Teaching Assistant - Primary Provision

Farney Close is a mixed independent residential special school for children aged 9 -18 who are in receipt of an EHCP because they experience a range of social, emotional and mental health difficulties. The school does however also support pupils who experience Asperger or Tourette’s Syndrome, Moderate Learning Difficulties, Dyslexia, Moderate Speech and Language Difficulties, Communication and Language Difficulties, or difficulties with Sensory Regulation.

Situated on the A272 and the A23 intersection at Bolney, West Sussex, the school has an established and very successful reputation, achieving numerous outstanding and good Ofsted inspection judgements for educational and care provisions over the last decade.

Teaching Assistant - Primary Provision

32.5hrs per week Term-Time Only, 8.30am-3.30pm Mon-Fri, Salary of £18,384.00 p.a. pro-rated for working a term-time only contract.

Main Purpose of the Job

To work as a Teaching Assistant in the School’s Primary Provision, supporting young people  with Social, Emotional and Mental Health and/or associated needs.

To work in partnership with and support the teaching staff, principally in connection with the care and education of pupils but also other classes as deemed appropriate.

To be a positive team member, contributing to the well-being and life of the whole school community.

To occasionally supervise or cover whole classes or cover the whole class for the first day of a teacher’s absence, when and if necessary, following agreed plans (with appropriate supervision from a teacher, not necessarily based in the class).

To promote the inclusion of all pupils.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

•       Take responsibility for delivery of learning activities with small groups who would benefit from a different learning approach, as agreed.

•       Support children’s use of basic language skills, developing vocabulary in all areas of the curriculum and encourage questioning.

•       Ability to support young people in self-regulating and helping them find strategies to manage their behaviour.

•       Carry out learning activities, as designed through joint planning with the teacher.

•       Assist children in safe use of equipment with due regard to health and safety.

•       Support classroom routines and establish a caring ethos and safe environment for the children.

•       Assist children during creative and practical activities e.g. ICT, art, design technology, cookery, model-making, science investigation and other activities appropriate to the year-group.

•        Actively encourage children’s independence and the development of self-help skills.

•       Discuss with the teacher ways of working with the children that enables them to develop their full potential.

•       Contribute to planning meetings.

•       Make observations and keep notes on children’s performance, liaising with the teacher about their progress. Keep assessment files up-to-date.

•       Preparing and replacing materials in liaison with the class teacher and other admin tasks.

•       Promote good practice both through presentation of children’s work in displays and in interactive displays that encourage questioning and vocabulary.

•       Helping establish harmonious relationships with parents and carers.

•       Offer comfort and support to children who are distressed or unsettled.

•       To offer care and attention to children when they are unwell or require first aid in accordance with the school policy.

•       To accompany small groups of children on out of school trips e.g. local shops etc.

•       To take part in in-service training that further develops your professional skills and knowledge.

•       To supervise children in the playground on a rota basis.

•       To support with after school activities when required.

•       To respect and value the strengths of your colleagues to enable you to create an enabling learning environment.

To support with after school activities when required.

Due to our rural location successful candidates will need their own transport to commute to work as there is no public transport available nearby.

This role is subject to receipt of good employment references, health clearance and an enhanced DBS check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.