Learning Support Assistant (1 to 1 Support)

March 2018

Dear Candidate

Learning Support Assistant (1 to 1 support)

Contract Type: Temporary contract to 20 July 2018 (extension subject to funding)

Term time only, 35 hours per week

Actual annual Salary: £13,801.82per annum, including all allowances

Meath School& Specialist Centre, Brox Road, Ottershaw, Surrey, KT16 0LF

Thank you for your interest in the above post, please find attached:

Job Description and person specification
Job Terms & Conditions
Information about MeathSchool
Application form

To apply please send your completed application form back to us by email by 9am, 26March 2018.Informal enquiries about this post can be made to Sarah Billingham, Assistant Head on 01932 872 302.

Interviews will be held at Meath School.

Please note that we are only able to provide feedback to shortlisted candidates.

I CAN is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We carry out appropriate vetting and verifications on all staff.

Thank you for your interest and we look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully

Hannah Clark

HR Officer

Meath School & Specialist Centre

I CAN's Meath School ( based in Ottershaw, Surrey is a day and residential non-maintained primary special school for up to 75 pupils aged 4 to 11 years, where severe and complex speech, language and communication needs, including Asperger's Syndrome, is the primary need.

Our most recent Ofsted report (2016 ) is highly positive about the work of the school and the progress which our children make. The school is bursting with energy: all staff push pupils to achieve beyond the limits of what previously might have been thought possible. In particular, the pupils themselves develop an inspiring determination to learn, achieve success and overcome their difficulties.

A clear sense of moral purpose drives the school : to unlock pupils’ ability to speak and communicate so that they can appreciate and forge links with the world around them. The school’s relentless focus on developing speech and communication skills is tangible even in the youngest pupils. No opportunity is missed to encourage and praise talk and conversation.

Meath School is one of a very few schools in the UK which is tailor made for only young learners with SLCN. The school and care settings have been recognised repeatedly as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted since 2008.

I CAN is the children’s communication charity.

We are experts in helping children develop the speech, language and communication skills they need to thrive in a 21st century world.

Our vision is a world where all children have the communication skills they need to fulfil their potential.

Our mission is that no child should be left out or left behind because of a difficulty speaking or understanding.

I CAN supports children from 0-19 through our Talk programmes and specialist schools, and through resources and information for parents, families and people who work with children and young people. We work in nurseries and schools across the UK with our evidence-based programmes and run two special schools for children with the most severe and complex needs. We share our expertise and knowledge to increase awareness of communication difficulties and inform policy making.

I CAN’s evidence-based programmes and training aim to provide practical help and support at every age and stage of a child’s and young person’s life. We work directly with the people who educate, care for, support and advise children and families. All our approaches are based on the best evidence available to ensure that children receive help that will get results. Our programmes are designed to help schools to meet Ofsted’s focus on developing and using pupils’ communication skills and to support settings and schools to narrow the gap between the lowest and highest attainment. Many of I CAN’s programmes and training use a cascade model. We have a network of expert Licensees across the UK, able to respond to local needs quickly and flexibly.

For more information about I CAN, its work and values go to or

JOB DESCRIPTION – Learning Support Assistant

RESPONSIBLE TO:Assistant Headteacher, with day-to-day Supervision by the LSA Coordinator

ACCOUNTABLE TO:Headteacher

Job Summary

To assist a designated class team in meeting the educational and social needs of the

children.

To provide flexible/responsive support to all areas of the school and/or individual pupils.

To be responsible for specific school activities (e.g. co-ordination of the library, ICT, playground equipment, displays, stationery and materials) as allocated.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Work as part of the schools’ multi-disciplinary teams including teachers, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and child care officers.

Provide a range of opportunities for children in their class, under the guidance of a teacher, speech and language therapist or occupational therapist, for the development of classroom skills, language, motor skills, play, social behaviour and communication.

Teach individual pupils, small groups or the whole class (following lessons plans) as directed by the teacher and/or Education Leadership Group (ELG).

Build and maintain successful relationships with pupils, treat them with respect and consideration and demonstrate and promote the positive values, attitudes and behaviour that is expected from the pupils.

Respect their social, cultural, linguistic, religious and ethnic backgrounds and be committed to raising their educational achievement.

Maintain and develop knowledge of ICT and signing and use to help advance pupils’ learning .

Support class teachers with preparation and administration associated with class procedures. Plan one’s role in lessons includinghow to provide feedback to pupils and colleagues on pupils’ learning and behaviour in liaison with the teacher.

Maintain and develop understanding of own specialist area to support pupils’ learning, and contribute effectively and with confidence to the classes in which one is involved.

Maintain and develop familiarity with the school’s curriculum and the national curriculum, the age-related expectations of pupils, the main teaching methods and the assessment frameworks across the subjects and age ranges.

