Teaching Assistant - Pre-Prep (R-Y2)

Job description

Below is a summary of the job description. Please read the full document here.

Reporting to: The Head of Pre-Prep

Hours: Full time. 37.5 hours per week term time with some additional days required for Inset and preparation; 52 week per year paid contract. Core hours are 09:30am to 5:30pm (to include 30 minute unpaid break). Generous paid holidays. 

Salary: Based on Local Government Pay Scales, according to qualifications and experience. Scale 2 to 17, £22,366 to £28,770).  Additional payment for HLTA qualification.    

Pension: The School operates a defined contribution pension scheme.

Start date: September 2024

The Pre-Prep department

King’s College School Pre-Prep department provides a caring and creative learning environment, in a family oriented atmosphere, for approximately 110 pupils. Our teaching team is committed to providing the best education, with the ‘whole child’ at the heart of our planning; we aim to help each child to reach their potential, providing high expectations, challenges and support in equal measure. The department is two-form entry with Teaching Assistants working throughout the department. Parallel classes plan and work together to ensure parity and continuity. Children are encouraged to develop independence from an early age in order to maximise progress, confidence and success.

The Role

Teaching

• To inspire learning in children through excellent pedagogy and creativity.
• To assist class teachers, when required, with the planning and preparation of activities and lessons.
• To work as a team with peer teaching, meeting formally on a weekly basis.
• To use all reasonable time as directed by the Head of Pre-Prep to provide the necessary education for the pupils.
• To maintain an orderly class environment with a good level of discipline, encouraging politeness and good manners at all times.
• To assist class teachers in providing a rich, welcoming and cheerful environment for pupils by displaying children’s work in a stimulating and interesting way in the classroom.
• To assist class teachers in promptly marking work carried out by the pupils, in keeping with the School’s marking policy.
• To assist class teachers in assessing, recording and reporting on the development, progress and attainment of pupils.
• To maintain a high standard of personal conduct and appearance.

Pupils

• To take responsibility for the care, well-being and education of all pupils.
• To know, demonstrate and promote the King’s ethos.
• To promote the general progress and well-being of all pupils.
• To provide guidance and advice to pupils on educational and social matters.
• To be sensitive to social relationships between children. 
• To assist class teachers in the pastoral care of each child within the class.
• To be familiar with the requirements of the Children Act 1989 and all relevant School documents.

Parents

• To support class teachers in effective liaison between the School and parents by passing on messages and/or information from the parents to the teacher.
• To be available to discuss the academic, social and physical development of the child with class teachers prior to parental interviews.
• To maintain a professional relationship and manner at all times.

Assessments and Reports

• To assist class teachers in monitoring and assessing children’s progress by keeping up to date records in line with School and national curriculum requirements.
• To provide or contribute to oral and written assessments, reports and references relating to individual pupils and groups of pupils.
• To communicate and co-operate with persons or bodies outside School as directed by the Head of Pre-Prep.
• To participate in meetings arranged for any of the purposes described above.

Educational Methods

• To keep up-to-date with new teaching ideas and methods, sharing information and working co-operatively with the Head of Pre-Prep and Pre-Prep department staff.
• To review own methods of teaching and programmes of work through courses.

Staff

• To participate in meetings at the School.
• To participate in Inset Days at the beginning of each term, or as otherwise arranged.
• To attend Pre-Prep meetings as directed by the Head of Pre-Prep.
• To liaise with staff, ensuring the flow of information regarding education and pastoral matters.
• To work alongside teaching staff, in advance of a new term, to prepare the classroom, display boards, books etc.

Duties

• To take a full part in the rota of duties, including wrap around care.
• To work with colleagues to ensure duties are covered in times of absence etc.
• To attend whole School events when required, such as plays, concerts, prize giving, and offer help when needed.
• To play an active role in all aspects of Pre-Prep life.
• To take responsibility for the tidiness/upkeep of an area of the department e.g. first aid kits, cloakrooms.
• To help supervise pupils in the event of a staff absence, so far as is practicable, as directed by the Head of Pre-Prep.

Person specification

The person appointed will have the necessary experience and qualifications. Good oral and written standards will be expected as well as efficient administrative skills. A sense of humour, the ability to remain calm in a crisis and excellent interpersonal skills are all essential.

Essential

• Experience of working with Early Years and Key Stage 1
• Approachable, committed, enthusiastic, motivated, calm and well-organised
• Knowledge of a variety of effective teaching and learning techniques
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Open and responsive to new ideas
• Willing to work as part of a team
• Willing to play an active part in the School community
• An understanding of, and acceptance and commitment to, the principles underlying equal opportunities

Desirable

• Experience of working in a Prep School environment

Benefits

• Meals provided when on duty during term time 
• Generous holiday entitlement 
• Staff health scheme 
• Cycle to Work Scheme 
• Use of School sports facilities 
• The School participates in the Now Pensions Auto Enrolment scheme. 

How to apply

Candidates should return the following documents by 9am on Monday 13th May 2024:

• Application form together with a handwritten cover letter;
• Document detailing your reasons for applying and suitability for the role;
• Reference consent form;
• Equality and Diversity monitoring form (optional).

jobs@kcs.cambs.sch.uk

Interviews will be held in the week commencing 20th May.