1:1 Learning Support Assistant

The Vacancy

Dean Close Foundation are looking to appoint an enthusiastic, caring and energetic learning support teaching assistant with experience of supporting children with SEND to join our supportive and dynamic Pre-Prep team. This is a fixed term contract, with the suitable candidate starting September 2024 academic year.

This role is an excellent opportunity for a teacher-trained individual or highly experienced teaching assistant to support an individual child with additional needs. You will have a flexible approach and work as part of the wider staff team to support children with a variety of challenges, always adapting your practice to ensure barriers to learning are removed and reduced. As a 1:1 Teaching assistant you will:

• Provide individualised support for a child with SEND within the classroom as directed by the class teacher, subject specialist teachers and SENCO.
• Support a child to engage in differentiated tasks as directed by the class teacher, subject specialist teachers, SENCO and specialist staff.
• Apply strategies and advice from teachers and SENCo to support a child in academic tasks requiring writing, reading and phonics.
• Collaborate with the class teacher and SENCO to align support strategies with individual outcomes on a daily, weekly, and termly basis.
• At playtimes, support the pupil and create opportunities for the child to make relationships with other pupils and staff, helping to guide conversations when needed.
• Monitor the child's progress. Provide verbal feedback to the team around the child and adapt support strategies accordingly.
• Ensure the child's safety and well-being at all times following the schools’ safeguarding and child protection policies.

We would ideally be looking for the successful candidate to hold a minimum of an NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification in childcare or education and with a proven track record of effectively supporting children with SEND.

Early applications are encouraged, and applicants may be invited to interview prior to the closing date. We are looking to invite successful applicants in for interview on Thursday 13th June 2024.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is appointed before the closing date. We will request references for all shortlisted candidates prior to interview.

For further details please see the attached job description or contact our recruitment team on 01242 258 000 or recruitment@deanclose.org.uk for with your query.

Internal applicants

Please contact the Recruitment Team requesting the internal candidate application form link before starting your application.

The Foundation

Dean Close Foundation is a growing, vibrant and diverse family of independent schools and nurseries, uniting around a shared vision and set of values. These spring from the origins of Dean Close School, which was founded in 1886 in memory of Dean Francis Close, Rector of Cheltenham and educational philanthropist. The Christian ethos of that original school continues today where the aim is that every child should be given the opportunities to flourish, underpinned by its core values of courage, contribution and love which are the guiding principles behind its educational vision. The Foundation currently has five schools and six nurseries within its group, creating a strong community that can share best practice, resources and a secure future.

Dean Close Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.