SEN Teaching Assistant - Full Time, Term Time

We are seeking a friendly, nurturing, enthusiastic person to support a pupil with special educational needs to access the curriculum. The pupil has an EHCP for complex subtle needs: ASC, Speech & Language difficulties, Sensory Processing Difficulties, Dyspraxia, SpLD (specifically weak in numeracy) and Visual Stress. Support would initially be in Yr10, but the successful applicant will hopefully continue to support the pupil for the completion of his GCSEs in Year 11. Reporting directly to the Head of Learning Enrichment, there will be regular contact with supporting therapists and Parents directly. 

The ideal candidate will have a calm, positive, and engaging demeanour. They will be a good listener who is willing to learn and encourage enthusiasm to learn. A sense of humour is also important. The College will provide training support for the right candidate to ensure that the pupils SEN needs are met. This role is important in supporting the emotional and educational needs of the pupil and assist in problem solving and planning to proactively adapt the support for the pupil. 

This role will oversee and coordinate the pupils support including combining advice from therapists and parents and support problem solving initiatives when needed. The individual will collate strategies from the different professionals and facilitate the adoption of these strategies consistently across all members of staff. 

The TA will arrange regular half termly reviews with therapists, parents and key staff at College to ensure a holistic approach is maintained consistently. 

QUALITIES AND PERSON SPECIFICATION: - 

• GCSE’s in English / Maths/ Science or equivalent at Grade C or above. 

• Relevant training and experience of working with SEN pupils in a classroom (desirable but not essential)

• Excellent interpersonal skills, nurturing, supportive and positive demeanour. 

• Positive ‘can do’ attitude

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to use clear, concise language and provide clear expectations. 

• Be proficient and confident with the use of ICT including the use of visual aids, visual timetables and schedules

• Ability to use reprographics to modify documents as required and use comic strip conversations and social stories to aid understanding and to provide structure and consistency. 

• Ability to modify classroom resources as required

• To be able to work closely under the direction of the classroom teacher

• To be able to use initiative to differentiate tasks to the pupils level of understanding

• Excellent team player with the ability to build relationships at all levels across the College and also build strong relationships with external therapists. 

• To be highly organised.

• Ability to listen and learn

• To be able to demonstrate effective communication skills. 

• To be adaptable with a good sense of humour.

• Ability to enable and promote independent learning

• Be a creative, hardworking lateral thinker

OUTLINE OF ROLE AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

The person appointed will work on a one-to-one basis with a pupil that has complex subtle special educational needs. The post holder will be under the direction of the Head of Learning Enrichment and will support the child in various subjects, assisting in the preparation of the materials and resources necessary to ensure full access to the curriculum. They will assist the child in learning effectively and emotional support when working alone and in group situations. The individual will support the pupil settle into school daily, provide brief, clear expectations to the pupil and ensure that the instructions are understood. The individual will also ensure that the pupil has subtle support accessing appropriate lunchtime clubs, facilitate interactions with peers in and outside structured lessons. 

The role will involve planning and implementing strategies to develop active learning and narrative skills in classes. The use of appropriate visual support and repetition will be required. The role will also facilitate the emotional self-awareness and vocabulary building of the pupil which may involve the rehearsal of appropriate behaviours ad expectations before the lesson/activity. 

Supporting the pupil by:  

• Promoting self-esteem and independence

• Promoting and supporting the inclusion of all pupils in learning activities and extra-curricular activities

• Pupil Profile development and implementation

• Providing a Daily Visual Task board for subjects/routines

• Preparing the pupil for any foreseen changes

• Developing conversational skills

• Following a Speech & Language programme for 30 minutes each day (under the direction of the Speech & Language Therapist)

• Overseeing homework completion during the school day

• Implementing Access Arrangements in lessons and assessments (25% extra time / Reader / Computer Reader / Scribe)

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 pupil to enable teaching staff to make informed decisions when developing their plans

• Monitoring and evaluating pupil responses to learning activities

• Recording pupil information, as specified by the teaching staff to ensure that the Colleges information systems are maintained

• Fulfilling access arrangements of reader and scribe.

• Supporting the use of ICT

• Adapting equipment and/or sourcing appropriate resources

Support the College by:

• Ensuring that all aspects of the EHCP provision are delivered

• Planning and coordinating Outside Agency meetings.

• Keeping a record of Outside Agencies involvement (in line with EHCP provision)

• Supporting EHCP documentation for Annual Review

• Developing a good relationship with the Pastoral Team in order to ensure effective communication of the pupil’s needs

• Coordinate and embrace working with a multiagency team of health care professionals as well as with the teaching staff as required

• Liaising, advising and consulting with other teaching staff when required 

• Attending staff and other meetings and participating in staff training development work and staff reviews as required (including Inset days)

• Complying with school policies/procedures 

• Developing positive relationships with outside agencies 

• Accompanying staff and pupil on visits, trips and out of school activities as required

Salary

£15,657 per annum. It is a full time, term time only post and the working hours will be 8.30-4.30pm (with one hour unpaid lunchbreak) based at Saighton Grange. 

Child Protection

Abbey Gate College regards as paramount the welfare and safety of children.  Whilst criminal convictions are not necessarily a bar, this safety consideration will be key to all decisions regarding the employment of staff, approval of volunteers and standards of external contractors. Pre-employment checks would include an enhanced DBS check and children’s barred list check.

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of race, ethnic background, nationality, colour, gender, transgender status, pregnancy, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief.  We therefore welcome applications from all segments of the community.