Teaching Assistant (UCC047 & 048BC) in Uppingham

Uppingham Community College are looking for caring, experienced and enthusiastic Teaching Assistants to work with students who are accessing our Enhanced Resource Provision (ERP). The Uppingham Community College ERP is a specialist provision that is part of our mainstream school and caters for children whose special educational needs require specialist support over and above that which a mainstream school can normally provide within an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Admission to the ERP is dependent on a student having an EHCP.

The UCC ERP is designed to enable children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND), who require specialist and individualised support, to continue to access and experience mainstream education. This will be achieved by offering discrete provision throughout the school, helping children to maintain access to aspects of the mainstream curriculum, the internal environment and the external environment, whilst also receiving individualised specialist provision within designated ERP facilities to the extent required to meet their needs.

The ERP will support children with the following Special Educational Needs: The provision is designed to support children with an Education Health and Care Plan who have a primary Communication and Interaction need; one of the four broad areas of special educational need as defined within the SEND Code of Practice (2015). This includes children and young people who experience social, communication or interaction needs or a social anxiety who may or may not have a co-occurring learning need. Our students in the ERP have bespoke arrangements based on their individual needs. Some children entirely access mainstream classes and just use the ERP as a 'safe space'. Other students spend the majority of their time in the ERP and some have a hybrid offer where they attend certain mainstream lessons and use the ERP for others.

We work closely with students, their families and our teachers to make sure we offer a personalised approach that supports the young person's needs and allows them to achieve well, whilst at the same time developing their sense of belonging in our school community. We pride ourselves in how our students in the ERP genuinely thrive in our school, becoming increasingly independent as they progress through, so that they are able to access ambitious and appropriate post-16 pathways.

Key Responsibilities

• To assist with the planning, delivery and evaluation of whole class learning activities, including identifying how the pupils can best be supported.
• To work under the supervision of a teacher to plan, deliver and evaluate learning activities for small groups or individual pupils, providing feedback on pupil engagement and their achievement of the desired learning objectives.
• To help prepare, monitor and maintain a safe and secure learning environment in line with the teacher’s lesson plans.
• To promote the development of pupil's self-reliance, self-esteem and emotional resilience.

What We’re Looking For

Qualifications

• NVQ 3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning, or equivalent OR Able to demonstrate the ability to meet the STL Level 3 National Occupational Standards relevant to this post.
• Level 2 qualifications in maths/numeracy and English/literacy OR Able to demonstrate competency in literacy and numeracy equivalent to level 2.

Experience

• Experience of supporting teaching and learning in a formal setting.

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of child protection and health and safety procedures.
• Ability and willingness to undertake professional development.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Empathy with children and young people.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Professional Growth & Support

• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Access to learning networks and visits to other organisations.
• Supportive leadership and a highly committed team.
• A role which has the opportunity to make a real difference whilst having fun.

Work-Life & Wellbeing Benefits

• Flexible working options.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Defined benefit pension scheme.
• Be an integral member of the team in a vibrant school.
• Create an outstanding learning environment for the success of all of our children.
• Play a significant part in continuing to develop our school.
• Be part of a wider community of Discovery Schools Trust.
• Free childcare.

Additional Perks

• Free parking.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Gym discounts.
• Eyecare vouchers.
• Dental support.
• Retail discounts.
• Annual incremental pay increases within the pay scale.

Equal Opportunities & Accessibility

We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce. Applications are welcome from all sections of the community regardless of gender identity, ethnic origin, disability, age or sexual orientation. If you require assistance completing your application, please contact hrsupport@discoverytrust.org for support. Depending on your role, occasional travel between Discovery locations may be required. A valid driving license and appropriate business insurance are necessary, and you will need to provide evidence of these documents.

More about Discovery Schools Trust

Discovery Schools Trust is dedicated to improving learning and teaching by creating a culture that promotes excellence. The needs of all children are placed at the heart of all decision making regardless of the school they attend. Teaching and learning excellence are shared through learning networks, sharing of ideas and materials as well as leading practitioners between schools. Discovery has developed a school improvement system which focuses on improving outcomes for all children. It also places staff development, talent management and succession planning at the heart of achieving outstanding organisations.

Safeguarding Statement

We are committed to safeguarding our pupils; therefore, the successful applicant will require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and references.

If you are ready to make a difference in children's lives, apply today!