School Support Assistant - Alfriston School
Alfriston School is a Special School for pupils with MLD aged 11-19 years based in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. Our creative, individualised approach to learning is centred around wellbeing and skills for independence. We work hard to ensure our pupils are well prepared in their pathways for when they leave us to achieve their goals and succeed.
We are looking for a caring and enthusiastic School Support Assistant to work with our pupils with Moderate Learning Difficulties across various subjects within our school. You will be motivated, patient and passionate about children having a positive experience in education. Previous experience working with children as a Teaching Assistant / Support Assistant is not essential, but would be advantageous as would experience supporting children or adults with SEN. If you are eager to learn and have a passion for helping children, we want to hear from you.
Term time only
Salary Type: Bucks pay
Salary details: Bucks Pay Range 1-2 (ISN 6-15) Depending on Experience £23,297 - £26,961, Pro Rata (Actual Salary £17,472 - £20,220)
Contract type: Fixed Term Contract (Ending 31st August 2025)
Hours: Full Time (Monday-Thursday 8.30-4.30pm & Friday 8.30-4.00pm) with a daily 30 minute unpaid lunch break.
Interviews to be held: Wednesday 18th December 2024
Start Date: January 2025
About us
Alfriston School is based in Beaconsfield. The school benefits from outstanding modern facilities, all of our classrooms are fully equipped with interactive screens and access to class sets of laptops or iPads. All teachers are provided with a laptop that is renewed every three years. The school enjoys a recently modernised performing arts and music facilities that include the use of a dance studio, sound/recording studio and performance space, along with our exceptional sports facilities that caters for a range of indoor and outdoor activities including mountain biking, trampolining, cycling, football and many others.
The school also enjoys use of its spacious swimming pool designed by a bespoke architect, as part of an upgrade of the sports facilities at Alfriston, the architects developed a concertina-like roof structure that echoes the shape of the pitched roofs on other buildings in the area causing minimal sound reverberation which is beneficial for the use of our students with their Special Educational Needs.
Staff often remark that Alfriston it is a great place to work. Staff retention is high which we think reflects the supportive and friendly environment in which we work. Our pupils are inspirational and full of potential. Staff feel they are people “You just want to be with!”
Having been rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in July 2013 it was noted “The excellent personal and academic opportunities offered ensure that the school makes a huge difference to the lives of students. As a result, all groups achieve outstandingly well from their individual starting points.”
The school culture of teamwork and aspiration is reflected in the report where it states “The headteacher has a very ambitious vision for the school. Senior leaders and managers place a significant focus on improving staff performance through regular high-quality training and checks on their work. The governing body makes an excellent contribution to the school’s effectiveness and work tirelessly to raise achievement through its regular visits to check teaching and learning.”
Aim: To provide support within both pastoral and academic situations, to help pupils to achieve their full potential, and to ensure the safety and well-being of all pupils.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
• Assist in teaching and learning activities for pupils under the overall direction and supervision of a teacher.
• Assist the teacher with the preparation and storage of teaching aids and equipment.
• Use teaching and learning objectives to evaluate and adjust lessons/work plans as appropriate within agreed systems of supervision.
• Work in a group setting or take a particular pupil in a one to one setting under the direction and guidance of a teacher.
• Record and report on development, progress and attainment of pupils on school systems as required.
• Liaise with staff and other relevant professionals and provide information about pupils as appropriate.
• Undertake general administrative tasks required across departments.
• Respond positively to the physical and emotional needs of the pupils within the school
• Develop and promote positive working relationships with staff, pupils and parents and promote the school positively at all times.
• Reinforce the standards and expectations that exist within the Aims of Alfriston School.
• If appropriate, assist in transporting or supervising pupils to offsite educational activities.
• To undertake any other duties and responsibilities from time to time that may be reasonably required by the Headteacher.
About you
Desirable Qualifications
• First aid certificate
• Ability to drive the school minibus
Desirable Experience
• Working in a mainstream or special school.
• Working with children with special needs.
Essential Knowledge and Skills
• Excellent organisation and project management skills
• Able to use ICT to support teaching and learning.
• Understanding of promoting positive relationships within the wider school community.
• Understanding equality and diversity issues and implications for policy and practice
• Able to use initiative and work independently.
Essential Personal Qualities
• Positive and friendly personality.
• Ability to relate to young people in a positive manner.
• Willingness to constructively challenge the work of self and others to continually improve own and team performance.
• To show loyalty and commitment to the school.
Other information
To Apply: Please visit our website www.alfristonschool.com to download and complete the non-teaching application form, please send a supporting cover letter with your application. All applications are to be sent via email to recruit@alfristonschool.com for the attention of Mrs Ellie Davison.
If you would like to make an informal visit please also contact Mrs Ellie Davison who will be delighted to arrange this for you.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children which will be reflected throughout recruitment. The selected candidate will be required to provide suitable references and undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check before taking up the post.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:
* All unspent convictions and conditional cautions
* All spent convictions and adult cautions that are not protected (i.e. that are not filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020).
It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. All shortlisted applicants will be required to complete self-disclosure form and return prior to interview.
#J-18808-Ljbffr