Support Assistant Special Needs (x2)

Gosforth Academy; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Living wage employer

Pension scheme

Cycle to work

On-site parking

Professional development

Job summary

Gosforth Academy invites applications for Learning Support Assistants to join the Student Support Department. Two roles are available; one position is restricted to female applicants due to the need to provide intimate personal care.

The successful candidate will support students with a range of needs and help ensure curriculum access. Applicants should have SEN knowledge and experience with learners who have disabilities, strong organisational skills, and excellent communication.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of SEN and inclusive education.
• Experience supporting learners with difficulties or disabilities.
• Ability to maintain paper and electronic records.
• Strong spoken and written English.

Responsibilities

• Support students across Key Stages to access the curriculum.
• Develop pastoral links and assist the Student Support Base.
• Collaborate with class teachers and other staff to share information.
• Provide welfare support as part of a wider Student Support role.

Skills

SEN knowledge

Learning difficulties support

Organisation skills

Communication skills

Personal care support

Attention to detail

Emotional intelligence

Initiative

Team player

Education

GCSE English and Maths Grade C or above

NVQ Level 2/3 for Teaching Assistants

Job description

Your Role

Please note, there are x2 Support Assistant roles available, however one position is restricted to female applicants due to the need to provide intimate personal care.

We are looking for an enthusiastic Learning Support Assistant to join our Student Support Department. The successful candidate will play a key role in working alongside students with a range of needs. Please note that this role does require physical and intimate support for students.

Learning Support Assistants work across all Key Stages to ensure up-to-date and accurate information is available for class teachers, and that students are supported to ensure they can access the curriculum. The successful candidate will also be responsible for developing strong pastoral links for the students they work with. In addition, the post holder will be expected, where necessary, to support the wider work of the Student Support Base (SSB).

What we are looking for

1. Knowledgeable of SEN
2. Experience supporting individuals with learning difficulties or disabilities and young people
3. Strong organisational and time management skills
4. Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
5. A commitment to providing high-quality student support and willingness to meet the physical / personal needs of students
6. Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills with outstanding attention to detail
7. Resilience and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances
8. A high degree of emotional intelligence
9. A problem solver with a high level of initiative
10. An approachable, flexible and effective team player

What we can offer you

1. A competitive salary - as an accredited Living Wage Employer, you're guaranteed a wage that meets, and often exceeds, the real cost of living.
2. Benefits including; excellent pension scheme, cycle to work scheme, free on-site parking
3. An opportunity to work with highly-skilled professionals
4. Enthusiastic and motivated students
5. An exciting and extensive commitment to professional development
6. A school with its community at heart
7. Wider career development opportunities to be involved across the Gosforth Group

The Trust is committed to equality, inclusion and diversity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Skills

Abilities, Skills and Knowledge

• Effective organisation and management skills essential
• Excellent oral and written communication skills essential
• Sympathetic understanding of the broad needs of students aged 11-16 essential
• Ability to maintain paper and electronic records essential
• Ability to converse as easy with students and provide advice in fluent and accurate spoken English essential
• Knowledge of the requirement of the National Curriculum
• Knowledge of the wide range of agencies working in the areas of learning support

Experience

Experience of working with children and young people essential

Qualifications

• Good general education with English and maths Grade C or above (or equivalent) essential
• NVQ Level 2 or 3 for Teaching Assistants or equivalent qualification (or experience)

Safeguarding Information

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. This means certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected'. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide and you can view our Policy on the Employment of Ex-offenders on our website within Trust Policies.

Gosforth Group are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. References will be requested prior to interview for those candidates shortlisted. The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, along with other relevant pre-employment checks.