Lead Activity Officer (Rebound Therapy and Sensory Swimming) in Newcastle upon Tyne

Required to start as soon as possible, we are looking to appoint a highly motivated Lead Activity Officer, to work alongside our positive, forward-thinking and dedicated team of teaching and support staff. This role is perfect for a positive and professional individual with:

• 5 GCSEs Grade C+/4+ (or equivalent) including Maths and English
• NVQ Level 4 DfE recognised Teaching Assistant, SEND Assistant, EYFS or Childcare qualification or higher qualification with relevant experience
• A good understanding of the therapeutic environment and supporting pupils with learning difficulties and autism
• The ability to organise and lead a small team to deliver rebound therapy and sensory swimming programmes effectively
• Experience of working with children with SEN or adults with learning disability and autism
• Experience in delivering Rebound Therapy would be preferred but is not essential

As a valued member of our team, you will:

• Plan rebound therapy and sensory swimming programmes for individuals and groups
• Line manage a small team and oversee the day-to-day delivery of therapeutic activities
• Deliver rebound therapy and sensory swimming programmes to individuals and groups
• Assist in supporting children day-to-day in school when required e.g. lunchtime duties and classroom cover, events such as sports days etc
• Be able to relate well to children with SEN and able to establish positive relationships with pupils, parents and staff

Sounds like you? Training and support will be given to the right candidate with a passion to work in the field of SEND and Autism.

Thomas Bewick School is a specialist provision for autistic children and young people. We cater for children and young people aged 3-19 years with a range of abilities and differences associated with Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and all of our pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

The school is arranged over four different sites: Sites 1 and 2 are based in West Denton, we also have 2 satellite sites based in Denton Burn and Kenton (site 3 and site 4). Our relevant, exciting and challenging curriculum is taught and supported by a team of caring, friendly and dedicated staff who are trained in a range of ASC specific approaches and strategies. All of our pupils have access to an autism specific environment with a range of specialist facilities and activities available to support different aspects of their learning and development.

To learn more about Thomas Bewick School and Prosper Learning Trust, please visit our websites. Prosper Learning Trust was established in January 2018 to help vulnerable young people succeed against the odds. Four core values underpin everything we do as a Trust: Aspiration, Integrity, Resilience and Kindness. We are looking for staff who share those values and want to support our young people.

The Trust currently have 5 schools in the region:

• Newcastle Bridges School – Alternative Provision academy offering education to pupils unable to access mainstream school due to medical needs including hospitalised children and young people (3-19 years)
• Mary Astell Academy – Alternative Provision academy offering education to permanently excluded pupils and pupils who are struggling in mainstream school (11-16 years)
• Thomas Bewick Special School – Special School academy for pupils with a diagnosis of autism (3-19 years)
• Harry Watts Academy – Special School academy for pupils with a diagnosis of autism (5-16 years)
• Gilbert Ward Academy – Special School academy for pupils with SEMH or a diagnosis of autism (11-16 years)

Prosper Learning Trust was also recently named as the lead partner in the opening of a new Free School in Jarrow, South Tyneside. This school will be a Special School academy for pupils with SEMH (4-11 years).

The successful candidate will be deployed initially at Thomas Bewick School but will be expected to work at any Prosper Learning Trust site should the need arise.

Benefits of working for Prosper Learning Trust:

• The Trust is proud to say that we match the Real Living Wage and we also offer successful candidates:
• A friendly and supportive team of staff who are willing to share expertise and learn from one another
• Opportunities for career development and support with development through Trust wide Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and support from the Trust's Wellbeing Network Group
• Access to either Teacher's Pension or Local Government Pension Scheme, each with favourable employer contribution rates
• Employee centred policies that support you in and beyond the workplace
• Funded eye tests for DSE users (subject to T/Cs)
• Bike 2 Work scheme

For more information on why we think you should work for us see our Trust website, where you will also find videos of what our current staff think. The successful candidate will be welcomed into the Trust, so if this sounds like the role for you please don’t hesitate to apply.

Please note that all successful candidates will be required to complete an online pre-employment medical questionnaire.