We are looking for an enthusiastic, nurturing and passionate teaching assistant to join our outstanding school. The Teaching Assistant/playleader will put the wellbeing and progress of children at the centre of everything they do and inspire and support our students in reaching their full potential. They will have some understanding of the national curriculum, special educational needs and child development. 

Hours: 8:00- 3:30 (with the potential for extended hours)

Contract type: Fixed Term

Reporting to: SENCO / Phase Leader

Vacant from:      For more information, please contact Mrs Angela Bass, PA to the Headteacher, on (020) 8882-6487 or by email on Angela.bass@whjps.jcat.co.uk.

Main purpose

The TA will:

  Work with class teachers to raise the learning and attainment of pupils

  Promote pupils’ independence, self-esteem and social inclusion

  Give support to pupils, individually or in groups, so they can access the curriculum, take part in learning, and experience a sense of achievement

  Support children with SEN on a 1-1 basis within the classroom setting, throughout the day including lunch breaks.

  Supervise children (outside/ inside) and support them to develop play during break times and lunch times

  Run a club as part of our enrichment programme

Duties and responsibilities

Teaching and learning

  Demonstrate an informed and efficient approach to teaching and learning by adopting relevant strategies to support the work of the teacher and increase achievement of all pupils including, where appropriate, those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

  Promote, support and facilitate inclusion by encouraging participation of all pupils in learning and extracurricular activities

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

  Use effective behaviour management strategies consistently in line with the school’s policy and procedures

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

  Organise and manage teaching space and resources to help maintain a stimulating and safe learning environment

  Observe pupil performance and pass observations on to the class teacher

  Supervise a class if the teacher is temporarily unavailable

  Use ICT skills to advance pupils’ learning

  Undertake any other relevant duties given by the class teacher

Planning

  Contribute to effective assessment and planning by supporting the monitoring, recording and reporting of pupil performance and progress as appropriate to the level of the role

  Read and understand lesson plans shared prior to lessons, if available

  Prepare the classroom for lessons

  Plan how they will support the inclusion of pupils in the learning activities

Working with staff, parents/carers and relevant professionals

  Communicate effectively with other staff members and pupils, and with parents and carers under the direction of the class teacher

  Communicate their 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

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

  With the class teacher, keep other professionals accurately informed of performance and progress, or concerns they may have about the pupils they work with

  Understand their role in order to be able to work collaboratively with classroom teachers and other colleagues, including specialist advisory teachers

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

  Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues

Health and safety

  Promote the safety and wellbeing of pupils, and help to safeguard pupils’ wellbeing by following the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and our school’s child protection policy

  Look after children who are upset or have had accidents.Deliver first aid to respond to minor incidents and refer any major incidents to a qualified first aider

  Record details of incidents in line with the school’s reporting procedures

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

  Supervise pupils in in the lunch area, playground and classrooms (for wet play)

  Encourage pupils to eat their lunch and monitor those who don’t, reporting any concerns to the class teacher

  Monitor pupils that aren’t engaging in play and feed back any concerns to class teachers

  Lead engaging enrichment activities

  The TA will be required to follow school policies and the staff code of conduct.

Please note, this is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the role. It is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that the TA / HLTA will carry out. The postholder may be required to do other duties appropriate to the level of the role, as directed by the headteacher or line manager.

Our school is committed to the safeguarding of children so all appointments are subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check. Our school is committed to the principle of equality of opportunity.