Position: Teaching Assistant
Type of School: Alternative Provision
Hours: 36 hours per week, between 8am and 4pm, term time only (plus INSET days)
Location: Harlow
Role Purpose and Dimensions: To work under the direct instruction of teaching/senior staff, usually in the classroom with the teacher, to support access to learning for pupils and provide general support to the teacher in the management of pupils and the classroom. Duties and responsibilities of the post may change over time as requirements and circumstances change. The person in the post may also be required to carry out other duties as may be necessary from time to time.
Commitment to Diversity: As a member of the School Team, take individual and collective professional responsibility for championing the Trust’s diversity agenda and proactively implementing initiatives that secure equality of access and outcomes. Commit to continually developing personal understanding of diversity.
Whilst there are some pupils with EHCPs in mainstream schools, the environment in a special school or alternative provision is far more intense and continuously presents a variety of both mentally and physically challenging situations for staff at all levels.
Key Accountabilities and Result Areas:
Support for Pupils:
Supervising and supporting pupils, ensuring their safety and access to learning
Establishing good relationships with pupils, acting as a role model, and responding appropriately to individual needs
Encouraging pupils to interact with others and engage in activities led by the teacher
Additional Duties (Special Schools and Alternative Provision):
Participating in students’ behaviour programmes including the risk assessment process
Being aware of students’ Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and termly forecasts/learning programmes
Dealing with unexpected situations, involving assessment, care, and evaluation in the management of individual pupils
Attending to pupils’ personal needs and implementing related personal programmes, including social, health, physical, hygiene, first aid, and welfare matters
Support for the Teacher:
Being aware of pupil problems/progress/achievements and reporting to the teacher as agreed
Supporting the teacher in managing pupil behaviour, reporting difficulties as appropriate
Preparing the classroom as directed for lessons and clearing afterward, assisting with the display of pupils’ work
Undertaking pupil record-keeping as requested
Providing clerical/administrative support, e.g. photocopying, typing, filing, collecting money
Support for the Curriculum:
Supporting pupils with local and national learning strategies, e.g. literacy, numeracy, Key Stage curriculum, assessments, and exams
Supporting pupils in using basic ICT
Making themselves familiar with lesson objectives and supporting pupils to understand instructions
Preparing and maintaining equipment/resources as directed by the teacher and assisting pupils in their use
Having an awareness of the effect that pupils’ medical conditions can have on learning
Support for the School:
Being aware of and complying with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety, and security, confidentiality and data protection, and reporting all concerns to an appropriate person
Supporting difference and ensuring all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop
Contributing to the overall ethos/work/aims of the school
Appreciating and supporting the role of other professionals
Attending relevant multi-disciplinary staff meetings as required
Participating in training, other learning activities, and performance development as required
Assisting with the supervision of pupils out of lesson times, including before and after school and at lunchtimes
Accompanying teaching staff and pupils on visits, trips, and out-of-school activities as required
If you are committed to making a difference and have the skills and experience we are looking for, we would love to hear from you!
Safeguarding
Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection and that the successful applicant must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks including an enhanced DBS on the update service.
For more updates on the role, do not hesitate to contact Jessie Dowden or apply at