At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with learning difficulties and help them thrive in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join the dedicated team at Westbury Park School, focused on inclusive education.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and make a real difference in students' lives.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for professional development in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping young minds and fostering their growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in childcare or learning settings and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
We are seeking an exceptional EYFS Teaching Assistant / SEN Learning Support Assistant to join our dedicated team at Westbury Park School. In this role, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of our students with specific learning difficulties and educational needs, supporting them to make progress and thrive in our inclusive and nurturing environment.
Support for Children's Learning & Progress
- Targeted Support: Deliver direct, structured learning support to individual pupils or small groups (including those with SEND) following work plans approved by teaching staff, ensuring progression towards individual education plans (IEPs) and classroom targets.
- Positive Engagement: Utilise skills of empathy, listening, and age‑appropriate communication to build rapport, guide behaviour positively, and foster an inclusive learning environment.
- Observation & Analysis: Observe children's responses to learning activities, analyse achievements, and help reinforce structured learning habits as directed by the class teacher.
Cover, Planning & PPA Responsibilities
- Short‑Term Cover: Step in to supervise classes or groups of students as required, ensuring they carry out set tasks safely and productively.
- Short‑Period Teaching: Actively step in to teach for short periods as necessary to maintain classroom continuity.
- PPA Cover: When providing designated cover for a teacher's PPA time, take responsibility for the planning, delivery, and marking of lessons (with an appropriate grade uplift applied).
Support for the Learning Environment
- Resource Management: Prepare, store, retrieve, and display materials, equipment, and curriculum work plans to maintain a stimulating and effective learning environment.
- Assessment Support: Assist in monitoring, reviewing, and recording children's learning progress. Record and retrieve accurate records following defined school assessment procedures.
- Team Continuity: Help supervise the work of support staff colleagues or placement students as required by the line manager to ensure team consistency.
Care, Welfare & Safeguarding
- Day‑to‑Day Care: Attend to the personal, social, hygiene, and welfare needs of children both inside and outside the classroom (including administering medical procedures following specialist training, and adhering to the intimate care policy).
- Supervision Duties: Conduct 30 minutes of school lunchtime supervision (and/or break duties) in the dinner hall or playground to ensure safe behaviour and promote social‑emotional development.
- Regulatory Compliance: Strictly apply and adhere to all regulatory frameworks regarding Health & Safety, hygiene, child welfare, and child protection/safeguarding.
Wider Professional Responsibilities
- Collaboration: Develop and maintain highly effective professional relationships with colleagues, parents/carers, and external therapeutic or educational agencies.
- School Ethos: Make a positive contribution to the wider life and distinctive ethos of Westbury Park Primary School.
Essential Criteria (Must have)
- Experience: Experience of working within a learning or childcare setting.
- Health & Safety: Experience of successfully applying regulations related to Health & Safety, Hygiene, and Child Welfare & Protection.
- Qualifications: GCSE Grade C (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.
- Core Skills: Exceptional empathy, active listening, and communication skills to build quick rapport with children and carers from diverse backgrounds.
- Attitude: A highly flexible, adaptable, and positive approach to working within a structured educational environment.
Desirable Criteria (Should have)
- Education: GCSE Grade C or above (or equivalent) in at least three additional academic subjects.
- Child Development: A clear understanding of how different children learn and develop, with the practical experience to apply different processes to achieve pupil progression.
- Teamwork & Initiative: Proven ability to work productively on one's own initiative while contributing effectively to a team's collective workload and planning.
- Communication: Strong interpersonal skills equipped to handle potentially complicated or sensitive issues with a diverse range of contacts.
- Safety: A current, valid first aid certificate.
Advantageous Criteria (Could have)
- Varied Exposure: Previous experience working across a varied range of educational settings (e.g. development, care, or multiple school types).
- Leadership: Experience in the effective supervision or guidance of support staff colleagues to achieve team outcomes.
- Autonomy: The proven ability to plan, review, and carry out professional duties seamlessly without direct supervision.
- Languages: Ability to communicate proficiently in a language other than English.
Westbury Park School – "Together We Discover Tomorrow"
EYFS Teaching Assistant / SEN Learning Support Assistant in Bristol employer: (westbury) Ltd
Westbury Park School is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its staff while fostering a nurturing environment for students. With a strong commitment to inclusivity, our dedicated team enjoys collaborative work culture, ongoing professional development opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with specific learning needs. Located in a vibrant community, we offer a supportive atmosphere where every employee can thrive and contribute to our school's ethos of discovery and progress.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land EYFS Teaching Assistant / SEN Learning Support Assistant in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Westbury Park School on LinkedIn or through social media. A friendly chat can give us insights into the school culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to EYFS and SEN support. We can role-play with a friend or family member to boost our confidence and refine our answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for education during the interview! Share specific examples of how we've supported children in the past, especially those with learning difficulties. This will help us stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep an eye on any updates or new opportunities that pop up.
We think you need these skills to ace EYFS Teaching Assistant / SEN Learning Support Assistant in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives, especially those with specific learning difficulties.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in childcare or educational settings. We’re looking for examples that demonstrate your empathy, communication skills, and ability to support diverse learners.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, so we can easily see how you fit into our team at Westbury Park School.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at (westbury) Ltd
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an EYFS Teaching Assistant / SEN Learning Support Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with SEND and think about how your experience aligns with supporting their learning and progress.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, highlight your ability to connect with children and build rapport. Share examples of how you've used empathy and active listening in previous roles to create a positive learning environment, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific situations, such as managing classroom behaviour or delivering targeted support. Think of practical examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
✨Engage with the School's Ethos
Research Westbury Park School’s values and ethos. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute positively to the school community and support its mission of fostering an inclusive and nurturing environment for all students.
