Main purpose

•       To undertake a range of directed activities to engage the child in learning 

•       To assist children at playtime and lunchtime. (Own lunch break will be from 13.00 – 13.30pm)

•       To contribute to the supervision and welfare of children throughout the school

•       To facilitate group and 1:1 interventions, including preparing and organising resources

 Main Duties & Responsibilities

The particular duties of the Special Needs Teaching Assistant will be determined by the class teacher and/or SENCo and will be arranged to meet the needs of the child being supported. This will include following children’s Education and Health Care Plans or My Plans and risk assessments. Activities may be undertaken within the classroom or in an alternative location such as outside.

a) To supervise and support children undertaking teacher designated activities in a group or on an individual basis and to assist their learning and development by:a

•       Clarifying and explaining instructions.

•       Reinforcing relevant aspects of the planned teaching programme, particularly phonics, literacy and numeracy.

•       Supporting any physical or sensory need.

•       Being sensitive to the requirements of children with SEND and encouraging their participation and independence.

•       Assisting children with organising and appropriate use of materials and resources, including ICT applications.

•       To support in adapting learning and scaffolding resources

b)     To support designated children with special needs through the delivery of appropriate aspects of the EHCP/MyPlan as directed by the relevant teacher/ SENCo and to contribute to reviews.

c)       To facilitate group and 1:1 interventions daily, including preparing and organising resources.

d)      To assist the class teacher with the monitoring of the child’s progress and the identification and preparation of appropriate materials for teaching or emotional regulation.  

e)       To attend to children’s personal needs, including social and health, hygiene and basic first aid.

f)        To contribute to the supervisory arrangements for children during break times and on out of school activities.

g)       To promote and reinforce school policies, practices and procedures, including an awareness of child protection, and health and safety responsibilities.

 Job Context

Special Needs Teaching Assistants provide valuable support to qualified teaching staff and are able to make a significant contribution to the education and well-being of children.

Activities will be directed by the relevant teacher. The Special Needs Teaching Assistant will carry out the planned activities with the individual children or groups of children either within the classroom or at some other location.

The post holder must exercise responsibility for the welfare and safety of children at all times, intervening where necessary to ensure safe and proper conduct.

The Teaching Assistant is expected to respond appropriately to questions or challenges presented by the child being supervised.

Contact with LA staff, including Educational psychologists or other specialists.

The role of the teaching assistant may also involve contact with parents/carers and other school visitors.

Working Environment

Most activities will be undertaken within school premises and the forest school designated area.

General

This job description sets out the main duties of the post and does not describe in detail all tasks required to be carried out.

 Person Specification

·         A warm and friendly, approachable person with good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with and relate to children and young people

·         General understanding of the principles of play

·         The ability to work with challenging behaviour

·         A non-judgmental and inclusive approach

·         Work constructively as part of a team, understanding classroom roles and responsibilities and your own position within these

·         Adaptable, flexible and open to change

·         Committed to equal opportunities  

·         Patience and tolerance

·         Creativity and flexibility

 Qualifications and training

Essential

·         At least a level 2 NVQ or equivalent work experience working in a classroom/play assistant

-         The ambition to work towards further qualifications

Desirable

A current first aid certificate (although training will be given)

Skills and training

Essential

·         Willingness to become Team Teach trained

·         An understanding of good quality childcare 

·         The ability to meet children’s individual needs 

·         The ability to work as part of a team 

·         The ability to work on own initiative 

·         The ability to communicate at all levels 

·         Awareness of equal opportunities issues 

·         Awareness of health and safety issues 

-         Good organisation skills 

Desirable

·        Confidence in using a range of computer programmes, including Microsoft Office and similar software 

·        Knowledge of health and safety practices  

-        Knowledge of safeguarding practices  

 SPECIAL NOTES OR CONDITIONS

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff, and volunteers, to share the same commitment. This position is subject to an enhanced DBS check.