Teaching Assistant - SEN and Autism

Beacon Communication School

Teaching Assistant: SEN & Autism

£15,397

Mon to Fri 08:15 – 3:30pm and Weds finish 4:45pm

Required: ASAP

Closing Date: 15 Feb 2019

We have a very successful provision for secondary aged students with Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Our students work within the purpose-built provision on the main school site and where appropriate in the mainstream school. Students are also involved in a range of social and extra-curricular activities with their mainstream peers.

We are seeking to recruit a passionate and empathetic teaching assistant. You will need to be flexible, possess a variety of skills and be willing to undertake a variety of activities with our students.

The successful candidates will have:

• Experience of students with special needs

• The ability to support our students in their mainstream lessons

• Provide in class support in the provision

• Knowledge of Autism and communication difficulties or a commitment to training

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all members of staff to share this commitment. The below documents must be read prior to applying for this role and will be factored into interviews: 

Keeping Children Safe in Education

BMAT – Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Enhanced DBS (with list checks) is required for this post.

Further information and an application form can be found at www.bealhighschool.co.uk Please forward your electronic applications to beasuccess@beaconacademytrust.co.uk

No agency CVs will be accepted unless formally instructed on this specific role by the Recruitment Team. 

Please note we reserve the right to close or extend this position depending on application numbers, therefore we would urge candidates to submit an application as soon as possible.

‘A specialist secondary provision for students with Autism and Asperger Syndrome’

Introduction

The Beacon Communication School is a specialist provision for secondary aged students with Social Communication Difficulties including Autism and Asperger Syndrome. We are situated in a purpose built building at Beal High School in the London Borough of Redbridge.

We currently have 60 students on roll and a staff of 30.

Our Aims

• Provide an Autism friendly environment where our students are happy and stimulated.

• Enable students to access mainstream opportunities appropriate to their educational and emotional needs.

• Establish awareness in the wider school community about diversity, so that our students are valued.

• Offer a broad, balanced curriculum that is Autism friendly and emphasises communication, social skills, autonomy and self-advocacy to prepare our students for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum 

Classes are small and usually have between 6 and 12 students. The class does much of their learning in their class base with their teacher and Teaching assistant. 

Our Key Stage 3 curriculum consists of: 

• English

• Maths 

• Science 

• ICT 

• History, Geography and RE

• Music, Art and Drama  

• Modern foreign language experiences

• Social Skills

• PSHE 

• PE 

All students are linked to a mainstream tutor group and will be timetabled to access some appropriate subjects in mainstream.

Key Stage 4 Curriculum 

In Key Stage 4 students will work towards the ‘Entry level’ and Level 1 qualifications in English, maths and science. 

In addition students study:

• ICT 

• History, Geography and RE

• Music, Art and Drama  

• Modern foreign language experiences

• Social Skills and life skills

• PSHE 

• PE 

Higher Level Qualifications

Some students may also access the mainstream school for GCSE and BTEC level 2 qualifications.

 6th Form 

Programme of study:

• Life skills course: ASDAN Personal and Social Development at Entry level 1, 2 or 3.

• Functional Skills ICT 

• Music, drama and art

• Cooking 

• Leisure PE

Other activities: 

• Speech and language therapy

• Attend a local college one day a week 

• Practise independent travel skills

• Take part in a residential

• Access work experience opportunities, usually one day a week.

• Provide support through the application, interview and orientation process for moving to college.               

Other External Agencies

We regularly work with agencies:

• Connexions 

• CAMHS 

• Social Services

• Education Psychology Service

• Health Professionals

Plus any other agencies or professionals involved with our students.

Extra-Curricular and Enrichment Activities

We are able to offer students a varied programme of extra-curricular and enrichment activities throughout Key stages 3, 4 and 5.  For example, lunchtime clubs run by members of our staff.

Teaching Assistant: Job Description

Line Management: TAs may receive direction from any of the following people - Senior TA, BCS Class Teachers and the Head of BCS

Purpose of the job

• To work with and support individuals and small groups of students on activities as directed by teachers both within school or the local community.

• To assist in the support and integration of children within BCS classes and other departments of the main school.