The Heath Academy Trust and St James’ CE First and Nursery School are excited to be looking to appoint an energetic and enthusiastic SEN Teaching Assistant, working predominantly to support the provision in Early Years. Under the direction of the Early Years lead and SENDCo, you will be providing one to one support for a pupil with additional needs, working both in the classroom environment and within an individualised workspace.

Your role will be required for 22.5 hours per week, term-time only, to cover sessions Monday to Wednesday.  Hours will be set at 9am-5pm daily for the 3 sessions, with a half hour lunch break.  This is a fixed term contract, starting with immediate effect, until the 31 August 2026; with the possibility to extend.

The successful applicant will have a level 3 childcare qualification and ideally have experience of working with younger children and those who need additional academic, emotional and communication support.  Training support will provided for the right candidate to build knowledge of ASD and positive behaviour management techniques.  We will consider all applicants with appropriate skills, passion and commitment for this important role.  The successful applicant should want to play a full part in the life of the school as part of a friendly and dedicated team, who are committed to high standards.

At St James' CE First School and Nursery we aim to ensure that our children are able to flourish and develop both as individuals and as responsible community citizens. We pride ourselves on offering a happy, safe and unique school experience for every child.

St James’ CE First and Nursery School can offer you:

·         The chance to work in a small, friendly first school and nursery, set in a beautiful location

·         The opportunity to progress your career in teaching and learning

·         The opportunity to work with a committed and experienced team, being supportive to the aims and ethos of our Church of England School and the wider Multi Academy Trust

Further details about this role can be found on the job description and person specification included in this recruitment pack and more information about the school can be found on our website: www.alderholt.dorset.sch.uk.  Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged. Please contact our school office on 01425 653063 to arrange your visit or discuss the post further.

In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, all applications must be completed via the online application form on My New Term.  CVs will not be accepted or considered.  References will be sought as part of the shortlisting process, prior to interview selection.  Please ensure referees are able to provide a full reference rather than a standard statement of employment time.  You should provide the email and telephone contact details for all referees – thank you.

The Heath Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants. As part of the safer recruitment check, online searches will be conducted for all shortlisted candidates. The search will be purely based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. All aspects of social media and internet searches will be conducted. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination, a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the searches and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020). This means that certain convictions and cautions are considered ‘protected’ and do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974