We currently have the exciting opportunity to be able to appoint Teaching Assistants to join our established team due to being granted expansion by the Department of Education!
We are seeking to appoint a patient and highly motivated Teaching Assistant who is passionate about supporting students with special educational needs. We are looking for a candidate who can work under pressure and has a natural respect for the dignity and individuality of the students. Whilst having high expectations of our students you will build trusting relationships and provide security to our vulnerable learners, working to support them through emotional difficulty during sessions, downtime and transitions. A successful applicant will be someone who can prove they are proactive, creative and flexible.
Our Place School is a unique setting with a friendly and supportive team who work hard to nurture our students and provide them with the best education experience. Ideally applicants will have experience in a similar role, but applicants who are new to this area will be considered as we are able to offer a thorough training package.
Salary: £19,000 - £21,000 per year (dependent on qualifications & experience)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week - Monday to Friday 8.30am-4pm
Contract: Permanent, Term Time only
Our Place School is an Ofsted registered Independent Special School, approved to educate children with Special Educational Needs and Difficulties (SEND), aged 8 years up to the age of 19 years.
Our school is set in extensive grounds, formally an orchard, which provides for all manner of outdoor activities, including play equipment, all weather paths and forest school.
All of our students have an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) and targets are tailored to meet their needs. We aim to prepare students for adulthood, building confidence and independence alongside academic success.
As a Teaching Assistant at Our Place School, you will support the Education Team in the following areas:
Safeguarding: Ensuring the safeguarding of the children and young people in our care.
Planning, Teaching and Class Management: To assist the teacher in delivering a broad and balanced curriculum.
Monitoring, Assessment, Reporting and Recording : Assessing how well learning objectives have been achieved.
Teamwork: Being part of an effective team that works the Our Place Group way.
Key tasks will include but are not limited to:
* Ensure that the safeguarding of children is paramount and fulfil a duty of care to children and young people.
* Ensure that the Our Place safeguarding policy is adhered to and implemented.
* Support the day to day running of classes across the school.
* Set challenging expectations and promote self-esteem and independence, providing feedback to pupils in relation to progress and achievement under guidance of the teacher.
* Establish professional and supportive relationships with pupils ensuring they feel safe. Enabling them to participate and enjoy learning.
* Contribute to planning, evaluation of activities, observations, assessing, recording and reporting pupil’s progress.
* Risk assess every activity and complete relevant regulatory paperwork.
* Awareness and understanding of Ofsted requirements/regulations and latest developments in special education.
* Work within pre-determined guidance, policies, procedures and teacher’s guidance.
* Ensure the Our Place staff code of conduct is adhered to and implemented.
Skills Required:
* The ability to work under pressure in challenging circumstances.
* Strong written, listening and verbal communication skills, being able to explain tasks simply and clearly.
* The ability to work on own initiative and as part of a committed team
* Strong organisational skills.
* Have a regard for professional development and attend relevant courses.
* Basic ICT skills.
* Essential Qualifications/Work Experience:
* GCSE level in literacy and numeracy, or the equivalent.
* Certificate or Diploma in Childcare and Education or relevant teaching assistant qualification.
* Awareness of TEACCH Values.
* Experience of working with young children.
* Experience of working with people with severe learning difficulties and or challenging behaviours.
* Knowledge and understanding of OFSTED regulations.
* Knowledge and understanding of child development.
Desirable Qualifications/Work Experience:
* NNEB certificate.
* Awareness of THRIVE values.
* Awareness of Autism Education Trust Standards.
Visits to Our Place school are welcomed and encouraged!
In return, we can offer you:
* Competitive salary
* Opportunities to develop and progress your career.
* Free on-site parking.
* Subsidised meals whilst on shift.
* Employee Assistance Programme.
* Free sight test.
* A range of wellbeing initiatives.
* Nest pension scheme.
* Refer a friend scheme.
* Paid Breaks.
* Generous annual leave.
* Fully paid induction and shadowing package.
* Ongoing training & support.
* Cycle to work Scheme.
* Tech Scheme.
* Eligibility to apply for a Blue Light Card (discounts from large national retailers and local businesses for holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones etc)
Your Application:
Our Place Group is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. This role will involve undertaking regulated activity such as personal care or having the opportunity for contact with our children/young people.
All shortlisted candidates will be subject to an Online Search. This is part of our Safer Recruitment practices and guidance from KCSIE. The focus of the online search is to identify any “incidents or issues” that may cause concern regarding a candidate’s suitability to work with children.
Therefore, this position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and an enhanced DBS and Children’s Barred list check will be required for the successful candidate, there will also be a requirement to subscribe and continue to subscribe to the DBS Update Service.
Pre employment checks will be carried out by Our Place Group in accordance with Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education legislation. Further information regarding this can be found in our Recruitment and Selection policy.