Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Communication

Teaching Vacancies; Oxford; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Oxford is looking for a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) who is passionate about supporting pupil communication. The successful candidate will be responsible for planning and delivering learning activities, monitoring student progress, and working with various professionals to enhance communication skills. This role requires experience with Special Educational Needs and a commitment to the welfare of children, including a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children with Special Educational Needs.
• Ability to plan and deliver learning activities.
• Training in relevant learning strategies.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and deliver learning activities for individuals and groups.
• Monitor and assess pupils' progress.
• Collaborate with therapists to support communication.

Skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Organizational skills

ICT proficiency

Education

Higher Level Teaching Assistant standards or equivalent qualification

NVQ Level 2 in English and Maths

Job description

Overview

John Watson School is looking to appoint a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) with a passion for supporting pupil communication. The successful candidate will complement the team at our school, demonstrate a commitment to learning, and enjoy working with children of all abilities and ages.

What the School Offers

We are proud of the fantastic learning culture at John Watson. The decisions we make are guided by SLICE – Safety, Learning, Independence, Communication, Engagement. Our aim is to empower each child to live as full and as independent lives as possible.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and deliver learning activities for individuals, groups and whole classes;
• Monitor and assess pupils’ progress, record and report on achievement and development;
• Use specialist knowledge to support pupils with special educational needs and model effective practice for other staff;
• Champion the development of pupils’ communication and language skills across the school;
• Lead on the delivery of communication-focused interventions and provide specialist support to pupils;
• Support teachers in planning and delivering effective learning activities;
• Work collaboratively with therapists and other professionals to support communication outcomes;
• Support induction and continuing professional development for colleagues;
• Contribute to the overall ethos and work of the school.

Experience and Qualifications

• Experience working with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities;
• Experience supporting pupils with Special Education Needs and Disabilities to develop communication, language, interpersonal and social skills and wider development;
• Experience responding to challenging behaviour and an understanding of the importance of a proactive, planned approach in line with school policy and values;
• Meet Higher Level Teaching Assistant standards or equivalent qualification or experience;
• Excellent numeracy/literacy skills – equivalent to NVQ Level 2 in English and Maths;
• Training in relevant learning strategies e.g. literacy;
• Specialist skills/training in curriculum or learning area e.g. bi-lingual, sign language, ICT, behaviour, total communication.

Knowledge and Skills

• Can use ICT effectively to support learning;
• Full working knowledge of relevant policies, codes of practice and legislation;
• Working knowledge and experience of implementing national/foundation stage curriculum and other relevant learning programmes and strategies;
• Good understanding of child development and learning processes;
• Understanding of statutory frameworks relating to teaching;
• Ability to organise, lead and motivate a team;
• Constantly improve own practice/knowledge through self-evaluation and learning from others;
• Ability to relate well to children and adults;
• Work constructively as part of a team, understanding classroom roles and responsibilities and your own position within these.

Personal Qualities

• Strong interpersonal skills and an effective team member;
• Excellent organisational and time keeping skills;
• Punctual;
• Able to prioritise tasks and work under pressure;
• Proactive and able to use initiative, whilst also knowing when to seek support.

Commitment to Safeguarding

Safer Recruitment John Watson School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post involves the type of work with children and young people that requires applicants to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post. All users are considered confidentially and according to the nature of the role and information disclosed.