Teaching Assistant

Main Purpose of the Role

The main purpose of a Teaching Assistant is to support the effective learning of pupils and support behaviour management. Teaching Assistants are also required to contribute to the wider success of the school. All Teaching Assistants are responsible for supporting effective pastoral care to support pupils' social and emotional progress as well as their learning. They are also required to contribute and be involved in extracurricular activities and the wider life of the school community.

Duties and Responsibilities

Supporting the pupil:

• To develop a knowledge of a range of learning support needs and to develop an understanding of the specific needs of the pupil to be supported
• Taking into account the learning support involved, to aid the pupils to learn as effectively as possible both in group situations and on their own, by:
• Clarifying and explaining instructions
• Ensuring pupils are able to use the equipment and materials provided
• Helping pupils to concentrate on and finish work set
• Liaising with class teacher about individual learning plans (ILPs)
• Support developing appropriate resources to support the pupils
• Establish a supportive relationship with pupils
• To encourage acceptance and inclusion of pupils
• To develop methods of promoting/reinforcing the children’s self-esteem.

Supporting the teacher:

• To assist, with the teacher in the development of a suitable programme, in line with the ILP’s, for pupils who need specific interventions/support
• Support recording pupils progress and learning journey on our Evidence for Learning system
• To assist in setting the lesson/learning outcome up inline with the pupil’s scheme of work/daily plan
• To use class dojo in conjunction with the teacher when recording behaviour, catching the pupils being good
• To take pupils to sporting activities, as listed on their timetable, supporting the pupils at the venue

Supporting the school:

• Where appropriate to develop a relationship to foster links between home and school
• To liaise, advise and consult with other members of the team supporting the pupils when asked to do so
• To attend relevant in-house training
• To conduct yourself in line with school policies and organisation ethos
• To be aware of confidential issues linked to home/pupil/teacher/school work and to keep confidences appropriately.

Support for the curriculum:

• To develop awareness of the requirements of the pupils Schemes of work for each term
• To support specific aims in lessons as planned and directed by the teacher
• To develop awareness of the aims of the literacy and numeracy strategies relevant to the class/pupil – encouraging cross curricular links
• To develop awareness of targets relevant to pupils each term.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Educated to GCSE standards
• Educated to A level standard (desirable)

Experience

• Previous experience of working with pupils to support their learning and social, emotional development

Skills and Abilities

• Good communication skills
• Be a positive role model – leading by example in regards to behaviour expectations
• Ability to be flexible
• Solution focussed attitude
• Be patient 
• Good interpersonal skills

Other requirements

• Commitment to safeguarding children
• Be passionate about supporting teaching and providing the best possible opportunities for all pupils
• A commitment to the school’s ethos and vision
• Resilient and positive