Teaching Assistant

At Heron Academy we are seeking especially gifted and talented individuals who can bring fun and entertainment to supporting pupils access teaching and learning. Our pupils present with severe and complex learning difficulties, all having an EHCP. Our ideal candidates will feel at ease working as part of a team dedicated to helping children make progress across the whole curriculum.

You will be an integral part of a highly efficient and caring team, taking responsibility for a range of tasks within a range of learning environments (Class based, community based, sport based, swimming, personal care). You will possess the skills of an Artist, a Clown, a Storyteller, a Bake-off Chef and a Community Explorer. You will be the glue that helps to ensure the team works together, you will help to create resources, support the pupils to access the community, help pupils to develop independence through modelling and supporting self‑care routines.

Every day you will have a smile measuring approximately a mile wide, always presenting a welcome attitude to pupils, peers and other stakeholders, demonstrating your passion for education, play and caring for everyone around you. You will be flexible (able to support wherever the need arises, respond to behaviour using planned strategies, showing empathy, initiative and the ability to think on your feet every day). You will be an experienced Teaching Assistant preferably with experience of working with individuals and groups of pupils with SEND; however, we are more than happy to work with you to build skills and knowledge if you possess the positive attitude and aptitude we require.

What does a day at Heron Academy look like? The day starts at 08.30 am. Teaching Assistants (TAs) prepare the day ahead, working in their team of TAs, they ensure that the learning areas are ready to welcome pupils from 09.00 am. Most pupils arrive by bus; TAs support pupils to transition from buses to the classroom. TAs work with individuals or small groups to prepare for learning, they support pupils to access a range of morning tasks before the Morning Routine (Circle Time) commences.

The Morning Routine is an opportunity for the whole class to sing, dance and check on pupil wellbeing (Zones of Regulation) as well as consisting of structured learning which includes Communication, Phonics, Numeracy for Life, Literacy for Life and a range of other subjects which are planned using the Equals Curriculum as a starting point. Pupils are supported to make choices at snack‑time and meet with peers at Lunch‑time in our canteen. At Lunch time our pupils can access a variety of Lunch Clubs; Sport, Music, Dance, Sensory and Reading. TAs take a 30 minutes lunch break either in our wonderful staffroom or offsite. Most pupils complete their Daily Mile around the Playground before the afternoon session begins.

Afternoons are more creative, pupils access Community Learning, Art, Independence, PE, Drama, Yoga, swimming, Enterprise and end the day with a Love of Literacy session (Story Time) before preparing to go home at 3.20 pm. TAs then work to capture learning highlights using Evidence for Learning, record CPOMs, complete CPD (Wednesday 3.30-4.00 pm Whole School Training). We have a clear focus on wellbeing and ensure that CPD is facilitated in short manageable workshops rather than extended afternoons (We all need time to recharge and relax).

Whole School Assemblies take place every Friday at 2.50-3.15 pm, (These are themed and facilitated on a rota by Teachers and SLT). The school day for TAs ends at 4.00 pm.

Equal Opportunities London South East Academies Trust is fully committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer and to creating a diverse, inclusive and respectful working environment, free from discrimination and harassment. We welcome and encourage applications from all, regardless of race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, parental status or marital or partnership status. As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we will offer an interview to applicants who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role. If you have accessibility needs or require any reasonable adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please let us know.

Please note that if a suitable applicant is identified, we may close the advert before the published closing date.

Recruitment Checks As the Trust supports children and vulnerable adults, all roles are exempt from Section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and, where relevant, a Children’s and/or Adult’s Barred List check. Any offer of employment may be withdrawn if these checks are unsatisfactory. Self‑disclosure is required as part of the recruitment process, and failure to make a full disclosure or to provide sight of a DBS certificate is likely to result in withdrawal of an offer. The Trust’s DBS policy on the recruitment of ex‑offenders is available on request. All appointments are also subject to verification of the right to work in the UK, in line with Home Office requirements. Original documentation will be required prior to commencement of employment.