Teaching Assistant

MARK Education Trust; Wadhurst; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Wadhurst is seeking a dedicated support staff member to aid students, especially those with special educational needs. Responsibilities include providing directed support in the classroom, motivating students, and liaising with teachers on effective learning strategies. Candidates should have relevant experience working with children, excellent communication skills, and the ability to foster independence in learning. A passion for education and student welfare is essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children, particularly those with special educational needs.
• Knowledge of various learning support strategies.
• Ability to collaborate with teachers and SENCO.

Responsibilities

• Assist students in learning effectively both individually and in groups.
• Liaise with teachers about best support methods.
• Promote student independence and encourage social interactions.

Skills

Motivational support

Communication skills

Understanding of Special Educational Needs

Ability to work with children

Education

Relevant experience in education or childcare

Job description

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• To aid students to learn as effectively as possible in group situations, remote learning and independently, for example:
• Directed support in the classroom
• Liaising/communicating with teachers on a lesson‑by‑lesson basis to assess best and most effective use of LM support
• Clarifying and explaining instructions
• Ensuring the student(s) is able to use materials and equipment provided
• Motivating and encouraging the students, as required, by providing appropriate levels of individual attention, reassurance and help with learning tasks as appropriate to students’ needs to access to the curriculum and promote independence
• Assisting in weaker areas, e.g. speech and language, behaviour, reading, spelling, numeracy, handwriting/presentation etc by following a specifically designed programme, in a 1:1 or small group setting, as directed by the SENDCo
• Using praise, commentary and assistance to encourage the student to concentrate and stay on task
• Liaising with class teacher, SENCO and other professionals about Additional Needs Plans (ANPs)
• Take direction from qualified teacher and SENDCo to consistently and effectively implement agreed behaviour management strategies
• Helping to make appropriate resources to support the student(s)
• Meeting students’ physical needs while encouraging independence e.g. help students to change for PE lessons or swimming, clean and reassure students after accidental spillage on clothes, help with mobility around the Academy including wheelchair access
• To establish appropriate supportive relationships with the student(s) concerned and handle all confidential matters with discretion at all times
• To promote the acceptance and inclusion of the student(s) with SEN, encouraging students to interact with each other in an appropriate and acceptable manner
• Give the student(s) feedback on achievements in order to reinforce and develop self‑reliance and self‑esteem, including marking student’s work, if required
• To support the student(s) in developing social skills both in and out of the Classroom
• To support the use of ICT in learning activities including remote learning, using Teams or similar programs, where required
• To have an appropriate level of understanding of the Code of Practice (COP) and SEND Matrix
• To provide regular feedback on the student(s)’ learning and behaviour to the teacher/SENDCo, including feedback on the effectiveness of the behaviour strategies adopted
• Under the direction of the teacher, carry out and report on systematic observations of students to gather evidence of their knowledge, understanding and skills upon which the teacher makes judgements about their stage of development
• When working with a group of students, understand and use group dynamics to promote group effectiveness and support group and individual performance
• To use the school’s system for recording progress
• To prepare work and activities in advance of the lesson (within employed hours) e.g. operating AVA equipment as required i.e. photocopier, laminator, making books, labels, signs and undertaking practical tasks to maintain a good standard of LD Dept appearance and access to peripheral learning
• To know and apply all school policies and procedures including reporting student and Academy issues in line with these policies as outlined in the Staff Handbook
• To be aware of confidential issues linked to home/student/teacher/school as required
• To contribute towards reviews of student(s)’ progress as appropriate
• To comply with legal and organisational requirements for maintaining the health, safety and security of yourself and others in the learning environment including social media and other online mediums
• To attend meetings and training sessions as required by the Academy to further knowledge and be involved in extracurricular activities, e.g. open days, presentation evenings as required
• To supervise students during break/lunch time and to attend Homework clubs as directed (within employed hours)
• Where appropriate (if currently trained), to know and apply positive handling techniques
• To accompany teacher and students on educational visits
• To assist during exam periods, with students who have Access Arrangements including after school extensions
• Participating in the Academy’s arrangements for performance management, professional development and the Academy’s arrangements for quality assurance and internal verification
• Attend relevant CPD opportunities