Teaching Assistant (1:1 Support)

We have an exciting opportunity for a Teaching Assistant to join us working in a 1:1 capacity with a Year 6 Pupil who has some social/emotional needs. The role is for a fixed term period for the remainder of the academic year through until July 2025. The pupil in question is academically capable and well established within the school and its systems and has developed well during his time at the Prep school. The current need is to help the student in continued development of navigating social situations and in self-regulation and independence.

Bedales prep is a dynamic and exciting place to work. Our ethos is one of community and strong relationships with pupils to provide them the best platform for success in school. Outwardly there are some untraditional elements to the school (no uniform, first name basis with pupils), but functionally we have the same expectations that are expected in any classroom environment. We are a school that is interested in the individual and fosters an environment that believes in academic rigour, but not at the expense of creativity. The staff are highly collegiate and supportive.

Bedales Prep, is a unique educational establishment, set in the beautiful Hampshire countryside. Our aim is to create an environment where questioning, divergent thinking and freedom to learn from mistakes are all encouraged. Central to our success is the sense that each person is a member of our community whose voice is entitled to be heard and treated with respect. Both our staff and pupils expect of each other the best kind of relationships – co-operative, authentic and trustful.

Experience & Background

You will have experience of working with pupils who have more complex learning profiles and have a patient, caring and supportive approach with the ability to recognise how classroom learning should be adapted to meet the child’s needs. You will have secure Maths and English standards along with a functional understanding of ICT, as the job will involve using Email, Microsoft Office Suite, and the school’s MIS (training provided). Above all you will be flexible and hard working with a love for working with children. The successful applicant might not have specific experience in specialised settings or with 1:1 pupils, but would have a patient and calm demeanour, a positive outlook, and some experience in helping pupils develop resilience and emotional intelligence.

This post is Regulated Activity.

Hours of Work

The post is for 26 hours per week, term time only, to be worked between Monday to Friday. Actual days and hours to be worked are flexible and to be discussed at interview.

Salary

Actual salary for the fixed term contract is £11,924 which is pro-rata of the full-time equivalent salary of £23,476 per annum, based on the above hours and weeks of work.

Benefits

• Free on-site parking
• Funded Healthcare Cash Plan
• Pension with Royal London
• Salary Extras Benefits Platform
• Lifeworks Employee Assistance Programme
• Free lunch is provided during term time 
• On-site nursery (subject to availability)
• Gymnasium & swimming pool

How to Apply

For further details on how to apply, please visit the recruitment portal on the Bedales Schools website via the Apply button. CVs cannot be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application form.   

Closing date: 9.00am on Monday 23 September 2024

Application discussions: Wednesday 25 September 2024 (this will be via Microsoft Teams)

Formal interview date: Friday 27 September 2024

Early application is advised as Bedales reserve the right to make an appointment at any stage of the application process.

Pre-Appointment Checks

All candidates will undergo a Safeguarding Suitability Interview and application for an Enhanced DBS and Barred List check and be asked to provide evidence they are eligible to work in the UK on an ongoing basis at the shortlist stage of the selection process.

Safeguarding Statement

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Candidates will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Prohibition from Teaching Checks, and Prohibition from Management Checks.

The safeguarding responsibilities of the post include:

• Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
• Fostering a culture of openness, safety, equality and protection
• Providing a safe and welcoming environment where both children and adults feel secure, able to talk and believe that they are being listened to
• Playing a key role in the prevention of harm and an equal responsibility to act on any suspicion or disclosure that may indicate a child is at risk of harm
• When concerned about the welfare of a pupil, acting in the best interests of the pupil

All staff have a key role to play in identifying concerns early and in providing help for children and are expected to act in accordance with the School’s Safeguarding & Child Protection Policies.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and the School is therefore permitted to ask job candidates to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.