Teaching Assistant

At Apple Orchard, we specialise in working with adolescent males who have complex needs associated with early trauma. Working in a trauma informed way, we seek to develop the whole person allowing them to move on and reach transitional milestones.

We are seeking to appoint a teaching assistant to join our staff team. This is a full-time role, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm term time only. The role is mainly based at one site, but can involve supporting at local FE colleges

Salary - £18,000 per annum

Contract - permanent/36 hours per week

Job Purpose

To assist in promoting the learning and personal development of the pupil to whom you are assigned, to enable him/her to make best use of the educational opportunities available to them. (Apple Orchard School / Further Education establishment)

Areas of Responsibility and Key Tasks

• To aid the pupil to learn as effectively as possible both in group situations and on his/her own by, for example:
• Clarifying and explaining instructions
• Ensuring the pupil is able to use equipment and materials provided
• Motivating and encouraging the pupil(s) as required by providing levels of individual attention, reassurance and help with learning tasks as appropriate to pupils’ needs
• Assisting in weaker areas, e.g. speech and language, reading, spelling, numeracy, handwriting/presentation etc
• Using praise, commentary and assistance to encourage the pupil to concentrate and stay on task
• Liaising with class teacher, SENCO and other professionals about personal education plans (PEPs), contributing to the planning and delivery as appropriate
• Providing additional nurture to individuals when requested by the class teacher or SENCO
• Consistently and effectively implementing agreed behaviour management strategies
• To establish supportive relationships with the pupil concerned
• To promote the acceptance and inclusion of pupils with SEN, encouraging pupils to interact with each other in an appropriate and acceptable manner
• Monitor pupils’ responses to the learning activities and, where appropriate, modify or adapt the activities as agreed with the teacher to achieve the intended learning outcomes
• To give positive encouragement, feedback and praise to reinforce and sustain pupils’ efforts and develop self reliance and self esteem
• To support pupils in developing social skills both in and out of the classroom
• To provide regular feedback on pupils’ learning and behaviour to the teacher/SENCO, including feedback on the effectiveness of the behaviour strategies adopte
• When working with a group of pupils, understand and use group dynamic to promote group effectiveness and support group and individual performance
• To know and apply school policies
• To be aware of confidential issues linked to home/pupil/teacher/school
• To contribute towards reviews of pupils’ progress as appropriate
• To comply with legal and organisational requirements for maintaining the health, safety and security of yourself and others in the learning environment
• To take part in training activities offered by the school to further knowledge and skills of working with students with specific learning difficulties
• To support break and lunch time supervision in accordance with the school rota
• To accompany teacher and pupils on educational visits
• To provide individual support, as required, during examination sessions
• To carry out the above duties in accordance with the Education Department’s Equal Opportunities Policy
• To contribute positively and effectively to the Every Child Matters Agenda.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• A minimum qualification of GCSE A-C or equivalent in Maths and English (or equivalent)
• An understanding of the challenges of dealing with students who may have Emotional, Behavioural or Social issues
• Ability to motivate and support students in their learning and personal development
• Ability to work as part of a close team

Apple Orchard is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position