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- Tasks: Support students in developing essential reading skills and engage them in literacy activities.
- Company: Outwood Academy Ormesby, a leading academy focused on student success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and help them unlock their potential.
- Qualifications: Good general education and a passion for working with young people.
- Other info: Join a friendly team dedicated to improving literacy and student engagement.
The predicted salary is between 25744 - 27779 £ per year.
Academy: Outwood Academy Ormesby
Start Date: As soon as possible.
Salary (Actual Salary): Grade 9 SCP 22-25 (£25,744.23 to £27,779.38)
This role is temporary until 31 August 2027.
About the Academy
Outwood Academy Ormesby can be found in the town of Middlesbrough in the north-east of England. Our goal is to continuously improve and become a leading academy in the region. Through strong leadership we empower our staff to excel and ensure that students receive the best possible education and outcomes. The academy provides an excellent environment for professional development and making a positive impact on the lives of students in the area. At our academy, we have highly trained staff and effective safeguarding measures in place to support all staff members. Additionally, the SLT and staff work together effectively to ensure that all students are actively engaged in their education.
Outwood Academy Ormesby is looking to appoint a dynamic, enthusiastic teaching assistant to join our team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a teaching assistant who really wants to make a difference to the lives of young people.
About the Role
We are seeking to appoint a Specialist Literacy Teaching Assistant to support students who have yet to develop the reading skills that will allow them to fully access the opportunities for learning in lessons and the wonderful world of their own reading. The successful candidate will be a keen reader who learns quickly and who is committed to their own continuing professional development, building their expertise in early reading skills. The main responsibility of the post will be to develop students’ knowledge of phonics using the Ruth Miskin Fresh Start programme. Knowledge of teaching phonics is not a requirement for the post as full training will be given. More important is a good general level of education and the ability to work productively with young people in a professional context using initiative and organisational skills. The post will also involve delivering reading development activities such as using reading schemes or giving other support to students as necessary. The ability to communicate effectively with the senior leadership team and staff on the reading improvement team is essential. This is both an important and rewarding position. The successful candidate will form a pivotal role in helping students who have so far struggled to engage with education and in doing so, have the satisfaction of knowing that their work improves these students’ life-chances.
About the Department
The English Department at Outwood Academy Ormesby is a successful team made up of subject specialist teachers, two one-to-one tutors and two specialist literacy TAs. The department is friendly and supportive, and staff in the team put students at the heart of their discussions and all they do. There is a combination of experienced teachers, ECTs, and middle leaders in the team who all work hard to ensure students are first and everyone feels supported. There is a strong whole-school reading strategy which aims to ensure that all students can gain the educational and personal benefits of reading. Students are regularly tested using the Star Test from the Accelerated Reader Programme to track their reading ages. The specialist literacy teaching assistants intervene with students who have been identified as having gaps in their reading skill. We use the Ruth Miskin phonics programme, Rapid Plus reading scheme and other interventions to improve reading fluency and comprehension. Intervention to improve engagement with reading includes our Outwood Reads guided reading sessions, the Accelerated Reader programme and a variety of other reading incentives and competitions to encourage students to become enthusiastic independent readers.
Prospective applicants are welcome to contact us if they have any questions or would like to arrange a tour of the academy. If you share our vision, then why not join our family?
Specialist Teaching Assistant (Literacy) employer: Outwood
Contact Detail:
Outwood Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Teaching Assistant (Literacy)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the academy! Research Outwood Academy Ormesby and understand their values and goals. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current staff or alumni from the academy on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a recommendation when you apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to literacy support. Think about how you can demonstrate your passion for helping students develop their reading skills and share any relevant experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Teaching Assistant (Literacy)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Literacy: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for literacy and education. Share any experiences or personal stories that highlight your commitment to helping students develop their reading skills.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Specialist Teaching Assistant role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with our goals at Outwood Academy Ormesby.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We want to understand your qualifications and motivations without having to sift through unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to join our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outwood
✨Know Your Phonics
Even though you don't need prior knowledge of teaching phonics, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the Ruth Miskin Fresh Start programme. Brush up on basic phonics concepts and be ready to discuss how you might approach teaching them.
✨Show Your Passion for Literacy
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for reading and literacy during the interview. Share personal experiences or stories about how reading has impacted your life or the lives of others. This will show that you genuinely care about helping students develop their skills.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
The role involves working closely with the senior leadership team and other staff members. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a collaborative environment. Highlight any past experiences where teamwork led to positive outcomes in an educational setting.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the academy's reading strategies or professional development opportunities. This shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if the academy is the right fit for you.
