SEN Teaching Assistant

We are proud of the fantastic learning culture at John Watson. The decisions we make are guided by SLICE. These 5 areas drive the work of the school. Our aim is to empower each child to ensure they can live as full and as independent lives as possible…

Safety

Learning

Independence 

Communication

Engagement

John Watson School is looking to appoint a Teaching Assistant to join our existing vibrant and friendly team in our all age special school, we are looking for someone who is committed and a problem solver.

The successful candidates will compliment the team at our school, will demonstrate a commitment to learning and enjoy working with children of all abilities.

John Watson School is a Special School in Wheatley. We cater for children with Special Educational Needs from the ages of 2 - 19 years. We aim to create a happy, healthy and secure learning environment in which the needs of all pupils are met, enabling each child to reach his or her individual potential. We offer pupils opportunities for integrated educational experiences with their peer groups in the nursery, primary and secondary schools whose sites we share. We support pupils in developing practical and social skills that can be used at school, at home and in the community.

Oxfordshire Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post involves the type of work with children and young people that requires applicants to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post. All cases are considered confidentially and according to the nature of the role and information disclosed.

We are judged Good by Ofsted (October 2022) and we are ambitious in our vision for the future provision for our pupils. We offer small classes, typically less than 10 pupils per class, working within large teams of support staff and additional NHS therapists. We have a unique relationship with Wheatley Nursery School who share our site.

Please refer to the job description and person specification below:

JOB DESCRIPTION - TEACHING ASSISTANT

GRADE 6, Point 8 to 13 (£22,777 - £24,948 pro rata) , 30 hours per week, term time only, as directed by Headteacher and Teaching Staff

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

To support teaching in our classes’ indoor and outdoor learning as timetabled.

To support pupils Shared Care Protocols by supporting the full medical and welfare needs. Full training will be given in the administration of any medical interventions.

To produce/reproduce materials to support teaching in base lessons and mainstream lessons as needed and/or requested.

To support the teacher in compiling pupil assessment data.

To support pupils in integrated lessons at Wheatley Primary School and Wheatley Park School.

To ensure all follow-up work, including homework from these lessons is completed.

To support pupils in informal sessions such as break-times with personal care needs, etc.

To participate in off-site activities i.e. horse riding, swimming and residential trips.

To attend weekly team development meetings.

To attend whole staff meetings once a term.

To participate in professional development activities as required.

To be aware of and comply with Health and Safety legislation and policies of the school.

Any other class duties as directed by Headteacher, Deputy Headteachers or class teacher.

PERSON SPECIFICATION - TEACHING ASSISTANT

ESSENTIAL

Experience of working with children.

Desire and ability to work as part of a team.

Ability to work under direction but also use your own initiative as the situation demands.

Commitment to equal opportunities, able to contribute to an environment that celebrates diversity.

To have fitness levels that ensure you can cope with the physical demands of the job, in particular manual handling procedures, being on the go throughout the school day, support children in the water during swimming sessions.

To have a flexible approach and be able to adapt in different circumstances including the possibility of moving across teams or school sites.

To have a positive outlook and share an enthusiasm for the job.

DESIRABLE

Experience of working with children with disabilities, in particular learning difficulties.

Experience of supporting teacher in assessing pupil progress.

GCSE Grade C or above or equivalent in English and Maths

Ability to, or willingness to, drive the school minibus.

First Aid qualification.

Safeguarding qualification.

Particular skill or talent e.g. play a musical instrument, artistic, sports.

To be prepared to support children in mainstream classes as required.

Please complete an application form, which can be found on our website and return by email to sbm@johnwatsonschool.org.

 The deadline for applications is Friday 14th April with interview dates to be confirmed. Please do not send CVs, applications will only be considered using the application provided. As part of our recruitment process we will require you to fill out an overseas check prior to interview. 

Start date :  15th May 2023 or sooner if able

Interview date: TBC