Educational Support Assistant

Shaftesbury; Holton Heath; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

An inclusive educational institution in Holton Heath, Dorset, seeks a Learning/Enabling Support Worker to assist students with learning disabilities. The role focuses on providing personalized 1:1 support, using effective communication strategies like Makaton, and collaborating with tutors to enhance students' learning experiences. Applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to safeguarding and holistic care, as well as the ability to maintain accurate records and support students' independence. This vital position contributes to a safe and stimulating learning environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in providing support for students with complex needs.
• Understanding of personalized learning strategies.
• Ability to engage effectively with young people.

Responsibilities

• Support class Tutor and Co Tutor with resource preparation.
• Provide 1:1 support for skills-based learning.
• Use communication strategies such as Makaton.
• Assist with students' social and emotional needs.
• Record attainment and progress using evidence-based methods.

Skills

Communication strategies

1:1 support

Holistic care

Record-keeping

Participation in training

Job description

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ROLE DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF SPONSORSHIP

Overview

Shaftesbury Millie College is a post 16-25 education setting helping young people with a range of learning and physical disabilities in Dorset and the local area, bridging the gap between education and employment. Students are supported with personalised learning programmes which build confidence and independence, underpinned by a focus on wellbeing.

It is a one-of-a-kind work environment, set on a 350-acre countryside site near Poole. The College’s curriculum is directly aligned to its natural environment and the enterprise activities that operate there, including animal care, catering and retail, conservation and horticulture.

Our 3 aims:

• Supporting lifelong learning for all
• Enabling access to high-quality education
• Supporting young people to live safe and independent lives.

The College delivers personalised learning through a bespoke methodology of class, outdoor and community-based learning spaces, depending on the learners’ choice, interests and future ambitions.

Our unique site at Holton Lee enables us to deliver Enterprise activities such as Horticulture, Animal Care, Catering and Nature Tourism, that our students will develop their skills in order to use these in their lives.

Job Purpose

Supporting class Tutor and Co Tutor with the preparation of resources to meet the personalized learning intentions of allocated students.

• Providing 1:1 support under the supervision of the class Tutor for the delivery of skills-based learning.

To use a range of communication strategies including Makaton to support communication with students with a range of complex needs.

To work with the Curriculum and Pastoral Leads to support the social and emotional needs of young people.

Work closely with class Tutor / Co Tutor to report on progress using an evidence-based approach.

To use the College Evidence for Learning system to record attainment and progress within lessons.

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Shaftesbury Millie College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and staff. It is the responsibility of all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check and will follow our rigorous safer recruitment processes.

Shaftesbury Millie College strives to be a diverse and inclusive community and welcomes applications from people from all backgrounds.

Key Responsibilities

• To enable students to learn by understanding their learning goals and targets; enable them to practice and learn new skills and challenge them to be as independent as possible.
• To be involved in the provision of all aspects of support necessary that will ensure the students’ wellbeing and ability to function and engage in learning.
• To provide the highest standards of holistic care and attention for the students by understanding the guidelines and advice provided by the multidisciplinary team and the individuals own preferences and wishes.
• To assist in the provision of a safe and stimulating environment and activities for students which will challenge and enable them to learn and practice their skills.
• To understand and fully implement Shaftesbury Safeguarding policies and procedures.
• To take an active role in enabling students to learn against their targets through all aspects of College life and to record their achievements using EFL software.
• To assist in maintaining accurate records both written and electronic in accordance with registration and legal requirements, these will need to be timely, informed and legible.
• To actively support a total, functional communication approach, using alternative communication systems such as Makaton, Object cues / reference and programmes or devices such as single switches, VOCA’s or Communicate in Print.
• To participate fully in the College’s quality assurance processes and procedures by reflecting on your own practice, the class team(s), the college as a whole.
• To participate in and take full advantage of the staff training programmes, including mandatory training, staff meetings, supervision and annual performance reviews.
• To perform such additional activities commensurate with the post of Learning / Enabling Support Worker as may be requested by a Senior Manager.
• To be responsible for and able to evidence own personal development by undertaking relevant training, attending meetings, conferences and events ensuring that you are updated in all matters relevant to the role within your Personal Development Plan agreed with your line manager.