SEN Teaching Assistant

Newstead Wood School; Greater London; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Newstead Wood School is seeking a dedicated teaching assistant to support students with learning needs in the classroom, in small groups, or one-to-one. You will work under the SENCO to remove barriers to learning and help students access lessons, while upholding safeguarding and professionalism.

The role requires patience, strong communication, and a proactive approach to supporting SEND students’ social and academic progress, with flexibility to adapt across lessons and environments.

Qualifications

• A Level (or equivalent).
• GCSE English and Mathematics.
• Experience supporting students’ learning in a school or similar environment.

Responsibilities

• Support students with learning and progress in small groups or 1:1.
• Work under the SENCO to remove barriers to learning and enable access to lessons.
• Assist with planning and delivery of learning opportunities and interventions.
• Maintain accurate records of progress and provide feedback to teachers.
• Support safeguarding and promote a positive classroom environment.

Skills

Organised & time management

Strong written & oral communication

Compassionate & empathetic

Flexible & responsive

Reflective & professional

Positive relationships with SEND

Education

A Level or equivalent

GCSE English and Maths

Job description

Newstead Wood is a highly selective girls’ state secondary school, with a co-educational Sixth Form, close to Orpington Station, with direct links to London. Our catchment radius covers a wide, rich range of socio-economic and ethnic areas: over 40% of students are from ethnic minorities and many of our students will be the first of their families to enter Higher Education. The school is heavily over-subscribed.Newstead prides itself on providing an exciting learning environment, both in terms of resources and expectations, so that each individual can flourish. We recognise the range of students’ abilities, both in terms of specific subjects and personal and social education, and try to respond, often through links with the wider community. Newstead is nationally and internationally renowned for offering the best ways to provide for the needs of very able students through the formal curriculum and beyond – through extra-curricular and enrichment activities in particular. We have high expectations and encourage students to be self-motivated so that learning arises naturally through enquiry and research, across different subjects. We know that lively minds come to us well stocked and able to think divergently. Our staff understands very able and gifted students and encourage the appreciation and acceptance of different abilities.Our expert and dedicated staff inspire our students; and our students' energy, creativity and enthusiasm inspire staff. We are proud of our students' achievements - whatever field they excel in. However, neither staff nor students are complacent - constantly looking for new challenges to meet and fresh problems to solve. Newstead students have freedom and security to be themselves, and many opportunities to follow their interests and aspirations. We know them as individuals and support them to grow as thinking young people and active citizens, ready to take positions of responsibility and leadership on leaving school. If you feel you are able to support us to bring out the best in our pupils, we welcome your application today.Newstead Wood School is part of United Learning, a large, and growing, group of schools aiming to offer a life-changing education to children and young people across England. United Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All positions are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online check.We always appoint on merit, and we are open to discussing flexible working options.

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB To support students with learning needs in the classroom, within small groups or on a one-to-one basis and to ensure access and safe movement around our school site. Some personal care support outside of lessons may be required and so a background or experience of personal care of young people is desirable.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

General Duties:

All duties associated with this role require the highest standards of professionalism at all times in terms of manner, conduct and confidentiality. This role also demands high levels of literacy as all written communication must be in Standard English.

Main Responsibilities

• To work under the direction and guidance of the SENCO to remove barriers to learning for an individual's/group, in or out of the classroom
• To support access to learning for students within the classroom, under the direction of teaching staff.
• To support safe travel around the site and to ensure personal needs are met.

Support for Students

• To use specialist skills/training/experience to support students to make progress in their learning and in their personal and social development.
• To establish productive working relationships with students, acting as a role model and setting highexpectations.
• To support classroom learning of individual students/small groups.
• To support the social and emotional wellbeing of students.

Support for Teachers

• To use strategies, in liaison with the teacher, to support students to make progress and achieve their full potential
• To assist with planning and delivery of learning opportunities and intervention sessions
• To monitor students’ responses to learning activities and accurately record achievement/progress as directed by SENCO
• To provide detailed and regular feedback to teachers on students’ achievement, progress and barriers to learning.
• To support students to catch up learning following any absence.

Support for the school

• To be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to the SEND code of practice, Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
• To contribute to the overall ethos of the school.
• Participate in training, professional learning opportunities and performance development as required.

Qualifications

• A Level (or equivalent).
• GCSE English and Mathematics.

Experience

• Experience of supporting students’ learning and achievement in a school or similar environment.
• Experience of supporting students with SEND.

Skills & Attributes

• Highly organised with excellent time management skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Compassionate and empathetic.
• Ability to be flexible and responsive to changing situations both in school and the wider community involving students’ needs and provision.
• Demonstrate reflective personal characteristics and be able to continually seek positive outcomes for students with SEND.
• Ability to maintain positive relationships with all SEND students, families and the professionals who support them.