Teaching Assistant Level 4 (SEN) - Safeguarding and Attendance

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Higher Level Teaching Assistant/Teaching Assistant Level 4 (SEN) to join our fantastic team at Pioneer House High School. This is a permanent post working 35 hours per week, term time only plus 4 weeks. The starting salary is £31,713 and the full-time equivalent is £34,237 Grade 6.

We’re looking for a highly qualified Teaching Assistant with extensive experience supporting children and young people with social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties, as well as those with communication challenges and severe, profound, or complex learning needs. This role also requires proven experience in planning and leading teaching and learning activities, alongside strong skills and expertise in understanding and addressing diverse pupil needs. Applicants will require Numeracy and Literacy skills to level 2 (GCSEs grades 9 to 4/A*-C) or equivalent or higher and an NVQ Level 3 for Teaching Assistants or equivalent qualification or experience.

Main purpose of the job: To complement the professional work of teachers by taking responsibility for agreed learning activities across school. This may involve planning, preparing and delivering learning programmes and support to individual students, small groups and on a short-term basis to whole classes. Under the guidance of a teacher, provide support in addressing the needs of pupils who require particular help to overcome barriers to learning with particular focus on safeguarding and attendance.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Provide cover for whole classes e.g. to cover teacher short term absence. During the cover periods, there will be a requirement for the teaching assistant to carry out specified work such as planning, preparation, assessment and reporting.
• Assess the needs of students and use detailed knowledge and specialist skills/training/experience to support students learning.
• Establish productive working relationships with students, taking on role model by presenting a positive personal image and responding appropriately to individual needs.
• Encourage students to interact and work co-operatively with others and engage all students in activities.
• Assist the teacher with the development and implementation of individual Education/Behaviour/Support/Mentoring plans.
• Participate in the comprehensive assessment of students to determine those in need of particular help and provide objective and accurate feedback and reports as required, to the teacher on student achievement, progress and other matters, ensuring the availability of appropriate evidence.
• Record and provide feedback in relation to progress and achievement, behaviour and attendance in lessons/activities systematically and providing evidence of a range and level of progress and attainment.
• Implement agreed learning activities/teaching programmes, adjusting activities according to student responses and particular needs, including assessment in order to maximise student access to the curriculum within an inclusive setting where appropriate.

All school staff are expected to share the Trust’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Specific safeguarding responsibilities are detailed in the attached job description.

Working for Prospere Learning Trust: Great schools thrive because of the great people in them. We invest in our staff to achieve their full potential and offer a range of benefits including high quality CPD for all roles, Bupa Level 1 Health Plan, generous pension contribution, good holidays, cyclescheme, employee assistance programmes, credit union, flexible working options, mental health first aid in every school, Blue Light Card, and Byond cashback card.

Pioneer House High School is a special school located in Northern Moor which provides 100 day places for 11 to 19 year old pupils, with a unique focus in preparing pupils with significant additional needs, to become independent and productive adults. The school has a strong vocational emphasis and pupils will have the potential to progress on to supported or independent employment/internships/apprenticeships or college.

Following our first Ofsted inspection in 2019, Pioneer House was graded Outstanding in all areas.

Job Application Information: Please apply using the online application form; incomplete applications may not be considered. CVs are not accepted. Early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

As per Keeping Children Safe in Education, we conduct online searches on shortlisted candidates to identify any relevant issues for interview discussion. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a self-disclosure declaration, declaring any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect your suitability to work with children.

Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 all positions within the School are exempt. Therefore, we are entitled to carry out Enhanced Disclosure checks for all staff and volunteers. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relating to children. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; we do not sponsor visa applications.

Safeguarding Commitment: All schools within the Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Equality Statement: Prospere Learning Trust values diversity and welcomes applications from all candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.