Main purpose

The SEN teaching assistant (TA) will:

  Provide learning and care support for pupils with special educational needs (SEN)

  Work with the teacher to plan and deliver activities

  Support pupils with routines, transitions and behaviour management

Duties and responsibilities

Supporting pupils

  Build positive relationships with pupils, promoting high self-esteem and independence

  Adapt communication style to respond to pupils according to their individual needs

  Support pupils with their social, emotional and mental health needs, escalating concerns where appropriate

  Promote high standards of behaviour, responding to incidents in line with the school’s behaviour policy and guidelines on physical intervention

  Assist with the development and delivery of individual education and support plans

  Assist with unstructured times such as break and lunchtimes

Teaching and learning

  Contribute to the planning of differentiated learning activities for individual or small groups of pupils with special educational needs (SEN), delivering activities inside or outside the classroom

  Support the teaching of a broad and balanced curriculum aimed at pupils achieving their full potential in all areas of learning

  Use IT skills to advance pupils’ learning  

  Through observations, provide regular feedback to teachers on pupil progress, attainment and barriers to learning

  Support class teachers with maintaining good order and discipline among pupils, managing behaviour effectively to ensure a good and safe learning environment

  Monitor, record and report on progress and attainment

  Supervise a class if the teacher is temporarily unavailable

  Contribute to the overall ethos, aims and work of the school

  Undertake any other relevant duties given by the class teacher or SEN co-ordinator (SENCO)

Working with staff, parents/carers and relevant professionals

  Share knowledge and understanding of pupils to other school staff and education, health and social care professionals, so that informed decision making can take place on intervention and provision

  Communicate effectively with parents and carers under the direction of teachers

  Contribute to meetings with parents and carers by providing feedback on pupil progress, attainment and barriers to learning, as directed by teachers

  Collaborate and work with colleagues and other relevant professionals within and beyond the school

  Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues

Professional development

  Help keep their own knowledge and understanding relevant and up to date by reflecting on their own practice, liaising with school leaders, and identifying relevant professional development to improve personal effectiveness

  Take opportunities to build the appropriate skills, qualifications, and/or experience needed for the role, with support from the school

  Take part in the school’s appraisal procedures

Other areas of responsibility

Safeguarding

  Work in line with statutory safeguarding guidance (e.g. Keeping Children Safe in Education, Prevent) and our safeguarding and child protection policies

  Promote the safeguarding of all pupils in the school