At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils in the classroom and assist teachers with resources and documentation.
- Company: Ochil Tower School is a nurturing environment for children with additional support needs.
- Benefits: Enjoy 7 weeks annual leave, enhanced maternity pay, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while working in a supportive community.
- Qualifications: SVQ 3 Social Services preferred; commitment to training accepted.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a chance to work closely with a dedicated team.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 Β£ per year.
Employment Type
Full Time
Application Start Date
07-07-2025
Application End Date
27-07-2025
Location
State/County
Perthshire
PH3 1AD
Country
Scotland
Work Style
On-site
Education
Category
Education
Position
Classroom teaching
Experience
6 month
Education
SVQ 3 Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF Level 7
Description
About Us
Ochil Tower School is an independent residential and day school for children and young people with additional support needs from the ages of 8-21. We are committed to promoting a nurturing, safe and fulfilling environment for the children and young people that we support. Our ethos is based upon a social pedagogy model and the purpose of the role is to recognise and build on the individual strengths of each pupil and use their interests to help them engage in their learning. We are a Camphill community who incorporates the ethos of Waldorf education and Camphill values into our 24h curriculum which is based on the curriculum for Excellence.
The Role
We are looking to recruit a Teaching Assistant who will support pupils in the classroom setting to achieve learning aims and care and provide support to the teacher out with class hours in relation to documentation, creating learning resources and setting up course work. The post also includes support in the houses during breaks, lunch and rest hour when needed and agreed by the teacher. The post holder will also be required to meet and address challenging behaviour and will encourage the pupils to engage in a meaningful and structured daily routine. We are seeking a motivated and committed individual who has a view that βwork is more than just a jobβ and has a genuine interest in young people, being willing to work through difficult times with them. You should be caring, nurturing and empathic, with an ability to support young people to feel safe and secure. You will need to be flexible, tolerant and understanding, being able to treat young people as individuals. You will be honest and trustworthy, know how to set limits and boundaries whilst being able to recognise your own limits and when to ask for help. You will be able to be part of a team, to be supportive of others and cooperative with all members of the class and house community.
Qualities needed for the position
This post also will require the individual to have good levels of resilience, have a positive outlook and self-concept; be optimistic; pro-social, have stamina and endurance to be appropriately assertive, be able to handle pressure,set limits and boundaries and able to know their own limits and ask for help or respite and is willing to be emotionally involved but also to step back when appropriate. We are looking for someone who is honest, trustworthy, fair, consistent, likes young people and is genuinely interested in them.
Qualifications
A qualification of SVQ 3 Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF Level 7 plus HNC Social Care is preferable and or Certificate as a Class room assistant( there are also a variety of alternative qualifications accepted by SSSC. Please go to their web-site to check) . Suitable candidates will be accepted without qualification if there is a commitment to work towards it. Ochil Tower School will facilitate and pay for this.
Registration
If not already registered with the SSSC (Scottish Social Services Council) this must take place within 6 months of commencing work. Financial and practical assistance is provided to achieve this. Compliance with all Codes of Practice as stated in SSSC guidelines is expected at all times. Anyone with a GTCS Registration is not required to do so, however has to continue to uphold their registration through engagement with the GTCS standards and take part in an annual PRD with the Head of Education as stated in our Professional Update and Professional Review & Development Policy. This post requires PVG membership in relation to working with children/adults The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 ( Exclusions and Exceptions) ( Scotland) Order 2013 applies to this post.
Experience
Six months experience of teaching assistance/support work with young people with Additional Support Needs
What we Offer
- 8 hours shifts Monday to Thursday, 6 hours Friday
- 7 weeks annual leave, 6 further weeks not required to work
- Enhanced maternity pay
- Employee assistance program
- Cycle to work scheme
- Opportunity to develop professional skills and knowledge
Do you have the right to work in the UK without the need of a VISA sponsorship? * Required
Do you live in a commuting distance from Auchterarder? * Required
Do you have own mode of transport? * Required
Please tell us why you want to work at Ochil Tower School and what qualities do you think are important for this role? (Please restrict your answer to no more than 200 words) * Required
Do you have a current PVG? If yes, are you registered to work with vulnerable adults, children, or both? * Required
Do you have a friend or relative working at Ochil Tower School? If yes, please state who. * Required
Do you hold a SVQ 3 Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF Level 7 ? * Required
Other Attachment
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Teaching Assistant employer: Host Student Housing Limited
Contact Detail:
Host Student Housing Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the ethos of Ochil Tower School, particularly their commitment to social pedagogy and Waldorf education. Understanding these principles will help you align your approach when discussing how you can contribute to their nurturing environment.
β¨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have working with young people who have additional support needs. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've successfully engaged with them in a classroom or care setting.
β¨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your resilience and ability to handle challenging behaviour by preparing anecdotes that showcase your problem-solving skills and emotional intelligence. This will show that you can maintain a positive outlook even in tough situations.
β¨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your commitment to professional development, especially regarding obtaining the necessary qualifications like SVQ 3. Expressing your willingness to learn and grow within the role will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and qualities required for the Teaching Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your genuine interest in working at Ochil Tower School. Discuss why you want to be part of their community and how your personal qualities make you a suitable candidate for supporting young people with additional support needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail any relevant experience you have in teaching assistance or support work with young people, especially those with additional support needs. Use specific examples to demonstrate your resilience, empathy, and ability to handle challenging situations.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread all documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your CV and cover letter are clear and professional. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and commitment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Host Student Housing Limited
β¨Show Your Passion for Education
Make sure to express your genuine interest in working with young people, especially those with additional support needs. Share personal experiences or motivations that led you to pursue a role in education, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
β¨Demonstrate Empathy and Understanding
Prepare examples of how you've shown empathy in previous roles or situations. Discuss how you can create a nurturing environment for students, as this aligns with the ethos of Ochil Tower School.
β¨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Since the role requires collaboration with teachers and other staff, be ready to discuss your experience working in teams. Provide specific examples of how you contributed to a positive team dynamic and supported colleagues.
β¨Be Ready to Discuss Challenging Behaviour
Think about scenarios where you've dealt with challenging behaviour in a supportive manner. Be prepared to explain your approach and how you maintained a safe and structured environment for young people.