Main Purpose of the Role:

As a Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with class teachers and other professionals to support pupils’ learning, achievement and wellbeing. You will help pupils to access a broad, balanced and appropriately differentiated curriculum, promote their independence, self-esteem, communication and social inclusion, and support them to make progress academically, socially, emotionally and physically. You will provide support for pupils individually, in small groups and within whole-class activities, and contribute to creating a safe, nurturing and engaging learning environment in which every child can thrive. Where required, you will also support pupils with personal care, medical needs, feeding and mobility, in line with their EHCPs, health care plans and school procedures.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Support for Teaching and Learning

• Demonstrate an informed, proactive and effective approach to teaching and learning by using appropriate strategies to support the work of the teacher and improve pupil achievement and engagement.
• Support the delivery of a broad, balanced and appropriately differentiated curriculum so that pupils can achieve their full potential across all areas of learning.
• Work with pupils on an individual basis, in small groups and within whole-class activities to support access to learning, participation and progress.
• Join in with classroom activities and learning experiences to motivate pupils, sustain engagement and encourage active participation.
• Support pupils to remain focused, attentive and positively engaged during lessons and other school activities.
• Assist in delivering a modified or personalised curriculum and adapt activities, tasks and materials, including the preparation of visual aids and other specialist resources, so that pupils can access learning successfully.
• Use a range of communication approaches and specialist strategies to support learning, including visual supports, Makaton, communication books, AAC and other verbal or non-verbal means of communication as appropriate to pupils’ needs.
• Support pupils to use ICT, assistive technology and specialist equipment safely and effectively in order to improve access, communication, independence and achievement.
• Prepare, organise and maintain teaching spaces, learning materials and resources to ensure a stimulating, well-structured and safe learning environment.
• Take pride in creating and maintaining a positive learning environment, including displays and presentation of pupils’ work where appropriate.
• Read and understand lesson plans and other planning documentation shared before lessons and use these to prepare effectively for your role in supporting pupils’ learning.
• Contribute to the planning and delivery of curriculum activities, interventions and personalised learning programmes under the direction of the teacher.
• Supervise a class or group for a short period when the teacher is temporarily unavailable, in line with school policy and the level of the post.