Teaching Assistant

The Post:

We are seeking a friendly, nurturing, enthusiastic and suitably qualified Teaching Assistant to support a Key Stage 4 young person, with special educational needs, on a one-to-one basis, to access the curriculum. The young person has an EHCP with confirmed diagnosis of Autism and SEMH needs.

Reporting to the Head of Learning Enrichment, there will be regular, direct contacts with parents.

The ideal candidate will have an ELSA qualification, experience of working with young people with SEMH, and have a calm, positive, and engaging demeanour.  They will be a good listener who is willing to learn and able to encourage the young person to engage. A sense of humour is also important.

The College will provide training support for the right candidate to ensure that the young person’s needs are met.  This role is important in supporting the emotional and educational needs of the young person and assisting in problem solving and planning to proactively adapt the support for the young person.

This role will oversee, and co-ordinate, the young person’s support as outlined in their EHCP.   

The Teaching Assistant will arrange and facilitate regular half-termly reviews with parents and the local authority (if and when necessary)

Job Description:

The person appointed will work on a one-to-one basis with a young person who has a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder and SEMH.

The post holder will be under the direction of the Head of Learning Enrichment and will support the young person in various subjects, assisting in the preparation of the materials and resources necessary to ensure full access to the curriculum.  They will assist the young person in learning effectively and provide emotional support when working alone and in group situations.  

The individual will support the young person to settle into school each morning, provide brief, clear expectations to the young person and ensure that the instructions are understood.  The individual will also ensure that the young person has subtle support accessing appropriate lunchtime clubs and will facilitate interactions with peers in and outside of structured lessons.

The aim of the role is to facilitate inclusion, maximising the young person’s level of contribution and achievement in all aspects of school life. An important part of the role is communicating with the parents to ensure that they are updated regularly and building a good relationship between Home and College.

The role will involve planning and implementing strategies to develop active learning and narrative skills in classes.  

Supporting the young person by:  

• Promoting self-esteem and independence.
• Promoting and supporting the inclusion of all young people in learning activities and extra-curricular activities.
• Young person Profile development and implementation.
• Preparing the young person for any foreseen changes.
• Developing conversational skills.
• Implementing Access Arrangements in lessons and assessments (25% extra time / Laptop / Scribe).
• Supporting the young person on a 1:1 (delivering Social Communications programme & ELSA programme) promoting their emotional regulation In a differentiated curriculum.
• Providing visual support to assist with transitions.
• Scaffold the young person's social Involvement with peers.

Supporting the teachers by:

• Assisting teaching staff in the delivery of learning activities and work programmes.
• Producing modified resources as required.
• Providing input into the planning and evaluation of learning activities for the individual young person, to enable teaching staff to make informed decisions when developing their plans, e.g. 'gaps' in learning.
• Monitoring and evaluating young person’s responses to learning activities.
• Recording young person’s information, as specified by the teaching staff, to ensure that the College’s information systems are maintained.
• Fulfilling access arrangements.
• Supporting the use of ICT.
• Adapting equipment and/or sourcing appropriate resources.

Person Specification:

Please see the attached Applicant Info Pack for a full job description and person specification.

Safeguarding & Child Protection:

Abbey Gate College is committed, as a priority, to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Applicants will, therefore, be subject to stringent vetting and induction processes, including an enhanced DBS disclosure. References for shortlisted candidates will be requested prior to interview; please inform your referees.

Whilst criminal convictions are not necessarily a bar to appointment, this safety consideration will be central to all decisions regarding the employment of staff, approval of volunteers, and standards of external contractors.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and to treating all staff with dignity and respect. Therefore, applications from individuals are encouraged, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnerships.

Salary:

The salary for this position is £20,135 per annum based on the working hours of 8.30am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday, term-time only (inclusive of a 30-minute unpaid lunchbreak per day, to be taken at the middle of the day).

Process for Applications:

• Closing date for applications: Monday 4th November 2024 at 12 noon.

In order to apply for our Teaching Assistant vacancy, please complete our Abbey Gate College application form (available at https://www.abbeygatecollege.co.uk/about-us/vacancies/).

Please also include a covering letter, which should be addressed to our Head, Mr Craig Jenkinson, outlining your interest in, and suitability for, the role and the College.

Your completed application form and covering letter should be returned to Mrs Sue Moran, HR and Staff Wellbeing Manager, at: sue.moran@abbeygatecollege.co.uk by the above closing date.

Should you require any additional information or assistance regarding your application, please also contact Sue Moran.

Please visit our website at www.abbeygatecollege.co.uk for more information about the College.