Understand and follow the aims, content, teaching strategies and intended outcomes for the lessons in which one is involved, and understand the place of these in the related teaching programme.

Contribute to the planning, recording and review process for groups of pupils and individual children. Including:

Monitor pupils’ responses to learning tasks and modify approaches accordingly

Monitor pupils’ participation and progress, providing feedback to teachers, and giving constructive support to pupils as they learn

Be familiar with the guidance about meeting SEN given in the SEN Code of Practice
Recognise and respond effectively to equal opportunities issues as they arise, including challenging stereotyped views, and challenging bullying or harassment, following relevant policies and procedures.

Maintain very good communication across the school

In collaboration with teachers, liaise sensitively and effectively with parents and carers, recognising their roles in pupils’ learning.

Contribute to the school’s policy in Signing and Cued Articulation.

Manage challenging behaviour under the direction of class teachers and support the school’s behaviour policy and practice. Maintain training and use techniques in Team Teach and Physical Interventions.

Be responsible for the daytime medical regimes of individual pupils in liaison with the school nurse.

Support classes in the swimming pool as requested.

Carry out school duties, eg, lunchtime/playtime as directed. Contribute at least 2 days per year to the Summer holiday club
Carry out additional/alternative duties as required for individual pupil support. (This may include supporting intimate care and feeding)

Accompany classes on outside visits as required with the agreement of the Assistant Head.

To drive the school minibus/car (after the appropriate training)

Attend all meetings as requested.

To complete the appropriate medical, driving and lifeguard training as required.

To show best practice by following the LSA/HLTA standards.

Personal Development

Participate and contribute to one’s own performance appraisal and supervision sessions.

Undertake relevant training and development, as required and effectively use learned skills to benefit pupils.

Improve one’s own practice, including through observation, evaluation and discussion with colleagues.

Be involved in the school’s extended services programmes, (e.g. After School Clubs, outreach, training, assessment) as appropriate.

Contribute to Meath events and activities (e.g. Bonfire Night, Summer Fete, Holiday Club) as required.

To eventually become approved as a Class Cover LSA in the event of planned teacher absence.

Additional Requirements

1.Provide cover for colleagues as directed by your manager.

2.Refrain from acting in a manner which in any way endangers yourself, fellow employees, or the public.

3.Ensure that all policies and procedures relating to the protection of children in ICAN’s services are followed at all times.

4.Avoid any behaviour which discriminates against your fellow employees, or potential employees on the grounds of their sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, religion, creed, colour, nationality, ethnic origin or disability.

5.Safeguard at all times confidentiality of information relating to children, staff and I CAN’s work.

6.Refrain from smoking in any area of I CAN premises not designated as a smoking area.

7.Behave in a manner which ensures the security of I CAN property and resources.

8.Abide by all relevant I CAN Policies and Procedures.

This list of duties and responsibilities is by no means exhaustive and the postholder

may be required to undertake other relevant and appropriate duties as required.

This job description is subject to regular review and appropriate modification

PERSON SPECIFICATION – Learning Support Assistant

CRITERIA / ESSENTIAL / DESIRABLE
Experience and Qualifications /

Demonstrable levels of numeracy and literacy (equivalent to GCSE (A-C) or NVQ level 2).
Minimum C grade for English GCSE (or equivalent)
Experience of working with primary children in a school context. Experience of SEN. Flexibility and adaptability to work with a variety of groups in different ways.

Training/qualification in early years, child development, social care or related field relevant to the age of the pupils.
Experience of working with children with complex difficulties

Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team

Knowledge /

Knowledge and understanding of behaviour management strategies.
Understanding of First Aid procedures
Understanding of the importance of confidentiality of sensitive information.

Knowledge of early language development, play and social development

Skills /

To communicate effectively with colleagues, parents and outside agencies
Ability to relate to children individually and in groups.
Ability to implement and evaluate behaviour management strategies and education/therapy plans under the guidance of other professionals.
Clear accurate written communication
Sound IT skills to support learning and maintain electronic information systems.
Effective listening skills and ability to follow instructions
Willing to strive to deliver a high quality service and contribute towards continuous improvement.
Good organisational and time management skills
Punctuality
Accuracy
Ability and willingness to work constructively as part of a team
Positive and constructive attitude
Willingness to undertake training including license to drive the school mini-bus

Able to use signing

Other factors / Commitment to safe guarding and promoting the welfare of young people
Clean driving license and willingness to drive school minibus

