Teaching Assistant

Job title

**Teaching Assistant**

Main purposes of job

To work under the guidance/instruction of designated staff to undertake care and support programmes, to enable access to learning for all pupils and to assist in the management of pupils in the Hackberry Unit and outdoors, in a number of locations. Engage in all activities including cycling, sports and on occasion lengthy walks. Driving Licence would be an advantage.

Key tasks

Support for Pupils
- Establish rapport and respectful, trusting relationships with pupils, acting as a role model and setting high expectations.
- Supervise and provide particular support for pupils, including those with special needs, ensuring their access to all Hackberry activities.
- Ensure pupils’ safety, welfare and personal hygiene. (Basic First aid to be included where appropriate).
- Promote inclusion and acceptance of all pupils by encouraging them to interact with each other and to engage in activities.
- Support the implementation, Behaviour Plans, Personal Care Programmes, Planning and Assessment.
- Promote self-esteem and independence amongst pupils.
- Provide feedback to pupils on their progress and achievement under the guidance of a senior member of staff, in line with Hackberry policy. Evaluate learning and provide feedback to senior staff/ parent / agency as needed.
- Promote good pupil behaviour, dealing promptly with conflicts in line with Hackberry’s behaviour policies.
- Assist with the preparation of materials and resources.
- Undertake structured and agreed learning activities / programmes, being aware of pupil learning styles. Adjust activities according to pupil responses / needs.
- Monitor pupils’ responses to learning activities and achievement as directed.
- Provide detailed feedback on pupils’ achievement, progress, problems etc. as requested.
- Undertake pupil record keeping as requested.
- Maintain a purposeful, orderly and supportive environment.
- Assist with the display of pupils’ work at Hackberry.
- Prepare, maintain and use equipment/resources required to meet the activity.
- plans/learning activity and assist pupils in their use.
- Be aware of and comply with policies relating to child protection, health & safety, confidentiality, safeguarding and data protection, reporting all concerns to a nominated person.
- Contribute to the overall work, smooth running and ethos of Hackberry.
- Appreciate and support the role of other people in the team.
- Attend and participate in meetings as required.
- Improve one’s own practice through training, self-evaluation and performance management.
- Assist with the supervision of pupils at lunchtime.
- Accompany staff and pupils on visits, trips and out-of-Hackberry activities as required.

Contacts
- Hackberry Staff.
- Pupils.
- Parents/relatives/carers.
- Peripatetic services.
- Educational Psychologists and other education or health care professionals.

Responsible for

Safeguarding children and young people Hackberry is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

The duties of this post may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the post or level of responsibility entailed.

Reporting to

Samantha Trevethan

**Person Specification**

Our Purpose

Hackberry exists to provide a rich and balanced environment which caters for the whole person - academically, vocationally, socially, morally, spiritually, physically, emotionally, and environmentally.

Hackberry’s aim is to support our students by raising aspirations, self esteem, social and emotional mental health, behaviour, self regulation and encouraging a ‘can do’ culture which nurtures confident and competent people.

**Attributes**
- GCSE/ O-level grade C English and Maths

**Experience, Skills and Abilities**
- Some experience of working effectively in a learning/childcare setting.
- Skills of empathy, listening, communication and responding with appropriate language to build rapport with children and parents /carers from a variety of ages, abilities and backgrounds.
- Aptitude to develop knowledge of the role within the Hackberry environment.
- Flexible, adaptable and positive attitude to working in a structured environment.
- Communication skills to promote and develop effective working with children, colleagues and carers/agencies at an appropriate level to achieve understanding and constructive response.
- Understanding of the role of team, the parent or carer and external agencies in developing and maintaining an effective learning environment.
- Current first aid certificate. (Desirable)
- The ability to contribute effectively to the workload, planning, supervision and responsibilities of a team.
- Ability to work on own initiative, including recognition of the appropriate level at which to refer issues elsewhere for effective resolution.
- Proven com