Teaching Assistant VI PERI

This is a Term Time, Permanent position for 32.5 hours a week. The Integrated Sensory and Physical Service (IPaSS) is based at 125 Wingfield Road, Hull. However, this post will be based in educational settings across the city.

IPaSS offers support to children and young people with vision and hearing impairments and physical difficulties in a range of settings across the city. We are currently seeking to recruit an experienced and enthusiastic Level 4 Vision Support Teaching Assistant to join the Vision Support Team. The role is based within educational settings and the successful candidate should be prepared to work in different nurseries, schools or colleges, supporting a range of students, dependent on service needs. This post is Monday to Friday and work hours are 8:30 - 3:30 each day, with a 30 minute break for lunch. It is not possible to work from home or to have flexible hours due to the nature of the work.

You will be expected to work with the educational setting staff to support access to the curriculum by:

• Supporting a vision impaired child or young person 1:1 throughout the school day
• Producing high quality resources in the appropriate format - Braille, tactile format, large print or digital
• Maintaining effective communication with class and subject teachers to ensure resources are appropriate and useful
• Providing direct classroom support where needed to ensure access to the curriculum and safety
• Following directions from the Qualified Teachers of the Vision Impaired (QTVI) and Lead Practitioners to provide 1:1 teaching of specialist skills
• Building strong relationships with the learner to provide emotional support and develop resilience
• Supporting learners in settings ranging from pre-school to sixth-form and fostering independence

In return, we offer:

• Access to nationally recognised training and qualifications
• Support from a highly skilled team
• A rewarding and interesting career

Skills and qualifications:

• Maths and English GCSE at Grade C / 4 or above or equivalent (essential)
• Ability to move efficiently between locations across the city
• SEND or HLTA qualification (desirable)
• Qualified UEB Braillist OR willingness to undertake Braille and other specialist training
• Strong communication and time management skills
• Ability to work at pace and under pressure
• Ability to implement, monitor and review schemes of work
• Ability to support children and young people with transition between phases and/or schools
• Ability to help organise, manage and adapt educational resources in the learning environment

ROLE AND PURPOSE

To work under the instruction and guidance of teachers and specialist staff, under an agreed system of supervision, to plan, prepare, and deliver learning activities for individuals and small groups. To monitor children and young people (CYP), record and report upon pupil achievements/progress in and out of the classroom. To apply specialist knowledge relating to visual difficulties to support pupil achievement, progress and independence.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Support for Children and Young People: To promote and safeguard the welfare of children, young people and/or vulnerable adults.
• Provide skilled support to CYP with visual impairment to enable them to access and participate in the curriculum, wider school community and activities.
• Use specialist skills/training/knowledge/experience relating to visual impairment to support pupil’s learning and independence.
• Promote the inclusion, engagement and participation of all CYP within educational environments.
• Establish constructive relationships with CYP setting challenging and demanding expectations promoting self-esteem.
• Use ICT effectively to support/record learning, developing CYP competence/independence in its use.
• Plan, deliver and monitor small group interventions including both pupils with/without visual impairments.
• Support for Teachers: Support teachers with the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of support/learning plans and learning activities selecting appropriate resources, adjusting activities according to pupil responses, marking work and accurately recording progress and achievement.
• Provide objective and accurate feedback/records to the teacher as required, on pupil progress and other matters ensuring the availability of appropriate evidence.
• Be responsible for keeping and updating records as agreed with the teacher, contributing to reviews of systems/records as requested.
• Work with teachers to establish appropriate learning environments, taking into account CYPs needs, backgrounds and interests.
• Under the guidance of Teachers and specialist staff use/maintain specialist aids/resources/equipment to address visual impairments.
• Under the guidance of specialist teachers provide advice and support to school based staff, modelling appropriate strategies to promote pupil engagement and achievement.
• Provide advice and support to mainstream non-specialist staff regarding the use of/maintenance of specialist resources and equipment to address visual impairments.
• Administer and assess using routine tests and invigilate exams/tests.
• Use ICT effectively to support/record learning and develop CYPs competence and independence in its use.
• Support for the service: Comply with policies and procedures including those relating to safeguarding, data protection and confidentiality, health and safety reporting concerns to an appropriate person.
• Attend and participate in meetings/training as required.
• Supervise CYP on visits, trips, and out of school activities/support in homes as required.
• Participate in discussions with parents/carers under the direction of the teacher.
• The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated legislation places responsibilities for health and safety on Hull City Council, as your employer and you as an employee of the council. In addition to the Councils overall duties, the post holder has personal responsibility for their own health & safety and that of other employees; additional and more specific responsibilities are identified in the Council’s Corporate H&S policy.

We are committed to increasing the diversity, equality, and inclusion within our workforce to represent the people we serve and build an environment in which everyone can feel like they belong. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.

We reserve the right to amend the dates associated with this advert, which may include closing the advert early where required. The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.