Grounds Person in Colchester

We are seeking to appoint a Teaching Assistant (Preparatory Divisions) to provide support to pupils from Reception to Year 1 at New Hall School. The Preparatory Divisions offer a vibrant and academically ambitious environment where exceptional teaching, character formation and service to others are central to School life.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of pupils’ learning and progress.
• Attend to pupils’ personal needs, including help with social, welfare and health matters, and foster independence in pupils in their daily routines.
• Assist in creating and maintaining an engaging and stimulating learning environment.
• Provide support during out of term New Hall holiday camps.
• Prepare, organise, and maintain teaching materials and resources.
• Escort pupils safely around the School site as required.
• Support a range of activities, including outdoor learning experiences.
• Supervise whole classes during teacher absence and ensure pupils remain engaged with set work.
• Explain tasks and exercises clearly to pupils and support their understanding.
• Supervise pupils before School, during break and lunch times, and after School in line with the duty rota.
• Uphold and reinforce high standards of behaviour and uniform across the School.
• Run or support after-school activities and assist with after-school care provision.
• Attend and support educational visits as required.
• Assist with the Preparatory Division’s holiday activity programmes.

Person Specification

• To have a clear understanding of, and commitment to, the aims of a Catholic independent boarding and day School.
• To demonstrate commitment to the values expressed in the Mission and Ethos statement.
• To hold GCSEs at Grade C+/4+, including Mathematics and English (or equivalent).
• To understand the importance of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• To be able to support learning effectively in one-to-one, small group and classroom contexts.
• To be able to follow guidance while using initiative to adapt support to pupil needs.
• To demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills.
• To have strong organisational and time management skills.
• To be able to work flexibly across different learning environments.
• To be proficient in the use of IT.
• To demonstrate excellent spoken and written English.
• To be able to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• To demonstrate a patient, nurturing and empathetic approach to supporting pupils with a range of learning needs.
• To set high expectations for pupil progress, behaviour and conduct.
• To be willing to undertake training and ongoing professional development.
• To demonstrate the ability to relate effectively to primary aged pupils.
• To show enthusiasm for supporting pupils’ reading and literacy development.
• To demonstrate flexibility and adaptability.
• To be willing to undertake paediatric first aid training or to hold a current paediatric first aid qualification.

What New Hall offers

• Lunch without charge in term time.
• Discounted annual membership for New Hall Sport Club.

Safeguarding Requirements

Applicants must provide evidence of Right to Work in the UK and must obtain a current Enhanced DBS disclosure before commencement of employment. Applicants who hold a current paediatric first aid qualification or are willing to undertake training will be preferred.