Higher Level Teaching Assistant

About the School

Acorn Park is a Special Educational Needs (SEN) School and Residential home within the Acorn Care and Education and NFA Group, the UK’s Largest, Independent Children’s services group. It specialises in communication and learning challenges associated with Autism.

The school and homes are within a private, 30 acre Estate situated within Norfolk’s picturesque and tranquil countryside, close to the town of Banham.

The aim of the site is to provide enough support to unlock each child’s potential so they can live fulfilling and productive lives. We provide the young people with as much freedom as possible in a safe and supervised environment. This is achievable due to the dedication and support from a range of employed professionals who are passionate, reliable and understanding.

About the role

Do you want a rewarding Career? To make a positive difference to young people and their lives? Are you patient, empathetic, resilient and supportive? If you have answered yes - we want you!

We have an exciting and challenging opportunity for a number of Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join the supportive team.

We want each young person at Acorn Park to achieve their own ambitions and to live fulfilling and productive lives. Therefore, you will be required to use your specialist knowledge and experience to support and assist the class teacher, whilst referring to agreed individual development plans. You will teach and encourage each individual to achieve their potential, despite of any challenges you or they may face.

You will also be responsible for safeguarding the young people and ensuring they are healthy, safe and as comfortable as possible. This can be achieved by assisting with the physical, emotional and personal care needs for each individual.

Who are we looking for?

Acorn Park needs a responsible, friendly and caring individual who has a passion for caring for and ultimately, making a difference to young lives. It will be a challenging yet rewarding role with the opportunity to see the young people progress and develop over time.

We need someone who can work well within a team, has great communication skills, can manage their workload and be prepared for the varying difficulties the role may present.

A current HLTA or equivalent qualification, along with a grade C or above in a Maths and English GCSE or equivalent, is essential. Also, although full training and support is given, you must have some experience within a school or working with SEN children. A driving licence is also preferred due to the location of the school.

Key responsibilities

• You will support the Class Teachers in delivering agreed learning activities to ensure each individual child meets their discrete learning needs
• You will manage a team of learning support assistants on a day-to-day basis
• You will liaise with other staff members and parents to maximise the effect of support and learning for each child
• You will support the development of the children’s communication skills by implementing goals in collaboration with the Education, Therapy and Residential staff
• To set targets, keep records, assess and evaluate students’ learning with support from other professionals
• You may be required to lead classes during absences of the class teacher
• You will help with training, advise and support of other staff members
• To participate in, and complete reports for statutory reviews and meetings concerning the students
• Administer medication as specified from leading professionals
• Co-ordinate and organise students attending off-site/extracurricular activities under the guidance of the teacher
• Contribute to the development of school policies and procedures
• Determine the need for, prepare and use specialist equipment, plans and resources to support students with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Essential criteria

• You must have experience with supporting and working with young people, in a school or care environment
• You must be available to work the shifts required
• You must have a Higher Level Teaching Assistant or equivalent qualification.
• You must have a Grade C or above in your Maths and English GCSE’s or equivalent
•  You must have an understanding/awareness of ASD and associated co-occurring difficulties within this population.

Why work for us?

• Opportunity to enrich the lives of young people and make a positive difference
• Be part of a supportive and dedicated team
• Continuous professional development and training
• Internal Promotion
• Staff meals
• Potential overtime

Other information

Acorn Care and Education are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to fully Enhanced DBS. We expect all our employees and volunteers to share this commitment and strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for everybody in our care. A full application form must be completed with all employment dates accurate and gaps in employment accounted for.