Salary is currently £16,315 pro rata per annum based on 30 hours per week. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. We are seeking to appoint highly motivated, committed Teaching Assistants to join our expanding team on a permanent basis at our newly opened Early Years campus. Positions are for 30 hours per week to be worked over 5 days, Monday to Friday between the hours of 8.45 a.m. - 3.30 p.m. This is for term time plus INSET days (39 weeks per year). Consideration will be given to lesser hours per week but we ask that applicants commit to a minimum 2 full days (12 hours). Due to the special educational needs of our students this role can be challenging and sometimes physically demanding, however the work is also very rewarding. Resilience is a key personal quality for the role as is the ability to communicate effectively using a range of tools. We are seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our Early Years Provision situated at Oakdale Junior School in Poole. The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and experience, however full training will be provided if needed: A passion for promoting the wellbeing and development of young children. The ability to follow each individual young person’s care and medical plans, which may include supporting children with epilepsy and manual handling. Competence in administering medication in accordance with school policy, including via specialist techniques following appropriate training. Experience or awareness in assisting with intimate and personal care, including personal and/or feminine hygiene and bathing, ensuring that the highest standards are maintained. Support in eating and drinking in line with individual care plans. A commitment to enable and encourage children to achieve as high a level of independence as possible. Under the direction of the class teacher, the capacity to support students in engaging in activities to their full potential, using appropriate total communication techniques. A basic understanding of the Early Years framework Development Matters, along with knowledge of how to support a young child’s learning and development. The role is subject to a 6-month mandatory probation during which there is an expectation that Teaching Assistants attend Monday after school training sessions to enhance their work in school and their skill levels. A list of training dates and topics is provided upon commencement. At Linwood School we take pride in offering a supportive and nurturing environment for our staff. Joining us at Littlewood Campus means you will benefit from: A newly opened vibrant Early Years setting that inspires creativity and positive learning experiences. A comprehensive induction programme to help you settle into your role and understand our school's culture and practices. The opportunity to be part of a new team, collaborating with dedicated professionals committed to providing the best possible outcomes for our young learners. In addition, Linwood School offers career progression opportunities for Teaching Assistants wishing to enhance their skills further in an education setting, leading to Specialist Provision Teaching Assistant followed by Higher Level Teaching Assistant status. Some of our Teaching Assistants have progressed to Teacher level. Linwood School is an equal opportunities employer which values a diverse workforce. We seek and encourage applications from individuals from a diverse background who will come and work with us and become part of our Linwood family, supportive of our school values whilst providing an excellent an inclusive service to our students, ensuring they continue to feel part of the school community in everyday activities. Linwood School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and the successful applicant will be required to have an enhanced DBS check as well as an overseas criminal records check, if worked or lived outside the UK within the past 10 years. Offers of employment are also subject to satisfactory references, health and right to work checks. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. If the role is exempt, certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected’, so they do not need to be disclosed, and if they are disclosed, we cannot take them into account. For any enquiries regarding the position please contact the HR Department on 01202 636811. Interviews are scheduled to take place week beginning 18th November 2024.