What skills and experience we're looking for
The post will have a particular focus on supporting pupils with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the staff working with them in the classroom and other settings within the resource provision and Academy.
Overall Purpose of Post
Undertake a specialist role using appropriate multi-sensory learning strategies, resources and specialist equipment to meet the learning objectives of lessons, differentiating tasks as appropriate for individuals or groups of children with varied abilities and special needs. Implement agreed learning activities/teaching programmes, adjusting activities according to pupil responses/needs.
Support pupils consistently whilst recognising and responding to their individual needs, establishing productive working relationships with them, and acting as a role model, setting high standards and expectations.
Manage the behaviour of whole classes of pupils whilst they are undertaking their work to ensure a constructive environment and pre-empt/deal with situations arising in accordance with Academy policies and procedures.
Evaluate pupils’ responses throughout learning activities, determine what each child can achieve unaided and the point of intervention for the provision of appropriate learning scaffolding.
Analyse, monitor and track individual pupil progress through a range of assessment and monitoring techniques; deliver pupil learning boost sessions for identified and specific areas of weakness; provide accurate assessments and reports on development to inform the class teacher’s decisions regarding Individual Education and Behaviour Plans for pupils. Provide feedback to pupils in relation to progress and achievement.
Promote the inclusion and acceptance of all pupils within the classroom, encouraging them to interact and work co-operatively with others and engage in all activities, whilst also promoting independence and employing strategies to recognise and reward achievement of self-reliance.
Use behaviour management strategies, in line with the Academy’s policy and procedures, which contribute to a purposeful learning environment. Ensure that pupil’s health and safety is maintained, including supervised use of subject specific tools, equipment and learning materials. Promote positive values, attitudes and good pupil behaviour, dealing promptly with any conflicts and incidents in line with the Academy’s policy and procedures, encouraging pupils to take responsibility for their own behaviour.
Within a framework prescribed by the Academy, prepare, plan and implement individual, group, and some whole class learning activities and intervention programmes, working alongside and in conjunction with professional teaching staff.
Main Responsibilities
Support for the Teacher
• Liaise with other professional staff, parents and outside agencies to ensure effective communication concerning the maintenance of pupil’s wellbeing
• Prepare and maintain classroom resources (including control of stock within the classroom) so that they are readily available for use and displays and classroom layout in consultation with the teacher
• Assist in the educational and social development of key students under the direction and guidance of the Headteacher, SENCO and class tutors
• Attend staff and other meetings +and participate in staff training development work, and staff reviews as required
• Access, maintain and update a range of pupil and school records to facilitate assessment of pupils’ progress, contributing to reviews of systems/records as requested
• Undertake the marking/assessment of pupils’ work and accurately record achievement/progress
• Monitor and evaluate pupils’ responses to learning activities through observation and planned recording of achievement against pre-determined learning objectives
• Work with the teacher to establish an appropriate learning environment
• Administer and assess routine assessments
• Support the use of ICT in learning activities and develop pupils’ competence and independence in its use
General Duties
• Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to safeguarding and child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop
• Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the school
• Appreciate and support the role of other professionals both internally and externally
• Attend and participate in relevant meetings as required
• Participate in training and other professional learning opportunities as required
• Assist with the supervision of pupils out of lesson times, including before and after school and at break, lunchtime, if required and in agreement with line manager
• Accompany teaching staff and pupils on visits, trips and out of school activities as required and take responsibility for a group under the supervision of the teacher.
• Promote equal opportunities at all times.
