SEN 1-2-1 Teaching Assistant

Main purpose:

• To provide learning and care support for an individual pupil with special educational needs (SEN) to help them to work towards the outcomes on their education and health care plan (EHCP).
• To work with the pupil’s teacher(s) to plan and deliver activities.
• To support the pupil with routines, transitions and behaviour management.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Support for the pupil:
• Build a positive relationship with the pupil, promoting high self-esteem, independence and social inclusion.
• Promote high standards of behaviour, responding to incidents in line with the school’s behaviour for learning policy and guidelines on physical intervention.
• Assist with the development and delivery of individual EHCPs.
• Support the pupil with their social, emotional and mental health needs, escalating concerns where appropriate.
• Teaching and learning:
• Demonstrate an informed and efficient approach to teaching and learning by adopting relevant strategies to support the work of the teacher(s) and increase the pupil’s achievement.
• Contribute to the planning of differentiated learning activities for the individual, delivering activities inside or outside the classroom.
• Support the teaching of a broad and balanced curriculum aimed at helping the pupil achieve their full potential in all areas of learning.
• Promote, support and facilitate inclusion by encouraging participation of the pupil in learning.
• Use effective behaviour management strategies consistently in line with the school’s policy and procedures.
• Organise and manage teaching space and resources to help maintain a stimulating and safe learning environment.
• Use ICT skills to advance the pupil’s learning.
• Provide regular feedback to teachers on the pupil’s progress, attainment and barriers to learning through pupil observation.
• Monitor, record and report on progress and attainment.
• Working with staff, parents/carers and relevant professionals:
• Share knowledge and understanding of the pupil with other school staff and education, health and social care professionals, so that informed decision making can take place on intervention and provision.
• Communicate effectively with other staff members, pupils, and parents and carers.
• Keep other professionals accurately informed about performance, progress and any areas of concern.
• Understand their roles, to be able to work collaboratively with classroom teachers and other colleagues, including specialist advisory teachers.
• Collaborate and work with colleagues and other relevant professionals within and beyond the school.
• Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues.
• Professional development:
• Keep their own knowledge and understanding relevant and up-to-date by reflecting on their own practice, liaising with school leaders and identifying relevant professional development opportunities to improve personal effectiveness.
• Take opportunities to build the appropriate skills, qualifications, and/or experience needed for the role, with support from the school.
• Take part in the school’s appraisal procedures.
• Safeguarding:
• Work in line with statutory safeguarding guidance (e.g. Keeping Children Safe in Education, Working Together to Safeguard Children, Prevent) and our safeguarding and child protection policies.
• Promote the safeguarding of all pupils in the school.
• The teaching assistant will be required to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people, and follow school policies and the staff code of conduct.

Please note that this is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the role. It is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that the teaching assistant will carry out. The postholder may be required to do other duties appropriate to the level of the role, as directed by the headteacher or line manager. This job description may be amended at any time in consultation with the postholder.

Person Specification criteria qualities:

• Qualifications and training:
• NVQ 3 for Teaching Assistants or equivalent qualifications or experience.
• First-aid training, or willingness to complete it.
• GCSE or equivalent level, including at least a Grade 4 (previously Grade C) in English and maths - desirable.
• Experience:
• Experience working in a school environment or other educational setting.
• Experience working with children/young people.
• Experience planning and delivering learning activities.
• Skills and knowledge:
• Good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Good organisational skills.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with pupils and adults.
• Skills and expertise in understanding the needs of all pupils.
• Knowledge of how to help adapt and deliver support to meet individual needs.
• Subject and curriculum knowledge relevant to the role, and ability to apply this effectively in supporting teachers and pupils.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Active listening skills.
• The ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
• Knowledge of guidance and requirements around safeguarding children.
• Good ICT skills, particularly using ICT to support learning.
• Understanding of roles and responsibilities within the classroom and whole school context.
• Personal qualities:
• Enjoyment of working with children.
• Sensitivity and understanding, to help build good relationships with pupils.
• A commitment to getting the best outcomes for all pupils, and promoting the ethos and values of the school.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• Commitment to safeguarding pupil’s wellbeing and equality.
• Resilient, positive, forward looking and enthusiastic about making a difference.
• Capacity to inspire, motivate and challenge children and young people.