Teaching Care Assistant

Brightwell cum Sotwell is in many ways the ideal English village. It is a peaceful place with many thatched cottages, a duck pond and the pubs halls and churches that are the hallmarks of rural life in this part of the world. It is near the historic market town of Wallingford, which is a small and traditional market town with lots of quaint buildings, situated on the banks of a particularly pretty stretch of the Thames.

Oxford is a great city to spend time in and is only about 15 miles away, as is Reading. Didcot Parkway, which is ten minutes from Brightwell, links these communities by rail. From there it is only 45 minutes to London by train. The quality of life in the area is very high indeed, being a pleasant combination of a rural setting close to such different towns, as well as the capital.
The school
Brightwell is a small village school of just over 140 children serving a community of families that are aspirant, care about education and who bring their children up well. Behaviour and manners in the school are very good indeed. It is a school where really good teachers can take risks in lessons that children appreciate and make work.

The school became an academy in September 2017 and works collaboratively with a very strong and popular 11-18 school in Wallingford.

We recognise that we need very talented people, who are ambitious for the children they work with as well as themselves, to help make this into the best little school around and that comes with significant investment. We have created real excitement and a buzz about the work being done from the outset. Our successful school has learned a great deal and earned a very strong reputation in the community, and in the wider local primary sector.
General Duties

The performance of all the duties and responsibilities shown below will be under the reasonable direction of the Headteacher, or other Senior Manager if appropriate, who will be mindful of his/her duty to ensure that the employee has a reasonable workload and sufficient support to carry out the duties of the post.

The Role
To support a student with special and additional needs within a mainstream setting. The needs are complex and 1 to 1 support enables the child to access the setting, whilst working towards their own targets. The student is not yet accessing the national or EYFS curriculum. Intimate care is required and the school has a policy to support this. The SENCO can be contacted should you wish to discuss the complex need further.

The hours required are 8.15am - 3.30pm, Monday - Friday. Full time and part time applicants will be considered.

Work in partnership
The Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) has overall responsibility for this post.

The TA will work with and receive instructions from a number of staff members, e.g. SENCO, Senior Leadership Team, class teacher, outside agencies, parents.

Responsibility of a Teaching Assistant to Teacher
- To support and adapt teacher planning as required; modifying where appropriate to aid understanding and access learning.
- To pass on information regarding student successes and difficulties - physical, emotional, learning and social.
- To enhance communications between teacher and SENCO
- To help teacher devise targets for the student when requested.
- To gather/report information as directed.
- To promote inclusion

**Duties in relation to student**
- To help build the student’s confidence and encourage independence.
- To support learning.
- To take into account the student’s individual special needs and facilitate access to the setting through appropriate clarification, explanations, equipment, and materials including ICT.
- To develop an understanding of the special needs of the students concerned, establish good relationships and act as a role model.
- To have access to all relevant information that sheds light on student needs including assessment and review materials.
- To take/give advice where appropriate from professionals.
- To help student record work in an appropriate way.
- To help keep student on task and to build motivation.
- To maintain a positive attitude.
- To scribe for students as necessary.

Selection Criteria
Essential
- Have or obtain an Enhanced DBS Certificate
- Be trustworthy
- Be sensitive
- Have the ability to empathise with young people and build a positive relationship
- Be discrete
- Be a reflective practitioner, who has the potential to develop his/her own career further
- Have the ability to communicate effectively with staff, parents and students

Desirable
- Previous experience of working within a school setting and a proven track record of impact.
- The ability to take initiative
- The ability to work alongside a range of professionals and families
- Previous experience of working in a flexible way

Hours and salary
The post is for 32.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday - term time only.

This is a Fixed Term Position.

This is a Grade 5 / £10.19 - £10.60 per hour depending on experience. You