Teaching Assistant

Bardwell School; England; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

The Gallery Trust is seeking a dedicated classroom assistant to support teachers and pupils, contributing to a positive learning environment. You will help with small group and one-to-one sessions, and prepare learning materials to aid teaching and learning.

You will support pupils with a range of needs, including those with disabilities, and assist with safeguarding, inclusion, and administrative tasks as required.

Qualifications

• GCSE-level Maths and English or equivalent.
• Understanding of child development and learning.
• Ability to self-evaluate learning needs and seek opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Support Teachers with teaching and learning in classes as timetabled.
• Produce/reproduce materials and resources to support teaching and learning.
• Positively support pupils in break-times and lunch-times.
• Support with a child’s individual needs following training (e.g., movement, epilepsy, behaviour).
• Assist with classroom behaviour management and positive reinforcement.
• Assist with the physical management of challenging behaviour following Team Teach training.
• Assist with photocopying, proofreading and other admin tasks.

Skills

ICT for learning

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Flexible working

Self-evaluation & learning

Relationship building

Education

Level 2 qualification (GCSE or equivalent) in Maths and English

Job description

About the role

All aspects of the role and responsibilities are focused on having an impact on the children at our school. This involves setting appropriate boundaries for children, supporting their education and care and liaising with families to get the best possible outcomes.

You will have, or be willing to quickly develop, a good understanding of our school curriculum, how to create a climate for success and how to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities to learn and develop. You will also demonstrate a resilient and instinctive approach in meeting our pupils’ needs.

Some examples of our expectations include:

• Support Teachers with teaching and learning in our classes as timetabled (this will include small group and one-to-one sessions)
• Produce/reproduce materials and resources to support teaching and learning
• Positively support pupils in informal sessions such as break-times and lunch-times
• Support with a child’s individual needs, following specific training and advice (for example movement and positioning programmes, managing epilepsy, managing challenging behaviour, supporting with eating and swallowing skills)
• Work within our ethos to positively manage behaviour, recognising that praise and reward are the most effective behaviour management tools
• Support the physical management of challenging behaviour. This role will involve restrictive physical interventions, including with young adults following Team Teach training.
• Support class teachers in photocopying, proofreading and other administrative tasks in order to support teaching

About You

• Have a Level 2 qualification (GCSE or equivalent) in Maths and English or suitable equivalent experience
• Have an understanding of child development and learning
• Ability to self-evaluate learning needs and actively seek learning opportunities
• Ability to work flexibly, throughout the whole school, meeting the needs of pupils in a range of contexts
• Ability to take an active role in the support of PE lessons and swimming sessions
• Can effectively use ICT to support learning
• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with pupils, colleagues and parents
• Good organisational skills
• Good communication skills

If you share our passion for making a real difference to the lives of children and young people with special needs, this could be the opportunity you are looking for.

At The Gallery Trust, inclusion is paramount. We are committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcome, respected, and supported throughout our recruitment process. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or have any additional needs that may require adjustments at any stage of your application or interview, please let us know. We are very happy to talk with you about what would help you feel comfortable and able to perform at your best. This might include providing information in alternative formats, allowing extra time, or making practical adjustments to the process.

The Gallery Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Any offer of employment with The Gallery Trust is subject to verification of ID and qualifications, satisfactory evidence of the right to work in the UK, health clearance, NCTL and Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check. The Gallery Trust is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from candidates from all ethnic and community backgrounds.