JOB DESCRIPTION FOR SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANT

JOB TITLE:                           Special Needs Assistant

PURPOSE OF JOB:              To provide educational, medical and pastoral support to child to meet EHCP outcomes.

DUTIES:

A             Supporting Educational Needs

1. Develop strategies and approaches to meet the child’s Special Educational Needs, including one to one support and small group work
2. Assist in the delivery of a differentiated and well balanced curriculum
3. Use a multisensory approach to develop the child’s cognitive skills
4. Develop strategies to promote communication, learning, physical, social and self-help skills
5. Support with the delivery and evaluation of individualised learning plans
6. Liaising with teachers, TAs and other SNAs
7. Support the child with friendship groups, social skills and group work
8. Support any other children, small group or provide support in whole classes as required by the school.

B             Supporting Health Needs

1. Adhere to the procedures in place on both the Health Care Plan and Risk Assessment
2. Ensure the child’s physical well-being is maintained when they are in school in line with Supporting Pupils at School with Medical Conditions, September 2014, updated December 2015 legislation
3. Support the child at break times, lunch times and school trips as appropriate
4. Attend appropriate training to meet any health needs of the child
5. Deliver personal care including feeding via gastrostomy, care of the central Hickman line, administration of medication and the care of a Central Venous Catheter

C             Liaising with Teachers, TAs and SNAs

1.  Assist in the planning of suitable activities to support the child
2. Administer appropriate assessments and record progress
3. Participate in the evaluation of planned activities and assessments
4. Provide regular feedback about health and academic needs to the teacher and SENCO

D            Liaising with SENCO

1. Attend relevant in-service training
2. Be aware of school policies and procedures
3. Perform any other tasks as directed by your Line Manager to support the department you are working in
4. To maintain absolute confidentiality at all times in respect of school-related matters and to prevent disclosure of confidential and sensitive information.
5. Adhere to all health and safety requirements and procedures and attend all training courses as determined by the Line Manager / Headteacher.
6. Attend all safeguarding courses as determined by the Line Manager / Headteacher
7. Carry out reasonable instructions from the Line Manager / Headteacher.
8. Show flexibility and willingness to adapt to the changing needs of the role as determined by the Line Manager / Headteacher.

E             Liaising with external professionals and the family

1. Consult with specialist educational support services to advise on strategies/interventions and resources to meet the child’s needs
2. Establish close links with the family and provide regular feedback on progress

Benefits

• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Nurturing Work Environment: Benefit from on-site nurseries available during school terms and 52-week private nurseries at preferential rates.
• Extended Care Options: Enjoy access to our out-of-school and holiday clubs, also offered at discounted rates.
• Professional Growth: Embark on a journey of personal development with bespoke opportunities and comprehensive access to the Schoot CPD package.
• Technological Advancement: Experience our dynamic digital strategy, including 1-1 iPads for both pupils and staff.
• Dedicated Support: Rely on our on-site Trust HR and full-time IT support teams, dedicated to your needs.
• Strong Leadership: Be part of a team backed by committed Directors and Governors, and a leadership that values your workload and well-being.
• Inspiring Students: Teach pupils who are well-behaved, eager to learn, and who find joy and calm in their school life.
• A Family Ethos: Join a community that cherishes individual talent, empowering everyone to achieve their best.

Our Academy Trust is committed to improving the life chances of all children through education and personal development. Each child is unique. We encourage and support every child through their exciting journey within our trust equipping them with the skills they need for the future. 

Our approach is based on sharing excellence within our trust, recruiting, training and retaining the highest calibre of staff who share our vision of enlightening, enriching, empowering and evolving a generation through education. 

‘Enlightening, Enriching, Empowering and Evolving generations through education’ 

We offer a fantastic supportive place to work along with flexible work opportunities, including hybrid working, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, as well as a range of employee wellbeing and support services.  

The Trust is committed to safer recruitment practices, and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.  This post is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and it expects staff and volunteers to share this commitment.