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Polaris Community; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company Pension

Life Assurance

Employee Discount Scheme

Job summary

Selwyn Hall School seeks a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support pupils with SEMH in Foxton, Cambridgeshire. This fixed-term, 1-year contract is full-time and term-time only, ASAP start, and includes DBS processing and ongoing professional development.

The role involves mentoring a pupil or small group, supporting lessons, reporting progress, and supervising during non-classroom time. A strong GCSE in English and Maths and prior TA experience are required.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths at grade C or equivalent.
• Experience as Teaching Assistant or similar.
• Experience with SEMH pupils in an educational setting.
• Willing to take additional responsibilities in school areas (e.g., food hygiene, forest school, lunchtimes, or yoga).

Responsibilities

• Mentor and support one pupil or a small group of up to six.
• Support the classroom teacher during lessons.
• Report on pupils' progress and liaise with staff to meet needs.
• Supervise pupils during non-classroom time and school trips.
• Assist with lesson planning and classroom preparation.
• Set work where appropriate and mark.
• Build positive relationships to enhance learning outcomes.

Skills

Teaching support

Behaviour management

Team collaboration

Support SEMH pupils

Education

GCSE English & Maths (C or equivalent)

A-levels (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Contract: Fixed Term, 1 year, Full Time, Term Time Only

Location: Foxton, Cambridgeshire

Start Date: ASAP

• Company Pension
• Life Assurance
• Employee Discount Scheme

About Our School

Selwyn Hall School is an SEN school in Foxton, south west of Cambridge, which provides specialist education for 7-18-year-olds with social, emotional and mental health difficulties (SEMH). Our pupils may have a number of diagnoses, including ASD, ADHD, FASD, anxiety and/or communication and interaction, cognition and learning needs. Our small bespoke groupings of 4-6 children ensure that every pupil receives the individual attention they need to succeed.

The school is situated within large private grounds to create a therapeutic environment that enables us to focus on the health and wellbeing of the pupils. We have space for a range of outdoor learning experiences including forest school, a multi-use sports pitch, sensory trail, conservation area and play equipment. Inside, the building has been completely refurbished and offers a range of classrooms and activity rooms including science, computing, music, drama and art/DT.

We are part of the Polaris Community and have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years. Within the Polaris Community, we have several SEN schools across the UK that work together to provide each pupil with a tailored, diverse and appropriate education in a safe, supportive environment that promotes engagement, inspires learning and encourages achievement. All of our provisions are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

Role Responsibilities

• Dedicated to mentoring and supporting one pupil, or a small group of no more than six pupils
• Supporting the classroom teacher during lessons
• Reporting on pupils' progress and concerns, and liaising with other school staff to ensure pupils' needs are met
• Supervision of pupils during non-classroom time, including extra-curricular activities and school trips
• Assisting with lesson planning and classroom preparation
• Setting work where appropriate, and marking
• Building positive relationships with pupils and driving interaction and positive learning outcomes

Requirements

• Have a strong basic education, ideally to A-level, with a minimum of GCSE Grade C or equivalent in English Language and Mathematics, and sound IT skills
• Previous experience in a similar role, for example as a Teaching Assistant
• Some previous experience of working with pupils with SEMH within an educational setting
• Be experienced and confident enough to take additional responsibility in an area of school, for example food hygiene, forest school, lunchtimes or school yoga
• Experience of behaviour management and techniques
• Committed to professional development and willing to learn

What We Offer

• A workplace that values the emotional health and wellbeing of everybody, including you
• A commitment to support your development in acquiring new skills through a wide range of professional opportunities
• An opportunity to make a huge contribution to the lives and lifelong learning of vulnerable children who deserve high-quality teaching in a safe educational provision
• A friendly and inclusive team who are passionate about improving pupil outcomes

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by Selwyn Hall School.

Selwyn Hall School is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

Selwyn Hall School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.