Framingham Earl High School Teaching Assistant with Medical Needs Duties
£25,584 FTE
£19,983 pro-rata salary
Permanent
Term Time plus one week
33.75 hours per week
4 days on site, 1 day off site at Forest School setting
THE POST
We are looking for a hard-working and enthusiastic person with high standards and the ability to communicate and interact effectively with others as part of our school as a Teaching Assistant.
Teaching Assistants provide specific support and care for young people and work to facilitate high quality learning for all within the classroom. They support the teacher in their role and work closely with HLTAs (Higher Level Teaching Assistants) and SENDCO to support meeting key needs within the school.
This specific role will be primarily focused on the specific medical needs of one learner, whilst providing academic support for other learners within the same classroom. The role will require a willingness to support the child at a Forest School setting, off site, one day per week. The remaining 4 days per week will be on site at the school.
The ability to use British Sign Language would be an advantage but the willingness to learn this method of communication is essential.
Due to the medical needs of the specific learner, the post holder will be required to fulfill the following as part of the role:
Gastrostomy Care
Medical training requirements
• Attend gastrostomy training, provided by allocated NHS team (this will include theory session and hands on session with a mannequin)
• Be assessed as confident in gastrostomy care
• Attended annual updates on gastrostomy training
Gastrostomy care requirements
• Routine checks to ensure the gastrostomy button remains in situ
• If required, be able to attach gastrostomy giving set, and safely administer fluids/feed as per plan
• Feedback to carer if site looks red, inflamed, oozing, or leaking or concerns noted
Please note the above Gastrostomy medical needs duties will be line managed and supported fully by the Community Nursing Team currently Abigail Martin, Children's Community Nurse, Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust.
Tracheostomy Care
Medical Training Requirements
• Attend paediatric tracheostomy training provided by the allocated NHS team. (This will include a theory session and a minimum of 3 x practical assessments where the T.A would be assessed on removing and inserting a new tracheostomy tube on the allocated pupil)
• Be assessed as competent in paediatric tracheostomy care.
• Attend annual theory and practical refresher sessions for paediatric tracheostomy.
• Attend & successfully complete paediatric basic life support training.
Tracheostomy Care Requirements
• Visually monitor the learner at all times for any signs of respiratory distress which may indicate a blocked or displaced tracheostomy tube.
• Promote learner independence within the school setting.
• Safely perform suctioning of the tracheostomy tube to assess patency.
• Be competent to complete a full tracheostomy tube change if required in an emergency.
• Administer saline nebulisers as required.
Please note the above Tracheostomy medical needs duties will be line managed and supported fully by Fay Garlick, Paediatric Tracheostomy Support Practitioner, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as documented on the learner’s EHCP.
JOB SPECIFICATION
The professional competencies expected of a Teaching Assistant are:
Tracheostomy care requirements
• Be assessed as competent in paediatric tracheostomy care.
• Visually monitor the learner at all times for any signs of respiratory distress which may indicate a blocked or displaced tracheostomy tube.
• Promote learner independence within the school setting.
• Safely perform suctioning of the tracheostomy tube to assess patency.
• Be competent to complete a full tracheostomy tube change if required in an emergency.
• Administer saline nebulisers as required.
Gastrostomy care requirements
• Routine checks to ensure the gastrostomy button remains in situ
• If required, be able to attach gastrostomy giving set, and safely administer fluids/feed as per plan
• Feedback to carer if site looks red, inflamed, oozing, or leaking or concerns noted
• Be confident in covering the site with gauze and tape, and telephoning carer/ambulance/transporting to hospital, if the device comes out, to ensure a new device is inserted within a timely manner (1 hour timeframe)
Communication
• Be competent in using the preferred communication strategy of the individual student including the use of British Sign Language
• Assist in the educational and social development of all students.
• Have full relevant knowledge of students medical and physical needs and able to refer to the relevant person should a problem arise.
• Assist students in developing their resilience and independence in the classroom.
Personal Responsibilities
• To adhere to all school policies including those relating to Race Equality, Equality Opportunities, Safeguarding and Health and Safety.
• To attend training and meetings as necessary and cascade any relevant information to relevant staff and stakeholders as appropriate.
• Be an excellent role model for all members of staff and for students in all aspects of school life. To be an exemplar of all school policies and practices to include risk assessments as appropriate. To actively promote the aims of the School.
• Support, promote and comply with decisions and policies agreed by the SLT and Trustees.Undertake such tasks as the Headteacher or line manager may require
e.g. support administrative work on occasions taking part in out of school activities, supporting students in another class or activity etc.
A non-exhaustive list of specific responsibilities for the role is above and you will be required to undertake other duties and responsibilities as may reasonably be required.