Teaching Assistant

St Mary and St Peter Catholic Primary is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership. Job details Job title: Teaching Assistant

Main purpose The TA will:

Work with class teachers to raise the learning and attainment of pupils Promote pupils’ independence, self-esteem and social inclusion Give support to pupils, individually or in groups, so they can access the curriculum, take part in learning, and experience a sense of achievement

Duties and responsibilities Teaching and learning

Demonstrate an informed and efficient approach to teaching and learning by adopting relevant strategies to support the work of the teacher and increase achievement of all pupils including, where appropriate, those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) Promote, support and facilitate inclusion by encouraging participation of all pupils in learning and extracurricular activities Support the teaching of a broad and balanced curriculum aimed at pupils achieving their full potential in all areas of learning Use effective behavior management strategies consistently in line with the school’s policy and procedures Support class teachers with maintaining good order and discipline among pupils, managing behavior effectively to ensure a good and safe learning environment Organize and manage teaching space and resources to help maintain a stimulating and safe learning environment Observe pupil performance and pass observations on to the class teacher Supervise a class if the teacher is temporarily unavailable Use ICT skills to advance pupils’ learning Undertake any other relevant duties given by the class teacher Planning Contribute to effective assessment and planning by supporting the monitoring, recording and reporting of pupil performance and progress as appropriate to the level of the role Read and understand lesson plans shared prior to lessons, if available Prepare the classroom for lessons Working with staff, parents/careers and relevant professionals Communicate effectively with other staff members and pupils, and with parents and careers under the direction of the class teacher Communicate their knowledge and understanding of pupils to other school staff and education, health and social care professionals, so that informed decision making can take place on intervention and provision Contribute to meetings with parents and careers by providing feedback on pupil progress, attainment and barriers to learning, as directed by teachers With the class teacher, keep other professionals accurately informed of performance and progress, or concerns they may have about the pupils they work with Understand their role in order to be able to work collaboratively with classroom teachers and other colleagues, including specialist advisory teachers Collaborate and work with colleagues and other relevant professionals within and beyond the school Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues Health and safety Promote the safety and wellbeing of pupils, and help to safeguard pupils’ wellbeing by following the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and our school’s child protection policy Look after children who are upset or have had accidents Professional development Help keep their own knowledge and understanding relevant and up-to-date by reflecting on their own practice, liaising with school leaders, and identifying relevant professional development to improve personal effectiveness Take opportunities to build the appropriate skills, qualifications, and/or experience needed for the role, with support from the school Take part in the school’s appraisal procedures Other areas of responsibility

Safeguarding

Work in line with statutory safeguarding guidance (e.g. Keeping Children Safe in Education, Prevent) and our safeguarding and child protection policies Promote the safeguarding of all pupils in the school The TA will be required to follow school policies and the staff code of conduct. Please note, this is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the role. It is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that the TA / HLTA will carry out. The postholder may be required to do other duties appropriate to the level of the role, as directed by the headteacher or line manager.

Person specification

criteria qualities

Qualifications

and training GCSE or equivalent level, including at least a Grade 4 (previously Grade C) in English and maths First-aid training, or willingness to complete it

Experience

Experience working in a school environment or other educational setting

Experience working with children / young people

Experience planning and delivering learning activities

Skills and knowledge

Good literacy and numeracy skills Good organisational skills Ability to build effective working relationships with pupils and adults Skills and expertise in understanding the needs of all pupils Knowledge of how to help adapt and deliver support to meet individual needs Subject and curriculum knowledge relevant to the role, and ability to apply this effectively in supporting teachers and pupils Excellent verbal communication skills Active listening skills The ability to remain calm in stressful situations Knowledge of guidance and requirements around safeguarding children Good ICT skills, particularly using ICT to support learning Understanding of roles and responsibilities within the classroom and whole school context Personal qualities Enjoyment of working with children Sensitivity and understanding, to help build good relationships with pupils A commitment to getting the best outcomes for all pupils, and promoting the ethos and values of the school Commitment to maintaining confidentiality at all times Commitment to safeguarding pupil’s wellbeing and equality Resilient, positive, forward looking and enthusiastic about making a difference Capacity to inspire, motivate and challenge children and young people