I CAN

Summary of Terms and Conditions of Employment

Job Title: / Learning Support Assistant (1 to 1 support)
Start Date: / ASAP
Contract Type: / Fixed term to 20 July 2018 – continuation of contract subject to funding
Location: / Meath School, Brox Road, Ottershaw, Surrey, KT16 0LF
Annual Salary: / £13,801.82
Hours: / 35 hours per week
Annual Leave: / All school closure periods
Disclosure & Baring Service Check: / The successful candidate’s employment is subject to an enhanced DBS check and a barred list check
Probation Period: / There is a 6 month probationary period for this post
Pension: / After 3 months, staff employed on a continuing contract, or temporary contract of minimum 6 months, are entitled to join the I CAN group pension scheme with Aviva. Employer contribution 4.5%, minimum employee contribution 3%.
Perkbox / Employee wellbeing benefit providing hundreds of exclusive perks for staff ranging from discounts on shopping, entertainment and gifts, to gym membership, rewards and over 150 e-learning perks.
Free Annual Flu Vaccination / Free annual flu vaccination for all I CAN employees.
Childcare Voucher Scheme: / I CAN operates a childcare voucher scheme for staff which enables savings on childcare costs.
Application Form for Employment
Please return to:I CAN Human Resources Team, 31 Angel Gate, Goswell Road London, EC1V 2PT
Email: : Tel: 020 7239 0004 /

Please complete this form in full supplemented by additional sheets if necessary. CVs WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

All personal data supplied to us on this form, which is subsequently processed on computer or by other means, is subject to the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998.

Position applied for: / Closing Date:
9am, 26 February 2018
Learning Support Assistant
Where did you see this job
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Personal details:

Last Name: / Title: (Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms/Dr/Prof) / First names: (for official purposes)
Address: / Preferred name: (name you wish to be known as)
National Insurance number:
Post code:
E-mail address: / Home telephone number:
If you are a teacher, please provide:
DfES number:
TRN number: / Mobile telephone number:

Employment:

Name of current/last employer:
Job title and description of your current job and key responsibilities: / Start date: End date:
Current /Final Salary:
What period of notice are you required to give to your present employer?
Reason for leaving:

Previous Employment:

Start Date

End Date

Job Title

Employer

(please also provide name of school if applicable) /

Reason for Leaving

Gaps in employment history:

Please account for gaps in your employment history (in chronological order) in the space provided below.

Education and Qualifications:

Start Date

End Date

Name of School/College/University/ provider

Subject

Qualification gained and grade

Training:

Date

Topic Covered

Training Provider

Professional Membership/Registration:

Issuing Body

Registration Number

Expiry Date

Suitability:

Please assess yourself against the requirement of the Person Specification, giving examples of how you meet the defined criteria. Ensure you are concise and to the point. You may continue on additional sheets if necessary.

Referees:

Please give the names and addresses of two referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer. Students should give the names of a lecturer/tutor/supervisor as appropriate. If you are applying for a post involving direct contact with children, at least one referee must be able to comment on your child contact experience. Your consent for I CAN to contact your referees is given by signature of this form. We will normally request references before interview; if you do not wish us to contact them without your consent, please put a cross (X) next to their name.

1. / Name: / Telephone number:
Capacity known to you:
Address: / Confidential fax number:
E-mail address:
2. / Name: / Telephone number:
Capacity known to you:
Address: / Confidential fax number:
E-mail address:

Additional Information:

Please give below any further information that is relevant to your application, eg: your application is for a job share; periods of time when you would be unavailable for interview; any special requirements should you be invited for interview.

Relationships:

Are you related to or acquainted with any of the Trustees, staff or pupils of I CAN? If so, please give details:

Asylum and Immigration Act 1996:

Do you require permission to work in the UK? / Yes / No

If “Yes”, please state the permission you have to work in the UK (e.g. visa type and visa expiry date)

______

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974:

Do you have any convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings that are not "protected" as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013)*?

Yes No

If ‘yes’ please give details in a separate envelope. You are required to give details of a 'spent conviction' as provided by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 as the post is one that involves direct contact with children where we need to know about all convictions.

*For further guidance on protected conviction and cautions, please visit:

List 99/ Protection of Children Act List:

Are you included on List 99 or the Protection of Children Act List?

Yes No

I confirm that the information given on this form is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true and complete. I also give my consent to the processing of my personal data by computer or other means in relation to my job application and possible future employment.

Signed………………………………………………………..Date...... ………..

I CAN - Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form – Recruitment

Please do not write your name on this form.

Thank you for taking the time out to fill in this form. We are asking these questions to understand better the composition of our workforce by gender, ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation and faith. This information will help us guide our recruitment strategies.

We can assure you that the information provided will be kept completely confidential.

I CAN is committed to equal opportunities and has a policy that is supported by a code of practice.

Please state which post you are applying for

Gender (please tick) & Year of Birth

Male / Female / Year of Birth

Disability

Do you consider yourself to have a disability? (please tick)

/ Yes / No
The Disability discrimination Act defines disability as “a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long term effect on the person’s ability to carry out normal day to day activities”

Ethnic Origin

Please indicate how you would prefer to describe your ethnic origin (please tick) then specify in the most relevant sub-category (please tick)