Teaching Assistant

To support the classroom teacher with their responsibility for the development and education of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage, including those with special physical, emotional and educational needs, by utilising detailed knowledge and specialist skills. To support the school through additional paid hours by supervising children during lunch or after‑school sessions as required. There is an opportunity for the right candidate to obtain the necessary qualifications for working in Early Years through the Apprenticeship Scheme.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support individuals or groups of children to ensure their safety and facilitate their physical and emotional development.
• Use specialist skills to undertake those activities necessary to meet the physical and emotional needs of pupils.
• Use specialist skills to foster the intellectual and social development of children.
• Be competent to assist the teacher in the delivery of educational and developmental work programmes.
• Monitor and report individual children's progress, achievements, barriers and developmental needs to the classroom teacher or designated supervisor as appropriate.
• Assist the classroom teacher in the planning of work programmes for individuals and groups of children.
• Contribute to the planning of work to meet the needs of the Early Years Framework and/or National Curriculum and the individual needs of pupils and students.
• Contribute to the formulation of Individual Provision Maps, including attendance at SEN reviews and other meetings relevant to pupil needs.
• Carry out appropriate activities as planned within the classroom or with groups of pupils, including administration of baseline tests.
• Display and present children's work.
• Prepare and organise teaching resources, including checking and maintaining classroom equipment and materials, and controlling stock within the classroom.
• Provide general supervision, counselling and discipline of children and students, within the procedures of the school and/or service.
• Assist the teacher in liaising with parents and professionals such as speech therapists.
• Assist at an appropriate level with the provision of general care and welfare of children, including assistance with personal hygiene routine, changing soiled clothing, assisting with children's injuries, and administering basic first aid where qualified.
• Help the teacher with tasks and hear children read.
• Assist with supervision of children within the school.
• Prepare or modify the work for the child under the direction of the class teacher and support the child in carrying out this work.
• Assist in the implementation of programmes designed by other professionals such as educational psychologists, and speech and language therapists.
• Contribute to meetings to discuss the specific child's progress.
• Assist with the provision of general care and welfare to pupils and remain mindful of maintaining a safe environment at all times.
• Adhere to and maintain school routine and codes of conduct.
• Support the ethos of the school.
• Assist with the support of group activities within and away from the classroom.
• Ensure that pupils can safely use equipment and materials provided and are aware of the range of resources available.
• Promote pupil independence in learning and reinforce the child(ren)’s self‑esteem through praise and encouragement.
• Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job, participate in appropriate training activities and encourage and support staff in their development and training.
• Use initiative in monitoring events occurring on the school premises and grounds.
• Report any relevant matters or dangers to the Headteacher/Lead Children’s Supervisor.
• Ensure a safe environment by reporting broken glass to the Cleaner in Charge.
• Report any minor injuries to children to the designated person.
• Undertake ancillary duties as necessary.
• Adhere to the school's policies, including the Safeguarding Policy.
• Maintain confidentiality.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Children that want to be challenged and enthused.
• A nurturing and happy school environment.
• A close‑knit and supportive staff group who genuinely want the best for our children.
• A school that believes in growing the skills and knowledge of staff.
• The opportunity to make a real difference to our school and its children.
• A wider network of support through our close ties within our school cluster.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Believe children should feel safe, valued and listened to at school.
• Have experience in schools, especially in Early Years.
• A clear understanding of how children learn.
• Plan sessions to meet the needs of all learners.
• Have the motivation to make learning exciting across the whole curriculum.
• Are passionate and committed to delivering the highest of standards.
• Are a great team player willing to go the extra mile.
• Are committed to further improving your own practice.

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.