach at all times. When machinery is in use in DTE, the technician’s prime role is to supervise the use of machinery and advise pupils on safe and effective techniques while the teacher is dealing with the actual teaching. Risk assessments must be used, and health and safety rules implemented in the workshop. Machines need adjustment and repair during use in lessons, and most require constant supervision.

Additional Responsibilities (when machines are not in use)

• Maintain a record of resources in the classrooms, and advise the subject coordinator for reordering when stock is transferred from the stores.
• Batteries need charging, glue guns reloading, broken drill bits and saw blades need replacing.
• Maintain and repair hand tools and make jigs, fixtures, moulds and blanks.
• Make periodic checks on power breakers and cleaning of dust extraction equipment.
• Paint pots, glue, brushes and spreaders and painting equipment require regular attention.
• Prepare resources and components for practical lessons.
• Assist with administration: photocopying, layout of classrooms, display of pupils’ work.

After School Clubs (As Required)

Supporting teachers with after school DTE related clubs.

Budget, Ordering & Expenditure

This is carried out by the Technician in consultation with the DTE Coordinator: maintaining records of suppliers and expenditure and assisting in the preparation of estimates for the annual budget. He/she orders equipment and organises storage and dispensing materials to pupils.

Maintenance & Improvements

Ensuring regular cleaning, checks and maintenance is carried out for all machinery and tools. Being responsible for liaison with the relevant departments regarding storage facilities, day to day repairs and the ordering of cleaning materials. Assisting with proposals for the maintenance and development of the department, suggesting improved practices and procedures for the workshop.

Health & Safety

Ensuring a safe working environment for pupils and staff. Keeping up to date with safety legislation and carrying out regular safety checks. Exercising vigilance towards pupils especially in matters of health and safety. Alerting the Head of STEM and the Deputy Principal to any issues of safety within the department. The Technician must be familiar with and adhere to the safety rules of the workshop and the school as outlined in BS4163 and the risk assessments for the department and must be willing to attend safety training courses as deemed necessary by the Head of Department. Responsible for maintenance of the First Aid Kit.

General

Occasionally supervise the children at lunchtime breaks and, if required, morning breaks. This will occasionally involve:

• Accompanying the children to the dining room as and when required.
• Being on duty in the playground or inside as a member of a supervision duty team.

Accompanying Children

Occasionally being an extra pair of hands on school trips and visits. Reporting any safeguarding concerns to relevant teachers or pastoral leaders.

Team Work

Provide reliable support for the class teachers at all times; keep them informed of all matters that affect the children; join in professional discussions and staff meetings which will be after school. If required, undertake to help within the broader context of the school, carrying out other reasonable duties to support its smooth and efficient organisation. Assist in the coordination of special events such as open days, exhibitions, etc. In addition to the above mentioned duties the Technician must be prepared to take on other reasonable duties to support the smooth and efficient organisation of the school. These duties and responsibilities are intended as a guide. They are not exhaustive: the Design Technology and Engineering Technician will be expected to undertake any reasonable task or responsibility as required by the Principal of the Junior School and Assistant Principal (Curriculum) in the Junior School.