SEN Teaching Assistant - Penkridge

Teaching Assistant focused on support of individual student(s) (12 month fixed term contract).

Responsible to: Head teacher

Job purpose: To support all elements of the teaching and learning for the student and their general well-being.

Location: Based near Penkridge ST18. Longridge School is a New Reflexions independent, day school for young people with autism, moderate learning disabilities and other complex emotional and behavioural difficulties, in Penkridge, near Stafford for students aged 7 to 18 years. The welfare of children and young people are paramount at Longridge School. We are committed to safeguarding everyone in our care and we expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. Therefore, as this post is a regulated activity and/or on a regulated site, we follow strict safer recruitment procedures when recruiting new staff. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS and other vetting checks and will be required to disclose any criminal records. If you have any questions regarding this, please highlight these in your application.

Duties:

• Assist in the educational and social development of the student(s) under the direction and guidance of the head teacher, SENCO and class teachers.
• Assist in the implementation of Education Programmes for the student(s) and help monitor their progress.
• Provide support for the individual student(s) inside and outside the classroom to enable them to fully participate in activities whilst promoting the inclusion of all students.
• Work with other professionals, as necessary.
• Assist class teachers with maintaining student records.
• Establish a constructive working relationship with the student(s) who will have a range of additional needs which may include autism, ADHD, moderate to severe learning disabilities and language and communication difficulties.
• Encourage the student(s) to interact with others and engage in activities led by the teacher.
• Set challenging and demanding expectations and promote self-esteem and independence.
• Provide relevant feedback to the student(s) in relation to progress and achievement under the guidance of the teacher.
• Be an excellent role model to the student(s) to promote behaviour expectations, using trained therapeutic interventions if necessary.
• Assist with the supervision of the student(s) outside of lesson times.
• Accompany teaching staff and the student(s) on visits, trips and out of school activities as required and take responsibility for a group under the supervision of the teacher or alone take responsibility for an individual student.
• To provide educational support to the student in their home as appropriate.

Administrative duties:

• Prepare and present displays of students' work.
• Support class teachers in photocopying and other tasks in order to support teaching.
• Invigilate public examinations as required.
• Prepare, maintain and use equipment/resources required to meet the lesson plans/relevant learning activity and assist the student in their use.
• To carry out other administrative duties in support of the proper functioning of the school.

Standards and quality assurance:

• Be aware of and comply with New Reflexion’s and School policies and procedures.
• Support the aims and ethos of the school.
• To maintain a culture of vigilance in relation to safeguarding and child protection, reporting any concerns including low levels concerns to the designated safeguarding lead in line with the school’s policies and procedures.
• Set a good example in terms of dress, punctuality and attendance and be aware of these responsibilities outside of working time.
• Attend team and staff meetings as required.
• Undertake other professional duties that may be reasonably assigned by the head teacher.
• Be proactive in matters relating to the welfare of students and staff and health and safety.
• Participate in training, other learning activities and performance development as required.
• Support all students in a general capacity and maximise opportunities to help all young people in their development.

Benefits:

• Free access to 5 caravans throughout the UK for a personal holiday.
• Funded DBS checks.
• Refer a friend scheme – refer a friend to come join the New Reflexions team and earn a £500 bonus per referral or £1,000 for a qualified referral.
• Free confidential employee assistance programme and app.
• Blue Light discount card scheme.
• Bike-to-work and electric vehicle scheme.
• Workplace pension.
• Access to the Training Hub with 800 care sector-specific specialist online subjects; CPD accredited & certificated.
• A full current driving licence is preferred.