Teaching Assistant

To work under the guidance of teaching/senior staff and within an agreed system of supervision, to implement agreed work programmes or enable access to learning with individuals/groups, in or out of the classroom. This could include those requiring detailed and specialist knowledge in particular areas and will involve assisting the teacher in the whole planning cycle and the management/preparation of resources. To lead and maintain positive and enjoyable break times for pupils including organising and participating in physical games and activities. To contribute to the whole Academy Ethos, environment and organisation both practically and as a positive role model for pupils and colleagues. SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Support for Pupils To support pupils’ development and promote independence in a safe, secure, challenging environment employing strategies to recognise and reward achievement of self-reliance. To support the learning of individuals and groups of pupils as identified in the weekly curriculum planning and to act as a role model, setting high expectations. To focus on individual pupils to ensure their needs are being met within the group. To work with other staff to develop and implement the educational action plans of specific pupils. To encourage pupils to interact and work co-operatively with others. To observe, record and support the development and progress of pupils to identify individual needs and difficulties and to feed back to pupils in relation to their progress and achievement. To promote the inclusion and acceptance of all pupils within the classroom. To meet the physical/medical needs of the pupil according to a pupil’s individual care plan whilst encouraging independence wherever possible. Medical needs include the administration of medicines by mouth or other medical procedures provided appropriate training has been given by an appropriate person. To participate in pupils' play and extend and stimulate language through conversation. 2. Support for Teachers To plan with teachers the daily/weekly programme of lessons, activities and events in order to support pupils and adjust lessons/work plans as appropriate. To liaise with other professionals to ensure an appropriate learning environment. To set out, prepare, use and tidy equipment. To promote home school partnerships. To monitor and evaluate pupil’s responses to learning activities through observation and planned recording of achievement against pre-determined learning objectives. To provide objective and accurate feedback and reports as required to the teacher on pupil achievement progress and other matters ensuring the availability of appropriate evidence. To be responsible for keeping and updating records as agreed with the teacher, contributing to reviews of systems/records as required in class to undertake marking of pupils’ work as agreed with the teacher and accurately record achievement/progress. To work with an established discipline policy to anticipate and manage behaviour constructively, promoting self-control and independence. 3. Support for the Curriculum To prepare, plan and manage specific activities/teaching programmes, adjusting activities according to pupils’ responses/needs. To set out and prepare equipment indoors and outdoors. To implement local and national learning strategies, e.g. Literacy, Numeracy and make effective use of opportunities provided by other learning activities to support the development of relevant skills. To support the use of ICT in learning activities and develop pupils’ competence and independence in its use. To help pupils access learning activities through specialist support. To determine the need for, prepare and maintain general and specialist equipment and resources. 4. Support for the Academy To promote the policies and Christian ethos of the Academy, e.g. personal and social and to promote positive values, attitudes and good pupil behaviour, dealing promptly with conflict and incidents in line with established policy and encouraging pupils to take responsibility for their own behaviour. To display pupils’ work to reflect their achievement. To supervise pupils on outings and visits as required. To attend staff meetings/INSET days as required. To be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security and to refer all concerns to the Headteacher, receiving training where necessary from the Academy. To treat all information relating to a pupil as strictly confidential, and to be aware of and comply with Academy policy and practice, receiving training where necessary from the Academy. To support and encourage students on childcare courses, work experience, teaching practice, etc. To be a proactive member of the Academy and class team. To participate positively and professionally in effective relationships with team members. To establish constructive relationships and communicate with other agencies/ professionals in liaison with the teacher, to support achievement and progress of pupils. To provide appropriate guidance and supervision and assist in the training and development of staff as appropriate. To attend relevant courses and learning activities in order to update knowledge as required. To take opportunities to develop own areas of interest and expertise and to use these to advise and support others or to organise specific projects. GENERAL The Teaching Assistant may be called upon to perform other duties that the Headteacher considers reasonable, that are commensurate with the grading and designation of the post. TEACHING ASSISTANT PERSON SPECIFICATION Experience: Essential Previous experience of working with children in an educational setting Desirable Experience of pupils with ADHD/ASD. Qualifications or Training: Essential NVQ Level 3 or willing to work towards the qualification within first year of employment Practical Skills: Essential Knowledge of the new national curriculum Working with individuals and small group work Behaviour management Experience of working within a creative curriculum Takes initiative for own professional development Desirable Experience of supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs /Individual Educational Plans Experience of creating imaginative and engaging displays Experience of working with teachers in the planning process Personal Qualities and Attributes: Essential Able to promote the school’s Christian ethos Enthusiastic Trustworthy Reliable Able to show initiative Willing to train Flexible approach to school life Understands the need for work life balance