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

What skills and experience we're looking for:

• 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

What the school offers its staff:

• 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

Further details about the role:

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

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

About Thomas Bewick School:

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).

About Prosper Learning Trust:

Prosper Learning Trust was established in January 2018 to help vulnerable young people succeed against the odds. We are currently operating five specialist schools in the region. The successful candidate will initially be deployed at Thomas Bewick School but will be expected to work at any Prosper Learning Trust site if required.

Benefits of working for Prosper Learning Trust:

• 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

Application:

All successful candidates will be required to complete an online pre-employment medical questionnaire.

Commitment to safeguarding:

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), medical online and social media prohibition from teaching, right to work, satisfactory references, suitability to work with children. You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.