Place of Work: West Heath School, Sevenoaks, but the Nature Of

Post Title: TEACHING ASSISTANT

Place of Work: West Heath School, Sevenoaks, but the nature of

the work may require travel to other School related sites

Hours of work: Part time 32.5 hours per week Monday to Friday, term time (39

(weeks per year

Salary: £13,103 to £ 14,618 per annum depending on qualifications

Accountable to: Vice Principal, Curriculum and Quality

Main Purpose of role:

To contribute to the academic, emotional, social, physical development of West Heath Students within a unique but highly successful curriculum delivery method.

You will be employed as a TEACHING ASSISTANT in which capacity you will be required to perform such duties consistent with your position as may from time to time be assigned to you. This will include supporting a student group or on a one to one basis.

Principal tasks and responsibilities:

Students:

To work as part of a team in providing a safe, secure and stimulating learning environment for students to reach their potentials
To work within the standards and requirements of the Curriculum in planning and delivering activities.
Supervise and provide particular support for students ensuring their safety and access to learning activities
Assist with the development and implementation of plans to assist student achievement
Encourage students to interact with others and engage in activities led by the teacher
Set challenging and demanding expectations and promote self-esteem and independence.
Establish constructive relationships with students, acting as a role model and being aware of and interact with them according to their individual needs

Provide feedback to students in relation to progress and achievement as required
To accompany students to and from lessons, ensuring that they arrive promptly, safely and happily

Support for the Teachers:

Undertake structured and agreed learning activities adjusting activities according to students’ responses
To work as part of a team in planning and assessing within the current guidelines for the Curriculum
Create and maintain a purposeful, orderly and supportive environment in accordance with lesson plans and assist with the display of students’ work.
Use strategies and plans under the guidance of the teachers to support students to achieve their targets
Monitor students’ responses to learning activities and accurately record achievement/progress as directed
Provide detailed and regular feedback to teachers on students’ progress, achievement and issues as appropriate
Promote good student behaviour, deal promptly with conflicts and incidents in line with school policy and encourage students to take responsibility for their actions

To contribute to the planning, implementation and review of “Individual Education and Provision Plans” for our students.
Follow the guidance outlined in the SEN Training Portfolio for Teaching Assistants and the School Handbook.
Promote the welfare and well being of students at all times and strictly adhere to our school’s Child Protection policy and guidelines.

Support for the school:

Use ICT in learning activities and develop students’ competence and independence in its use.
To ensure the health, safety and well being of the children and report any hazards noticed.
Attend training, staff meetings and open days as required.
To work within a team and be flexible.
Deal with minor incidents and refer to senior staff if necessary
Administer First Aid as needed, following school procedures if qualified

General

To act as a positive ambassador and role model for the School in all opportunities supporting the School mission, goals and values
To maintain a high standard of probity in professional, personal and financial matters, maintaining good relations with colleagues and external partners
Work flexibly and efficiently to maintain the highest professional standards
To act in accordance with the School’s code of conduct and other policies and procedures
To uphold and promote the School’s commitment to equality and diversity
To undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required.

The job description sets out the main duties of the post at the date when it was drawn up. Such duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the post or the level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.

Person Specification

CRITERIA / ESSENTIAL/DESIRABLE
Qualifications:
NVQ Level 3 Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools / D
Willingness to achieve NVQ level 3 in supporting teaching and learning in Schools / E
Good general education (GCSE English and Maths at Grade c or above preferred) / E/D
Experience:
Team working / E
Strengths in Curriculum subject areas / D
Supporting young people to develop and change / E
Working with children / E
Knowledge:
Good educational background / E
How to rebuild self esteem in the classroom / D
Technical skills/abilities to include:
Has a collaborative, flexible, supportive and tolerant approach. / E
Reflective, and embraces new initiatives / E
Emotionally robust / E
Ability to work as part of a diverse team / E
Willingness to work with challenging students / E
Proactive and flexible approach / E
Driver and access to own vehicle / D
Willingness to obtain first aid certificate / D