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 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

**Job Type**: Permanent

**Salary**: £18,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Referral programme
- Store discount

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: REF-1Q-JK3RRV7 AO TA