The Teaching Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the social, emotional, academic and physical development of pupils at Saracens Bell Lane. The post holder will contribute to a safe, inclusive, trauma-informed and nurturing learning environment where all pupils are supported to make expected or better progress. The role is grounded in the understanding that all behaviour is communication, and that strong, trusting relationships and restorative approaches are central to effective learning and wellbeing.

The Teaching Assistant will uphold the school’s values and aims, promote high expectations, inclusion and wellbeing, and work flexibly, when required, across the school - including Early Years and SEN provisions.

PURPOSE:

• To provide support to teachers in the learning and personal development of pupils including those with complex needs and/or disabilities.

• To assist the learning and personal development of pupils to enable them to make best use of the educational opportunities available to them.    

• To work under the guidance and overall supervision of teachers and inclusion manager to enable access to learning for specific pupils and to assist the whole staff team in the support of pupils across the year group

• To provide support for a broad, balanced, stimulating and adapted curriculum that meets individual children’s needs. 

• To provide a high quality education, nurture and care for specific pupils in the school, in partnership with their parents and carers. 

• To support the effective delivery of key interventions. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SUPPORT FOR PUPILS

• Work with teachers to raise the learning and attainment of pupils while promoting their independence, self-esteem and social inclusion.

• Provide support to pupils so that they can access the curriculum, participate fully in learning and experience a sense of achievement.

• Demonstrate an informed and effective approach to teaching and learning by adopting appropriate strategies and adapting activities, resources and the learning environment to meet the needs of all pupils, ensuring every child can access learning and make good progress.

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

• Communicate effectively and sensitively with pupils, adapting approaches to meet individual needs and support learning.

• Support pupils' learning through high-quality interactions within continuous provision, extending learning through effective questioning, modelling, purposeful play and conversation.

• Encourage pupils to develop independence, resilience and confidence by enabling them to access and use classroom resources and continuous provision effectively.

• Deliver targeted interventions and provide individual and small-group support under the direction of the class teacher and/or SENDCo.

• Support pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), Individual Support Plans (ISPs) and those receiving SEN Support to achieve their individual outcomes and targets.

• Use agreed strategies and resources to support pupils' communication and language development, emotional regulation, sensory needs, social interaction and independence.

• Model high-quality language and communication to develop pupils' vocabulary, speaking and listening skills across all areas of learning.

• Observe pupils during adult-led and child-initiated learning, recording significant observations and maintaining accurate and up-to-date learning journals and assessment records in line with school expectations.

• Support pupils' learning and development both indoors and outdoors, ensuring purposeful engagement across all learning environments.

• Where appropriate, support pupils with personal care, intimate care and medical needs in accordance with school policies and procedures.

SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS

• Understand the role of the Teaching Assistant and work collaboratively with classroom teachers, the SENDCo and other colleagues, including specialist advisory teachers.

• Support the teacher in securing the best possible outcomes for all pupils.

• Share professional observations and knowledge of pupils to inform planning, assessment and decision-making.

• Support teachers in adapting learning, resources and the classroom environment to ensure learning is inclusive, accessible and appropriately challenging for all pupils.

• Use effective behaviour management strategies consistently in line with the school's policies and procedures.

• Contribute to effective assessment and planning by supporting the monitoring, recording and reporting of pupil progress, including maintaining accurate learning journals, recording observations and providing evidence towards assessment.

• Support the implementation, monitoring and review of Individual Support Plans (ISPs), Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and other personalised provision by contributing observations, evidence and feedback to the class teacher and SENDCo.

• Prepare, organise, replenish and adapt learning resources and continuous provision to reflect current learning, pupils' interests and developmental needs.

• Maintain stimulating, inclusive and safe indoor and outdoor learning environments by organising, adapting and managing teaching spaces, continuous provision and resources.

• Support the delivery and evaluation of interventions, providing feedback on pupil engagement, progress and next steps.

SUPPORT FOR THE SCHOOL

• Work collaboratively with other professionals, parents, carers, outside agencies and pupils.

• Build positive, constructive relationships with parents and carers.

• Keep teachers and other professionals accurately informed of pupil progress, achievements and any concerns relating to the pupils they support.

• Communicate knowledge and understanding of pupils to school staff and education, health and social care professionals to support informed decision-making regarding intervention and provision.

• Work collaboratively with teachers, the SENDCo, parents, carers and external agencies to ensure pupils with additional needs receive appropriate support, contributing to reviews and meetings where appropriate.

• Have proper and professional regard for the ethos, policies and practices of the school as a valued member of staff.

• Demonstrate positive attitudes, values and behaviours that develop and sustain effective relationships within the school community.

• Safeguard pupils' wellbeing by following all relevant statutory guidance together with school safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, confidentiality and data protection policies.

• Uphold values consistent with those expected of all school staff by respecting individual differences and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.

• Contribute to the wider life of the school, including educational visits, enrichment activities and whole-school events, as appropriate.

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as may reasonably be required by the Headteacher or line manager.

  For more information about this role, please read the attached job description.

  
  

  ABOUT OUR SCHOOL

  Saracens Bell Lane joined the Saracens Multi-Academy Trust (SMAT) on 1st August 2024 . The Trust has a clear vision of enriching lives through education by developing lifelong learners who will thrive in life beyond school. To us, this is not a strapline but the shared passion of members, trustees, governors and staff.  Saracens schools are different. We take a modern and pioneering approach to individual character development through every aspect of school life. To do this well, we are looking for someone who will recognise and enhance the individual abilities of each child. Our Teachers and Support Staff will place an equal emphasis on learning with coaching confidence, self-esteem and teamwork so that pupils in the school can achieve the outcomes they aspire to.

• To realise our vision, we embrace and live our core Saracens Values of Discipline, Honesty, Hard Work and Humility by:

  • Ensuring our schools are orderly, safe, and joyful places where our pupils are governed and guided in their behaviour by fair and sensible principles.
  • Empowering our staff to embrace the latest thinking and use teaching styles that reflect the culture of success and commitment to character development, with achievement celebrated as warmly as attainment.
  • Retaining a focus on supporting those communities most in need, striving for equality of opportunity for all. Build community hubs around our schools, through mutually beneficial partnerships with local businesses, organisations, and individuals.
  • Insisting on an honest appraisal of the efforts and attitude of staff in their work and pupils in all areas of their education and school life.
  • Creating an environment where all members of the school community work incredibly hard to fulfill the potential of each individual and strive for continuous improvement in everything that we do.
  • Placing equal emphasis on character education and enrichment as academic attainment, so that pupils are prepared for life beyond school.
  • Creating a quality of life for all staff and pupils that is both enjoyable and impactful, to make memories they take pride in and cherish for the rest of their lives.
  • Utilising the networks of the broader Saracens family to strengthen our school communities.
  • Achieving our outcomes sustainably, through strong financial governance and protecting and nurturing our surrounding environment.

  If you have any questions or would like a general conversation about the role,  please email l.aironi@saracensbl.org.

  Saracens Multi-Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be required to complete an Enhanced DBS check.

  Saracens Multi-Academy Trust is a disability confident employer.