Higher Level Teaching Assistant in Chester

Our school is based on a beautiful 84-acre site in Barrowmore, rural Cheshire. We offer up to 20 places for students aged 7 to 19 years of age. The school is an incredible place for children who have complex needs arising from autism, behavioural and learning difficulties to thrive, learn new skills, grow in confidence, and make new friends. Our dedicated staff provide first class support. The education, health, care, and therapy teams work in partnership, and we pride ourselves on having strong relationships in place with parents, carers and funders. This tried and tested approach ensures every iMap student reaches their optimum level of achievement.

About the Role

Purpose: To plan, prepare and deliver activities that facilitate active learning experiences, increased attendance and support wellbeing activities. To develop, plan and monitor the impact of a comprehensive intervention programme. All students will be supported via interventions such as reading, lego therapy etc. Develop and prepare resources for learning activities in accordance with lesson / termly plans and in response to pupil need. To collect, record and report attendance and wellbeing data, of pupils and groups of pupils to the Deputy Head. To foster a culture and ethos that promotes positivity, excellence, equality and high expectations of all students and support staff. To provide the highest quality of wellbeing, pastoral, care and preparation for life for all students in the school. To play a full part in the life of the school community, to support its distinctive mission and ethos and to encourage staff and students to follow this example. To work closely with teaching staff to promote effective working to improve attendance, behaviours, learning and teaching and raise achievement and expectations for all students. The job description is to be carried out within a system of supervision by qualified teachers.

Key Responsibilities:

• To be an excellent communicator.
• To develop individualised sessions to support wellbeing and prompt good attendance for all abilities and needs to ensure all students are able to participate and reach their full potential.
• To ensure all students have access to an intervention programme that supports their individual needs.
• To establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities.
• To prepare classroom for class activities.
• To provide a variety of learning materials, wellbeing activities and resources to prompt excellent attendance and a positive attitude to learning.
• To identify and select different instructional resources and methods to meet students' varying needs.
• To manage student wellbeing and behaviour in the classroom by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures.
• To maintain discipline in accordance with the rules and disciplinary systems of the school.
• Promote and reinforce students self-esteem and independence and employ strategies to recognise and reward achievement of self-reliance.
• Assist in maintaining and analysing records of pupils attendance, wellbeing and attitude to learning.
• Develop the whole school pupil council.

Strategic Direction and Development of the School:

To work with the Principal, Deputy Head Teacher and other members of the staff team to ensure the successful delivery of the vision, ethos, aims and objectives of the school. To deliver the ethos of the School and the educational vision and direction which enables effective teaching and support, successful learning and achievement by students and sustained improvements in their spiritual, moral, social, cultural, mental and physical well-being in preparation for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.

Learning and Teaching:

To deliver effective teaching and learning and monitor and feed into the teacher evaluations to support the standards in students achievement, using benchmarks and setting targets for improvement. To monitor, evaluate and review students performance and development and implement strategies to ensure that all students achieve and learn. To ensure that individual behaviour strategies are incorporated into all planning for teaching and learning. To provide appropriate verbal feedback on pupil wellbeing, attitude to learning and attendance. To support and feedback accurate and complete records of students' attendance progress and development including SMSC, and personal, social and emotional development.

Accountability:

To work with the Deputy and Principal to provide information required for reports on students and engagement in activities. To participate in department and school meetings when planning the curriculum. To keep up to date with own CPD.

Strengthening Community:

To work in partnership with all school staff, parents, carers and other agencies in providing for the academic, spiritual, moral, social, emotional and cultural well-being of students. To promote a culturally inclusive ethos which actively values and promotes diversity, unity and community cohesion and supports students to become successful citizens. To work in liaison with the Senior Management Team and all relevant agencies in order to adequately safeguard and protect the students.

Pastoral Responsibilities:

Provide a visible and approachable point of contact for pupils and staff seeking pastoral support, ensuring all members of the school community feel listened to, respected, and valued. Support the emotional well-being and mental health of pupils and staff, promoting a positive, inclusive, and nurturing environment. Proactively identify and respond to emerging pastoral needs, working collaboratively with colleagues and, where appropriate, signposting to further support or external agencies. Contribute to the planning and delivery of pastoral initiatives, such as well-being activities, assemblies, or staff support sessions, to foster resilience, positive relationships, and a sense of belonging. Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times, ensuring sensitive issues are handled with discretion and in line with school policies. Model and encourage respectful, empathetic, and inclusive interactions throughout the school community. Participate in relevant training and development to enhance skills and knowledge in pastoral care and well-being. Liaise with the Senior Management Team to ensure that pastoral support is aligned with the schools ethos, safeguarding procedures, and overall vision.

Attendance Officer:

Monitor and manage pupil attendance and punctuality by working closely with the School Business Administrator to identify patterns of absence. Liaise with parents, carers, and external agencies to support improved attendance, implementing strategies and interventions tailored to individual students needs in line with safeguarding and SEN requirements.

Additional Duties:

To safeguard and promote the welfare of all student and young people in the school by being familiar with and aware of the Schools Safeguarding and protection issues, procedures and guidelines and to adhere to them at all times. To bring to the attention of a senior colleague any matter of concern over the wellbeing, safety or safeguarding of a person we support. To be aware of your responsibilities in accordance with the current Health and Safety at Work Act.

Benefits:

• Bike to Work Scheme
• Tech Scheme
• Paid Sick Pay
• Long Service Reward Scheme
• Support to Drive Scheme
• Development Pathways
• Comprehensive Training Package
• Christmas Saver Scheme
• Enhanced Employee Assistance Package

Requirements:

• Essential Level 4 HLTA qualification
• Evidence of recent and relevant professional development
• Experience of working with students with ASD and ADHD
• Ability to communicate with a range of people, both orally and in writing
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection frameworks
• Confident user of IT

• Desirable Additional qualification with Autism specialism