• Establish constructive relationships and communicate with other agencies/professionals, to support achievement and progress of pupils
• Communicate sensitively and effectively with parents and carers, recognising their roles in pupils’ learning
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, and carry out your role effectively, knowing when to seek help and advice
• Recognise own strengths and areas of specialist expertise and use these to lead, advise and support others
• Improve own practice, including through observation, evaluation and discussion with colleagues
• Attend team meetings on a regular cycle as agreed within the school calendar
• Attend parents evenings, whole school events, revision classes and staff professional development as appropriate, these hours will be negotiated as part of additional working time
• Be willing to undertake first aid training
Person Specification
Qualifications
• Have obtained an HLTA Qualification
• At least intermediate level Qualifications, such as GCSE A*- C in Mathematics and English, or NVQ Level 2 and willingness to work towards Advanced or Level 3
• High level of academic literacy
Experience
• Ability and experience of three years or more working in a school setting, preferably at secondary level with autistic pupils
• Experience of working with pupils who are working significantly below age expectations
• Experience of leading interventions and supervising pupils within a mainstream class, in a small group and on an individual basis
• Experience of developing and sharing strategies to meet a specific area of additional need
• Experience of planning, developing and reviewing support to meet the needs of individual students
• Experience of monitoring, recording and reviewing pupil progress
Professional Knowledge and Understanding
• Full working knowledge of relevant policies/codes of practice and awareness of relevant legislation
• Working knowledge of the national curriculum and other relevant learning programmes
• Awareness of pupils’ diverse needs, backgrounds and aptitudes
• Working knowledge of a range of additional needs and strategies that may be employed to overcome barriers to learning
Skills, Abilities and Personal Qualities
• Ability to interpret pupil data to plan lessons which address the needs of the pupils
• Excellent numeracy/literacy skills
• Ability to plan effective actions for pupils at risk of underachieving
• Ability to self-evaluate learning needs and actively seek learning opportunities
• Good communication skills orally and in writing
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to work sensitively in partnership with adult colleagues
• Ability to work constructively as a proactive team member, understanding classroom roles and responsibilities and own position within these
• Ability to use non-confrontational strategies with pupils
• Desire to undertake further professional learning relating to inclusion
• Committed to continually improving performance of self and team
• Ability to produce and adapt learning materials using ICT
• Good presentation skills
• Able to work creatively, flexibly, with enthusiasm and with initiative
• Resilience and determination when faced with difficult tasks
• Commitment to the protection and safeguarding of children and young people
Notwithstanding the detail in this job description, the job holder will undertake such work as may be determined by the Headteacher/Governing Body from time to time, up to or at a level consistent with the Principal Responsibilities of the job.
What the school offers its staff
employee benefits, wellbeing support and professional development.
Further details about the role
We are very proud of our Academy and believe that our mission statement ‘Together we enjoy, aspire, create and achieve’ underpins our ethos and our collective drive for all pupils both academically and personally. Here at Shavington, we value the ethical and moral development of our pupils, promoting integrity, kindness, gratitude, respect and acceptance across all elements of Academy life, as well as promoting academic success.
Our Academy has high aspirations for all of our pupils to enable them to achieve their potential and beyond. Pupils achieve well, above the national average across a range of subjects within the curriculum. We have an exceptional track record of preparing pupils for post 16 study, as well as the workplace and beyond. We pride ourselves on the Academy values that will enable our pupils to become a responsible member of our community, as well as preparing them for the diversity and demands of the modern-day world.
Background Information
Shavington Academy has been a Multi Academy Trust since 1st September 2015 for pupils aged 11-16, serving the villages and conurbation to the South of Crewe. Our catchment includes Wistaston Church Lane, The Berkeley, Shavington, Weston and Wybunbury Delves Primary Schools, though we draw pupils from across Crewe and South Cheshire. Our current school population is 912 pupils; we have just completed a process of significant expansion, which will see our PAN increase to 1050 with a year group intake of 210 pupils. The Academy’s growing reputation and a number of housing developments locally have attributed to the growth of the Academy.
Applications
For us, it is important that we appoint someone who is absolutely committed to our success and who is an exceptional professional, to contribute to our trajectory of improvement. In turn, we are committed to the professional development of our staff, and are able to offer high quality learning experiences through a broad range of partnerships, and other development opportunities.
Commitment to safeguarding
Shavington Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure