English Teaching Assistant

We are seeking a talented candidate to work alongside the class teachers in our world-class creative environment to support trainees in all areas of the curriculum and to also assist in the preparation of the learning experience, liaising with parents, maintaining trainee records and carrying out a range of administrative tasks to support the teacher. We are seeking a teaching assistant who is willing to embrace the ethos of teaching a knowledge-rich, purposeful, and project-based curriculum, through the meaningful use of technology.  

1. Support for trainees 

To work with identified trainees and whole classes, implementing agreed programmes of  learning including: 

Running 1:1 sessions with underachieving trainees while also carrying out small group interventions with higher achieving trainees to maintain the high standards and grades in which they are expected to achieve.

Explaining learning tasks and supporting trainees to access the curriculum 

Monitor progress and keep trainees engaged, promoting independence and confidence.

Help trainees to concentrate on and finish learning tasks set. 

Enabling trainees to set more ambitious learning tasks. 

Providing speaking, reading, writing and numeracy opportunities for trainees. 

To promote and reinforce trainees’ self esteem, encouraging their inclusion in the whole  curriculum.  

Supporting trainees in the Music, Film and Games Design strands within the classroom

Providing oral feedback to individual trainees on their attainment in order to promote  further progress.

 Assess trainees’ responses to learning tasks and where appropriate, modify methods to meet individual and/or group needs. 

  2. Support for the teachers 

To work collaboratively with teaching staff and assist teachers in the whole planning cycle and the management/preparation of resources. 

To supervise whole classes occasionally during the short-term absence of teachers. 

To work with subject teachers in responding appropriately to trainees’ individual  needs and assisting trainees in areas of specific difficulty. 

To use own expertise in the area of English and literacy to help teachers  develop schemes of learning and resources. 

To assist in monitoring and recording the progress of individual trainees and discuss  progress with the subject teacher. 

Making and maintaining appropriate classroom resources under the direction of a  teacher. 

Devising suitable additional study tasks and materials to be completed outside lesson  time and independently. 

Developing appropriate tests/assessment tasks to monitor attainment. 

To build a positive working relationship with the class teachers so that instructions can be taken as well as independent tasks undertaken. 

Attend departmental meetings and contribute to discussions and disseminate work being  done.

3. Support with the curriculum 

To use your own expertise to support trainees with their literacy  and numeracy in their work with them. 

To use ICT to support trainees’ learning as appropriate 

To engage trainees in active learning and higher order thinking. 

To monitor the attendance of trainees targeted for intervention programmes and follow  up concerns with  teachers. 

  4. Support for school 

To work within the school policies and procedures and be aware of legislation relevant to  the role and responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant. 

To maintain confidentiality at all times with regard to both supported trainees and the  wider school. 

To take part in in-service training, relevant appraisal arrangements and other meetings,  as directed in normal contracted working hours; to be conversant with school policies  and procedures. 

To carry out routine clerical tasks e.g. IEP, filing, photocopying or a  specific clerical responsibility as directed by the Curriculum Leader. 

Attend meetings for specific trainees and provide feedback for Annual Reviews and other statutory processes.

Other appropriate duties relevant to the purpose of the post and within the grading and  competency of the post holder, as reasonably required by the Head Teacher/Curriculum  Leader. 

 Generic 

Undertaking the necessary training/development required in order to keep up to date  with developments as identified through appraisal. 

Ensuring compliance with the school’s Health and Safety Policy, personally contributing  to an environment that welcomes diversity and respects individuals. 

Performing other such duties of a similar nature as from time to time may be required.  Fundamentally to fulfilling the responsibilities of this post is the ability to respond  flexibly, positively and successfully to the school’s on-going needs. 

This job description is a guide to the level and range of responsibilities the post holder will be  expected to undertake. It is neither exhaustive nor inclusive and will be changed from time to  time to meet changing circumstances and demands. It will not form part of the post holder’s  contract of employment.