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- Tasks: Support students with learning needs and promote a love of reading.
- Company: Join the outstanding Smiley & Co, Ltd, a special school for secondary pupils.
- Benefits: Enjoy wellness weekends, health plans, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your teaching skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with secondary pupils and a passion for literacy support.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community with excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 18740 - 21481 £ per year.
Overview
Full Time Teaching Assistant (Library & Interventions)
Location: Farnham, Surrey
Salary: Pay scale WA4-10 to WA4-16 (FTE £24,133 to £27,663 pa) (Actual £18,740 to £21,481 pa)
Vacancy Type: Permanent
Hours: 30.25 hours per week, spread over 5 days: 8.50am-3.20pm Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri and 8.35am-3.20pm Wed. Plus an additional 2 Hours 15 Minutes after school for intervention work/library duties. Days to be mutually agreed.
The School converted to Academy status on 1st September 2018 and is part of the Multi Academy Trust. It has been graded Outstanding by Ofsted in 2009, 2012, 2016, 2022, and June 2024.
It is a special school for secondary pupils in Years 7 to 11 with learning and additional needs.
The Role
Role description: They are seeking a committed Full-Time Teaching Assistant to work term time only, 30.25 hours per week (8:50am-3:20pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and 8:35am-3:20pm on Wednesday plus 2 hours 15 minutes after school for interventions duties. Days to be agreed.
The role includes three days per week supporting whole-class learning, small group work, and one-to-one support under the direction of a class teacher. The remaining two days are dedicated to supporting literacy interventions under the guidance of their specialist literacy teacher, alongside taking responsibility for the management and daily running of the school library. This is a varied and rewarding role, ideal for someone who is enthusiastic, organised, and passionate about supporting young people and promoting a love of reading.
Key Responsibilities
- Work under the direction of teaching staff/senior managers to support the delivery of quality learning and teaching of pupils with special educational needs.
- Work with children and young people who have a range of significant and often complex SEND such as autism, social, emotional and mental health difficulties, moderate learning difficulties, speech language and communication needs and those who exhibit challenging behaviour.
- Undertake specified work with individuals, groups and whole classes under the direction and supervision of a qualified teacher.
- Encourage the participation of pupils in the social and academic processes of the school and enable pupils to become more independent learners.
- Undertake work/care/support programmes to enable access to learning for pupils and to assist the teacher in the management of pupils and the classroom.
Skills and Qualifications
It is desirable that the post holder has:
- Experience working with secondary-aged pupils, particularly those with learning and additional needs.
- A genuine interest in supporting literacy development, including reading, writing, and comprehension.
- Ability to follow structured intervention programmes under the guidance of a specialist teacher.
- Strong communication skills to engage and motivate pupils in small group and 1:1 settings.
- Patience, empathy, and a nurturing approach to working with students who may require additional support.
- Good organisational skills and the ability to manage resources and track pupil progress.
- Confidence in using a range of strategies to support literacy, including phonics, guided reading, and writing scaffolds.
- Ability to work collaboratively with teaching staff and contribute to planning and feedback discussions.
- A flexible and proactive attitude, with the ability to adapt to the changing needs of pupils.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people essential.
Benefits
- Amazing students who want to learn
- An additional 2 days holiday each year with their wellness (long) weekend in November
- Westfield Health Cash Plan including reimbursement towards the cost of dental, opticians, physiotherapy and other medical appointments. Dependants are included at no extra cost.
- External leadership/NPQ opportunities, including supporting masters applications and aspiring senior leaders development programme
- Opportunities to collaborate across a range of mainstream and specialist provision schools within the Trust
- A well-equipped and modern English classroom
- Excellent IT facilities in a modern school fit for 21st century teaching
- A range of CPD opportunities to support professional development inside and outside the classroom
- A range of evidence-informed strategies to support teaching and learning inside the classroom
- On site car parking
- A consistent approach to behaviour which ensures learning is not disrupted
- A welcoming and supportive staff community
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable school, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.
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Full Time Teaching Assistant employer: Smiley & Co, Ltd.
Contact Detail:
Smiley & Co, Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Full Time Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Smiley & Co, Ltd. Check out their website and social media to understand their values and what makes them tick. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do a mock interview. Focus on common questions for teaching assistants, like how you'd support students with special educational needs. This will help you feel more confident and articulate during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've supported students in the past, especially those with learning difficulties. Highlight your enthusiasm for literacy development and how you can contribute to fostering a love of reading among pupils.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your excitement about the role and how you can make a difference at Smiley & Co.
We think you need these skills to ace Full Time Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with secondary-aged pupils and those with additional needs. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your passion for supporting literacy development!
Show Your Enthusiasm: Let your personality shine through! We love candidates who are enthusiastic about education and genuinely care about helping students succeed. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to fostering a love of reading and learning.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our school and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Smiley & Co, Ltd.
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Full-Time Teaching Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of secondary pupils with learning difficulties and how you can support their literacy development. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss any previous experience you have working with children, especially those with special educational needs. Prepare specific examples of how you've supported students in the past, whether through one-to-one assistance or group activities. This will help demonstrate your capability and passion for the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about the school's approach to supporting students with SEND, the resources available for literacy interventions, and how they foster a collaborative environment among staff. This shows you're engaged and serious about contributing positively to their team.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Highlight your patience, empathy, and organisational skills during the interview. These qualities are crucial for a Teaching Assistant, especially when working with students who may require additional support. Share examples of how you've used these skills effectively in past roles to create a nurturing learning environment.
