Teaching Assistant (Full Time or Part Time)

Closing Date - Wednesday 13th November 2024

Interview Date - Thursday 21st November 2024

Start Date - ASAP

Core Hours (non-negotiable) - 8am - 3.30pm/4:05pm Monday - Friday during term time, plus 10 days during holidays (paid in addition). Or part time is 2 or 3 days per week and 6 days in the holidays.

Salary - F/T £18,609 (subject to review) plus extra paid hours available in Aftercare

Contract Type - Maternity Cover

Benefits of working at our school

The Blue Coat School is a diverse and vibrant community. We pride ourselves on cultivating a staff community who are innovative and dynamic teachers, knowledgeable and passionate support staff, and creative, forward-thinking leaders.

All staff have access to a range of benefits including ongoing CPD, a delicious free lunch each day during term time, remuneration on fees, access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, use of fitness facilities, social and wellbeing events and free on-site parking.

Support Staff are enrolled into a direct contribution pension scheme with generous employer contributions and associated benefits.

Post Overview

We are seeking a kind and experienced Teaching Assistant. The successful candidate will be expected to support EYFS, KS1 or KS2 class teachers and lead intervention groups as directed, and also to promote and safeguard the welfare of all children for whom the post holder has responsibility and with whom the post holder comes into contact

Qualifications/Professional Development

• QTS or Level 3 qualification as defined by the Department for Education as being suitable for the EYFS
• Paediatric First Aid qualification would be desirable
• Food Hygiene qualification would be desirable
• Evidence of recent involvement in professional development

Experience and skills

• Experience of working with and caring for children aged 3 to 11 with an understanding of how to meet each child’s needs
• Experience of planning, leading and participating in activities to support the learning of children in KS2, KS1 or the EYFS
• Effective communication and listening skills

Knowledge

• Sound understanding of safeguarding principles
• Sound knowledge of early childhood development
• Knowledge of current good practice for children aged 3 – 11
• Sound knowledge and experience of the EYFS principles, practice guidelines and Early Learning Goals
• Knowledge of ‘Talk for Writing’ would be desirable

Personal attributes

• Sympathy with the Christian ethos and activities of the school
• Ability to form and maintain positive relationships
• Sensitivity to others and the ability to work cooperatively
• Wholehearted commitment to the life of a vibrant school community

A full job description and person specification can be viewed in the Information Booklet below.

All members of staff are required to promote and safeguard the welfare of children they are responsible for, or come into contact with, and to adhere to, and ensure compliance with, the School’s child protection procedures and staff guidance at all times.

Please note this is a temporary maternity cover, which will terminate upon the return of the employee on maternity leave. We expect that she will return no earlier than 9 months from the start of your contract, but it could be up to 12 months after. If the employee informs us that she has decided to return from maternity leave earlier than expected we reserve the right to terminate the contract, but would give 6 weeks’ notice.

A full job description and person specification for the post can be viewed in the Information Booklet. Application forms, together with a supporting letter addressed to the Headmaster, Mr Noel Neeson, should be returned to recruitment@thebluecoatschool.com by 9am on Wednesday 13th November 2024. Please state whether you are applying for the full or part-time role.

Interviews will take place on Thursday 21st November 2024. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to prepare a Phonics activity for a small group of children, and attend a formal interview. There will also be an opportunity to tour the school on the interview day.At interview applicants must provide original documents to confirm their identity and right to work in the UK. They must also bring proof of qualifications where relevant for the post. The documentation required by applicants is listed in the Recruitment Policy which is available on the school website and from the School. All other attributes will be assessed using the contents of the application form, at interview and with the professional references.

The post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check (including a Barred List check), a satisfactory online check, a satisfactory medical fitness declaration and satisfactory references. Confidential references will be sought prior to interview.

The Blue Coat School is an equal opportunity employer.

Please note, we reserve the right to close posts and commence interviews at any time, once we have received sufficient applications. We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.