Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) Phonics and Literacy Lead

Shire Oak Academy; Walsall; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Shire Oak Academy in Walsall is seeking a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) – Phonics and Literacy Lead to join our team. Reporting to the Assistant Headteacher/SENDCo, you will coordinate phonics and literacy interventions and support pupils' reading and writing.

The role requires HLTA status and English and Maths GCSE (C/4 or above), with experience leading learning for individuals, groups or classes.

Qualifications

• English and mathematics GCSE at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent).
• Recognised HLTA status or qualification appropriate to the role.
• Training in phonics, literacy, reading intervention or supporting learning.
• Experience of supporting pupils in a learning environment.
• Experience of planning and delivering structured phonics and/or literacy interventions.
• Experience of assessing need, recording progress and evaluating impact.
• Knowledge of systematic synthetic phonics and how decoding, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension contribute to reading.
• Understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality, equality and professional boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Promote a culture in which every pupil is supported to become a confident, accurate and increasingly independent reader and writer.
• Lead the day-to-day coordination and delivery of phonics and literacy interventions, maintaining high expectations for participation, progress and conduct.
• Use assessment information to identify gaps, match provision to need and evaluate the impact of support.
• Work collaboratively with pupils, families, teachers, support staff and external professionals in the best interests of pupils.
• Take responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people within the Academy.

Skills

Phonics knowledge

Literacy interventions

Assessment of progress

Reading instruction

Coaching

Collaboration

ICT use

Safeguarding

Behaviour support

Education

GCSE English & Maths (C/4+)

HLTA status or equivalent

Job description

Job Title:Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) - Phonics and Literacy Lead

Location:Walsall

Shire Oak Academy is an exciting and vibrant learning community where students enjoy greatsuccess in and outside of the classroom. We aim to provide an outstanding, positive learning environment and value the high quality of relationships that enable this to be true of all aspects of school life. Our Academy motto, ‘Turning Potential into Excellence’ is important to us as we prepare our students for successful adult lives in an increasingly competitive world. We support and encourage our students to try their best to achieve success in all areas and help prepare them for their future choices, not only in their academic learning, but also within other areas such as music, sport,artand drama.

We are:

Aspirational -Inspireall ofour students to dream big dreams which extend their horizons beyond their expectations.

Success-Learning from failure, challenging expectations and driving for success.

Participation-To be fully involved in school life. Take an active part in lessons and take full advantage of the extracurricular opportunities provided.

Integrity-Promoting the qualities of selflessness, courage, honesty, respect, commitment and doing the right thing.

Responsibility-To enable each student to develop confidence,self-esteemand responsibility in all areas of school life.

Excellence-Striving for excellence and high achievement in everything we do.

To provide a safe, secure, caring and supportive environment in which all students may take advantage of the opportunities we provide to develop knowledge, skills, attitudes and values to prepare them for taking up an adult place in 21st Century society as responsible, responsive and enterprising citizens who become effective lifelong learners and make a positive contribution to society.

Want to make a difference to young people?

Are you ready to embark on a rewarding journey within an educational community that values increasing opportunities, improving outcomes for our students.We are looking for aHigher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) - Phonics and Literacy Leadto join our team. Reporting toAssistant Headteacher / SENDCo,you will undertake:

Key responsibilities:

• Promote a culture in which every pupil is supported to become a confident, accurate and increasingly independent reader and writer.
• Lead the day-to-day coordination and delivery of phonics and literacy interventions, maintaining high expectations for participation, progress and conduct.
• Use assessment information to identify gaps, match provision to need and evaluate the impact of support.
• Work collaboratively with pupils, families, teachers, support staff and external professionals in the best interests of pupils.
• Take responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people within the Academy.

Pay range:ScaleGrade 4 (6-11) | Actual £23,092 - £25,005 | FTE£26,847 - £29,071

Qualifications and Skills:

English and mathematics GCSE at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent).

Recognised HLTA status or qualification appropriate to the role.

Relevant training or qualification in phonics, literacy, reading intervention or supporting learning. Successful experience of supporting pupils in a learning environment.

Experience of planning and delivering structured phonics and/or literacy interventions. Experience of assessing need, recording progress and evaluating impact. Experience of leading learning for individuals, groups or classes. Experience of supporting pupils with SEND or persistent literacy difficulties. Secure knowledge of systematic synthetic phonics and how decoding, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension contribute to reading.

Understanding of barriers experienced by older struggling readers and the importance of age-appropriate catch-up provision. Understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality, equality and professional boundaries.

Knowledge of positive behaviour support and adaptive teaching.

Excellent literacy and communication skills.

Ability to articulate phonemes accurately and model effective reading and spelling strategies.

Ability to interpret assessment information and translate it into focused support.

Strong organisation, record keeping and time management.

Ability to coach, model practice and work collaboratively with colleagues and families.

Confident use of ICT and relevant learning or assessment systems.

High expectations and commitment to improving outcomes.

Integrity, discretion, resilience and accountability.

Ability to motivate pupils and colleagues and sustain consistent practice.

Reflective, receptive to feedback and committed to professional learning.

Commitment to the ethos and values of Shire Oak Academy and The Mercian Trust.

For full details of the post please see attached Job Description and Person Specification

Why The Mercian Trust?

As one Trust weshare a common purpose. We call it our social mobility and social justice mission to change our communities through thevery bestequitableeducation. When we get this right, itenables our children and young people to fulfil their potential, thrive in the world of work, and make a positive contribution to the local,nationaland international community.

Put simply, our common purpose is to increase opportunities and improve outcomes for our students. We are particularly committed to students who are under-served and under-resourced. We prioritise those who have special educational needs and disabilities, or who are more likely to face discrimination for whatever reason.

It is this common purpose that fuels everything we do.We deliver impactful,sustainableand ethical continuous school improvement in our schools to ensure the children and young people in the communities we serve learn in thevery bestand most inclusive schools.

We are deeply rooted in the communities we serve (which are the education investment areas of the West Midlands). Weadopta pioneering spirit and look to lead thesector with innovative solutions to the problems our students and families face.

Find out more: The Mercian Trust - Home

Benefits:

Financial, Health and Lifestyle

discounts on everyday purchases (Eden Red)

a comprehensive free of charge health plan (UK Health Care)

a cycle to work scheme via Halfords

access to the Blue Light Card

For further benefits including education sector leading CPD: The Mercian Trust - What we can offer you

The Mercian Trustis committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references.

The Mercian Trustis also committed to promoting equality, challengingdiscriminationand developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Please take time to read our polices attached to this advert.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.