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Teaching Vacancies; Westerham; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free on-site parking

Cycle to work scheme

Child-care vouchers

Free flu vaccinations

Residential trips opportunities

Job summary

Charles Darwin School seeks a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support pupils across year groups in a cohesive school community. You will collaborate with teachers, assist in literacy and numeracy development, and help maintain records with discretion.

The role requires teamwork, a respectful approach to pupils, and willingness to undertake paid training to progress toward NVQ level 3 within normal hours, contributing to an inclusive learning environment.

Qualifications

• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Effective communication with children, teachers, parents and staff.
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships with teachers and staff.
• Willingness to take guidance from teachers.
• Understand roles of TA vs teacher.
• Keep written records and support literacy/numeracy development.
• Awareness of how pupils learn and factors affecting learning.
• Respect and value pupils as individuals.
• Commitment to inclusive education.
• Willingness to undertake paid training during normal hours to progress toward NVQ3.
• Confidentiality with parents and staff.
• Prepared to work across the school with any age group.
• Adapt to different school environments and pupil needs.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Relationship building

Guidance reception

Confidentiality

Record keeping

Adaptability

Inclusive education

Willingness to training

Respect for individuals

Handling varying environments

Education

NVQ level 3 training (or equivalent)

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

• The ability to work as part of a team.


• The ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups of children, teachers, parents and other members of staff.


• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with teachers and other members of staff.


• The ability to accept guidance and direction from teachers.


• The ability to distinguish between the roles and responsibilities of the teaching assistant and the teacher.


• The ability to keep written records and support the development of pupils’ literacy and numeracy skills with confidence.


• Awareness of how pupils learn and the various factors which affect their learning.


• Awareness of the need to show respect and value pupils as individuals.


• An understanding of and commitment to inclusive education.


• A willingness to undertake paid training in normal contractual hours to develop job-related skills and to work towards an NVQ level 3 qualification (or its equivalent).


• A sympathetic approach to parents and an understanding of the need for confidentiality.


• Be prepared to work throughout the school with any age group.


• The ability to adapt to differing environments within the school and to the needs of different children.

What the school offers its staff

Staff wellbeing is a key focus for the school with an Assistant Headteacher having specific responsibility in this area. Staff enjoy a number of benefits including free on-site parking, free tea/coffee at break, child-care vouchers, a cycle to work scheme, free flu vaccinations and the opportunity to join outstanding residential trips such as trips to Iceland, and the annual ski-trip.

Set in the heart of the green belt and on the edge of Biggin Hill, yet within easy travelling distance to London, the school is surrounded by open spaces. The school has extensive sports and community facilities which include floodlit tennis courts, a sports hall, a multi-purpose hall, a fitness suite and a floodlit 3G pitch. The school also runs the Darwin Leisure Centre which is located on the school site.

Further details about the role

Charles Darwin School is a highly successful co-educational comprehensive school for students aged 11-18 which has been serving the local community since 1973.

Charles Darwin is a “good” school (Ofsted 2023) with an ethos that encourages academic rigour, high expectations and a well disciplined approach to learning. The school is very popular and has 1320 students including the Sixth Form.

At the heart of the school are its distinctive ethos and a shared vision which are supported by the staff, students, parents and governors. This ethos and vision have helped to create a very strong caring and cohesive community based on the enduring values of high achievement, friendship, respect and compassion for others. This philosophy is supported and evidenced by the excellent relationships which exist between the staff and students.

Charles Darwin staff are friendly, hardworking and conscientious. The school enjoys a low staff turnover and is able to attract and retain well qualified and committed staff. We actively promote continuing professional development for all staff, in line with the needs of the individual and those of the school. We offer a full and comprehensive induction and ongoing support programme for all new staff.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.