Teaching Assistant (SEN)

The Teaching and Learning assistant will:

• Work with class teachers to raise the learning and outcomes for all students.
• Promote students’ independence, self-esteem, and social inclusion.
• Give support to students, individually or in groups, so they can access the curriculum, take part in learning, and experience a sense of achievement.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

 1. Teaching and Learning

• Demonstrate an informed and efficient approach to teaching and learning by adopting relevant strategies to support the work of the teacher and increase the achievement of all students including, where appropriate, those with special educational needs (SEND).
• Promote, support and facilitate inclusion by encouraging the participation of all students in learning and extracurricular activities.
• Support the teaching of a broad and balanced curriculum aimed at students achieving their full potential in all areas of learning.
• Use effective behaviour management strategies consistently in line with the school’s policy and procedures.
• Support class teachers with maintaining engagement and motivation among students and managing behaviour effectively to ensure a good and safe learning environment.
• Organise and manage teaching space and resources to help maintain a stimulating and safe learning environment.
• Observe student performance and pass observations on to the class teacher.
• Supervise a class if the teacher is temporarily unavailable.
• Use technology to advance students’ learning.
• Undertake any other relevant duties given by the class teacher.
• To cover and lead class teaching (under supervision) as and when appropriate. 

2. Planning

• Contribute to effective assessment and planning by supporting the monitoring, recording and reporting of student performance and progress as appropriate to the level of the role.
• Read and understand lesson plans shared before lessons, if available.
• Prepare the classroom for lessons.
• Use their area(s) of expertise to contribute to the planning and preparation of learning activities, and to plan their role in learning activities.
• Use the allocated time to devise clearly structured activities that interest and motivate learners and advance their learning.
• Plan how they will support the inclusion of students in the learning activities.

3. Working with Staff, Parents/carers and Relevant Professionals

• Communicate effectively with other staff members and students, and with parents and carers under the direction of the class teacher.
• Communicate their knowledge and understanding of students to other school staff and education, health and social care professionals, so that informed decision-making can take place on intervention and provision.
• Contribute to meetings with parents and carers by providing feedback on student progress, attainment and barriers to learning, as directed by teachers.
• With the class teacher, keep other professionals accurately informed of performance and progress, or concerns they may have about the students they work with.
• Understand their role in order to be able to work collaboratively with classroom teachers and other colleagues, including specialist advisory teachers.
• Collaborate and work with colleagues and other relevant professionals within and beyond the school.
• Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues.

4. Health and Safety

• Promote the safety and wellbeing of students, and help to safeguard students’ wellbeing by following the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and our school’s child protection policy.
• Look after children who are upset or have had accidents.

5. Professional Development

• Ensure that knowledge and understanding are relevant and up-to-date by reflecting on your own practice, liaising with school leaders, and identifying relevant professional development to improve personal effectiveness.
• Take opportunities to build the appropriate skills, qualifications, and/or experience needed for the role, with support from the school.
• Take part in the school’s appraisal procedures.

6. Care & Guidance

• To be familiar with the School’s Child Protection Policy and to report concerns to the designated Child Protection Officer.
• To ensure all educational practices are in line with the school’s health and safety procedures and policies.

At ISL London, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families has a role to play. In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, all practitioners should make sure their approach is child-centred. This means that they should consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child.