Teaching Assistants

MARK Education Trust; Crowborough; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational organization in Crowborough is seeking dedicated support staff to assist students with special educational needs. You will provide directed support in classrooms, facilitate communication between students and teachers, and promote independence and social skills. Candidates should possess relevant training and experience in supporting student learning in various settings. The role includes responsibilities for behavior management and the promotion of a safe, inclusive learning environment.

Qualifications

• Experience working with students with special educational needs.
• Ability to support learning in both classroom and remote settings.
• Understanding of behavior management techniques.

Responsibilities

• Support students in achieving learning goals through directed assistance.
• Communicate effectively with teachers and other professionals.
• Promote inclusivity and independence among students.

Skills

Motivation

Communication

Empathy

Collaboration

Organizational skills

Education

Relevant educational support training

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 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, SENDCo 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 students’ 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 on the Code of Practice (COP) and SEND Matrix (not essential)
• To provide regular feedback on 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 your 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

Performance Management

• 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

General Responsibilities

• To undertake such other duties appropriate to the grade of the post as the Headteacher may from time-to-time reasonably determine

Safeguarding

Beacon Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks