Westcroft School are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to support our pupils in their rich and varied curriculum, which includes Vocational experiences off site, as well as Outdoor and Adventurous Activities.

Westcroft School is rated “good” by Ofsted and is situated in Wolverhampton.   We are a special school for pupils with complex cognitive difficulties whose age range is 5 to 19 years, who are seeking to appoint a motivated, dedicated and driven Teaching Assistant.

We are an Academy School, part of the Central Learning Partnership Trust (CLPT). We strive to ensure our children receive an education which inspires and promotes positive learning and ensure that rigorous CPD supports all staff in becoming the best they can be.

 Core Responsibilities: 

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• Relevant professional qualifications or willingness to undertake training
• Experience in a similar role or transferable skills from a related field
• Strong knowledge of relevant policies, procedures, and best practices
• Experience of working in a school
• Has worked with SEND pupils; particularly those with complex learning needs
• Ability to improvise and adapt at short notice
• Excellent behaviour management skills

Training & Development:

• Commitment to ongoing professional development
• Participation in relevant training to maintain up-to-date knowledge

Key Skills & Attributes:

•          Strong communication and interpersonal skills
•         Ability to work independently and as part of a team
•         High level of confidentiality, professionalism, and attention to detail

Applicant Qualities:

We are looking for someone who is:

• Flexible, adaptable and creative and able to respond positively to change
• Has a drive for excellence and a desire to be outstanding
• Is highly organised, motivated and driven to succeed
• Is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of ALL students
• Is a team member who will collaborate with colleagues to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students
• Will uphold and promote the ethos and values of the school
• A good team player

In return we can offer:

• Strong supportive partnerships with parents and the wider community
• A happy, stimulating and safe learning environment
• Dedicated staff committed to achieving high standards
• A strong supportive and highly experienced leadership team and governing body
• Opportunities for professional development, coaching and mentoring and succession planning

HOW TO APPLY AND KEY DATES

 To apply for this vacancy, please complete the vacancy through the My New Term platform, accessible via the school website www.westcroftschool.co.uk.

 The school prides itself on its welcoming and positive environment and would warmly encourage you to visit the school by prior arrangement.  Please contact Sally Harper, Headteacher, at sharper@westcroftschool.co.uk, if you would like visit school.

 If you are unable to visit the school, you are welcome to arrange a phone call with the Headteacher for an informal conversation about the school and its ethos.

COMPLIANCE AND SAFEGUARDING 

To apply, completed application forms should be submitted via the My New Term platform.

Please note that by submitting an application, you acknowledge that we reserve the right to view any publicly available information published online (including social media platforms) as part of our shortlisting process, in line with current KCSIE guidelines.

CLPT is required under law and guidance to check the criminal background of all employees. Decisions to appoint will be subject to consideration of an enhanced disclosure, including a Barred List check, from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Because of the nature of the work for which you are applying, this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020).

If shortlisted for an interview you will be required to disclose to us information about any:

·            adult cautions (simple or conditional);

·            conditional cautions;

·            convictions in a Court of Law; and

This information can be disclosed either verbally at interview or by completing a relevant conviction form after interview if that is your preference. It is an offence for anyone to apply for a role if they are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

CHILDCARE (DISQUALIFCATION) (Applicable to Primary aged Schools)

In accordance with the Childcare Act 2006 and the Childcare (Disqualification) Regulation 2009 the Governors are required to obtain an additional staff disqualification declaration for employees within settings providing care for early years childcare (this covers the age range from birth until 1^st September following a child’s fifth birthday i.e. up to and including reception age) or later years childcare (this covers children above reception age but who have not attained the age of 8) in nursery, primary or secondary school educational settings, or if when directly concerned with the management of such childcare related establishments. This declaration is to confirm that you are not disqualified ‘by association’ to anyone currently residing within your household who is disqualified under the Childcare (Disqualification) Regulation 2009 

ELIGIBILITY TO WORK IN THE UK

We are legally obliged to ask you to provide evidence of your right to live and work in the UK.  If you are successful, we will ask you to provide appropriate documents, such as a passport, visa of full birth certificate and national insurance number to confirm this.  (Further details are available from the UK Boarder Agency website).

CLPT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.  CLPT expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.  This post involves working with children and therefore will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS). Further information about the Disclosure Scheme can be found at www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check.

If you are shortlisted for an interview, we shall request two references at this stage to comply with Keeping Children Safe in Education.