Early Years Practitioner

We are a larger than average Primary School serving the Trent Vale and Oakhill area of Stoke-on-Trent. In our most recent Ofsted inspection (October 2023), we were graded as a 'Good' school overall with 'Outstanding' gradings for Personal Development and Behaviour and Attitudes! We have a great school building with attractive classrooms and lots of outside space for children to play and learn. We pride ourselves on our nurturing approach - we value and respect all children and ensure that they are happy, secure and safe at our school. "Pupils are courteous and polite as they move around school. Pupils are motivated learners, and they show respect for one another" - Ofsted October 2023. The school is one of the founding members of Orchard Community Trust, which is a Stoke-on-Trent based Multi-Academy Trust (MAT). This academy trust consists of both primary schools and special schools. Our school motto is 'Working together for a brighter future' and our vision is 'To develop the whole child, so they leave Oakhill Primary School with the skills to continue to thrive and achieve academically and personally and make a positive contribution to the community...whatever their starting points'. We recognise that we all need to work in partnership to make sure this happen; teachers, support staff, governors, parents/carers and pupils. We know how vital working in partnership with parents and carers really is, in order for children to find school a positive and rewarding experience. We believe that if we all work together, then the children will enjoy and achieve more. Supporting our pupils to develop as well rounded young people with strong principles and values is vitally important to us. Our school aims therefore underpin the school motto and our school 'teams' echo the values within our aims. Every pupil and member of staff is in one of our six teams which are: Empathy, Ambition, Respect, Resilience, Confidence and Independence. These values run through everything we do at Oakhill!

Should you require any further information, or should you wish to visit the school, please email us at: Vacancy@oakhill.orchardct.org.uk and we would be delighted to meet you!

This is a temporary post to cover Maternity level. Initially 12 months. To work with teachers to support teaching and learning, providing specialist support to the teacher in an aspect of the curriculum, age range or additional needs . To provide classroom cover of up to 3 days during any short-term absence.

To work with teachers to support teaching and learning, providing specialist support to the teacher in an aspect of the curriculum, age range or additional needs

To provide classroom cover of up to 3 days during any short-term absence.

Key Duties / Responsibilities

Provide learning activities for individuals and groups of pupils under the professional direction and supervision of a qualified teacher, differentiating and adapting learning programmes to suit the needs of allocated pupils

Assess, record and report on development, progress and attainment as agreed with the teacher

Monitor and record pupil responses and learning achievements, drawing any problems which cannot be resolved to the attention of the teacher

Plan and evaluate specialist learning activities with the teacher, writing reports and records as required

Select and adapt appropriate resources/methods to facilitate agreed learning activities

Support pupils in social and emotional well-being, reporting problems to the teacher as appropriate

Establish and maintain relationships with families, carers and other adults, e.g. speech therapists

Provide short term cover supervision of classes

Be responsible for the preparation, maintenance and control of stocks of materials and resources

Invigilate exams and tests

Escort and supervise pupils on educational and out of school activities

Guide and support pupils in their personal, emotional and social development

Prepare and present displays

Supervise individuals and groups of pupils throughout the day, including supervision in the classroom, playground and dining areas

Assist pupils with eating, dressing and hygiene, as required, whilst encouraging independence

To assist the SENCO and be involved in planning, organising and implementing individual development plans for pupils (such as Individual educational plans), including attendance at, and contribution to, reviews

Work with pupils not working to the normal timetable.

Working within the Trust also means being part of a community where children are placed firmly at the centre of every decision, supported by a shared ethos and strong common values. We empower staff to have accessible advice, professional support and an open, collaborative culture where help is only ever a call or email away. OCT provides meaningful opportunities for professional development, leadership growth and career progression within a united and forward‑thinking educational family. As well as the above, below is an extension of the benefits of working within our family:

• Working with colleagues that are passionate about innovative digital strategy
• CPD framework to help you flourish in your role and beyond
• Trust wide network group and collaboration opportunities with peers
• Valuable access to employee wellbeing services, including; counselling, physiotherapy, online fitness classes and more
• Discounted Gym Membership
• Competitive Employer Pension Scheme
• Family Friendly policies including the opportunity to request flexible working, Occupational Maternity and Paternity Pay
• Free flu jabs
• Union Recognition
• Access to wellbeing time.

Competencies and experience
Experience of working in a primary school	x		x
Good knowledge of the primary curriculum	x	x	x
Good knowledge of assessment	x	x	x
Understanding of effective teaching and learning practices	x	x	x
Effective behaviour management	x	x	x
Awareness of cultural diversity	x		x
Experience of working with groups of children and ideally whole class delivery	x	x	x
Develops relationships between home and school enabling parents and carers to be co-educators	x		x
Personal qualities
An excellent team player	X		x
Flexible and willing to go the extra mile	x		x
Resilient, hardworking and a “can do” attitude	x		x
Sense of humour	x	x	x
Caring, compassionate and enjoys working with children	x	x	x
Has high expectations of all children, themselves and their colleagues	x		X
Friendly, approachable and passionate	x	x	X
Demonstrates a concern for the pastoral and spiritual welfare of everyone in the school	x		X
Additional Factors
Commitment to promoting the ethos and values of the school and getting the best outcomes for all pupils	x	x	X
Commitment to acting with integrity, honesty, loyalty and fairness to safeguard the assets, financial probity and reputation of the school	x		X
Ability to work under pressure, prioritise effectively and meet deadlines	x		x

Professional Qualifications	A	B	C
Level 3 or above qualification in teaching and learning	x
GCSE or equivalent in maths and English (4/C)	x