What skills and experience we're looking for
We are seeking to recruit a Teaching Assistant to our fantastic school. We are Hampshire’s first 4-16 All Through School and the successful applicant will join our enthusiastic and committed team. The role will suit someone who enjoys working with children, supporting them to become more independent learners. It would suit someone with a particular interest in working with neurodiverse children and children with specific learning needs.
The successful candidate will:
• Enjoy working with children, building positive relationships in a calm, empathetic way
• Have a specific interest in supporting neurodiverse children (for example such as those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia)
• Have obtained Maths and English qualifications to GCSE Grade 4 or above, or their equivalent
• Be committed to the highest possible levels of achievement for every pupil
• Be cheerful, flexible and approachable, with a good sense of humour
• Be able to demonstrate high levels of emotional resilience and stay calm under pressure in order to support vulnerable children
• Show initiative within the role and have good time management skills
• Be a hard-working team player, able to work closely with teachers and other adults within the classroom to ensure the best for all our pupils
• Have a good understanding of child development
• Have excellent communication skills
• Be able to support children’s behaviour for learning and their self regulation
• Have a strong commitment to supporting all children and young people in learning to read, and reading to learn
• Be enthusiastic and committed to supporting children with specific needs both inside and beyond the classroom
• Be keen to participate in professional learning and qualifications
• Have the patience and the resourcefulness to support and inspire our children with their learning, helping to unlock their potential
What the school offers its staff
Benefits of working at The Westgate School
• Full induction programme including training and mentoring to ensure your success in the role
• Ongoing personal development including opportunities for specialist qualifications in SEND
• Preferential nursery places in our on-site nursery at a reduced price
• Free on-site parking
• Free use of health and fitness facilities
• Free access to Schools Mutual Well-being support line and app, including counselling, GP service, physiotherapy and menopause support
• Preferential admission to The Westgate School for colleagues' children after two years of employment
We can offer:
• The chance to be a part of a highly skilled and friendly team and work in all key phases in the All Through School
• The chance to develop your own specialism within the Learning Support Team
Further details about the role
Equal Opportunities:
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We understand that you might use AI and other resources for your application; however, please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, and original and does not include ideas or work that is not your own. This is so that your application is authentically and credibly your own.
Job Description and Application forms can be obtained from and returned to the recruitment team at hr@westgate.hants.sch.uk
Commitment to safeguarding
The Westgate School and Hampshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks, which will include an online search in order to identify any incidents or issues that have happened and are publicly available online, in line with KCSiE 2022 recommendations.