SEND Care Assistant in South Benfleet

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School is looking to recruit a patient and approachable SEND care assistant to support the safety and well-being of children with various needs. We would like someone who has successful experience working with children in a school environment; has experience with SEND children; holds a level 3 or 4 qualification relevant to the role; is well organised with good ICT skills; has the ability to motivate, encourage and inspire pupils; is friendly, flexible, professional and resilient with the ability to remain calm under pressure; has the ability to establish rapport and respectful and trusting relationships with children, their families and carers and other adults.

We can offer you amazing children, with a passion for learning and a committed and motivated staff who love teaching; a forward thinking and inclusive team; being part of a wider and supportive Trust of Catholic schools; a welcoming community who have our children’s best interests at heart.

St Joseph's aims to create and sustain an environment in which all people involved - children, staff and parents - may grow in their faith and in their love of God developing respect for themselves and an awareness of the needs and gifts of others. We wish all children in our care to be happy and independent in a positive and encouraging atmosphere developing their own potential. The school also undertakes to help and support the parents who are the first and most important educators of their children. St Joseph's Catholic Primary School is a member of the Assisi Catholic Trust of schools. The aim of the Trust is to provide the children in its care with the best possible education within a caring and supportive Catholic ethos. We will support the spiritual, moral, social, cultural and physical development of each child, as well as maximising progress, achievement and attainment to ensure their intellectual growth and to fulfil their potential.

Responsibilities

• To support children with various needs, from day-to-day learning and development to emotional challenges, learning disabilities, behavioural issues, alongside feeding and physical care.
• To ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children under your care, providing them with the support and guidance they need to thrive.
• To help children with their physical, emotional, social and educational development by encouraging positive behaviour, guiding them through daily tasks and supporting their individual goals and needs.
• To ensure the children in your care are safe at all times, whether they are engaging in activities, during meal times, or resting, and to adhere to safeguarding protocols and promote a child-friendly atmosphere.
• To be a role model to help children build self-esteem, confidence and vital life skills.
• To provide personal care including feeding, dressing, toileting, with dignity and respect and ensure that children feel comfortable and supported.
• To assist in children's learning, help them stay focused and motivated during educational activities.
• To communicate clearly with parents and other staff.
• To help children with their daily routines, such as managing mealtimes, keeping to a schedule, and ensuring children get the proper exercise and rest they need.
• To handle challenging behaviour in a calm, constructive and respectful manner, applying strategies to encourage positive behaviour and assist in resolving conflicts.
• To become aware of all children's needs including educational needs, EAL and Gifted and Talented.
• To have a comprehensive knowledge of all the school policies and systems and support the adherence to them.
• To help always maintain the hygiene standards.
• To share in the responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children within the school.
• To support in the meeting and greeting of parents/carers at key drop off and collection times.

General

• Comply with policies and procedures relating to safeguarding, child protection, equal opportunities, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting concerns to an appropriate person.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop.
• Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the school and respect confidentiality at all times.
• Establish constructive relationships and communicate with other agencies/professionals, in liaison with the teacher, to support achievement and progress of pupils.
• To attend meetings and training sessions as required.
• At the discretion of the Headteacher, any other activities that are consistent with the nature of the job description.
• To participate in the performance and development review process, taking personal responsibility for identification of learning, development and training in discussion with line manager and attend relevant school meetings as required.

The Governing Body is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment.

Job Details

• Permanent, Part Time (working hours provided below)
• Salary: NJC Spine Point 3-5 (determined by candidate qualifications and experience)
• Salary range: £18,379.87-£18,963.54
• Weekly working hours: 32.5 hours per week
• Daily working hours: 8.30am - 3.30pm (6.5 hours)
• Monday to Friday (with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break every day)
• Weeks Worked: Term time only - 38 weeks per year. Paid for 44 weeks per year.
• Number on roll: 198
• Age: 4-11
• Responsible to: SENCO/Headteacher
• Salary Grade Range: NJC Spine Point 3-5 (actual point dependent on skills and experience)

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.