Higher Level Teaching Assistant

PURPOSE OF JOB  

To complement the professional work of teachers by taking responsibility for agreed learning activities under an agreed system of supervision. This may involve planning, preparing and delivering learning activities for individuals/groups or short term for whole classes and monitoring pupils and assessing, recording and reporting on pupils achievement, progress and development.  Responsible for the management and development of a specialist area within the school and/or management of other teaching assistants including allocation and monitoring of work, appraisal and training.

MAIN ACTIVITIES  SUPPORT FOR PUPILS  

• Assess the needs of pupils and use detailed knowledge and specialist skills to support pupils’ learning
• Establish productive working relationships with pupils, acting as a role model and setting high expectations
• Develop and implement Individual Education Plans
• Promote the inclusion and acceptance of all pupils within the classroom 
• Support pupils consistently whilst recognising and responding to their individual needs
• Encourage pupils to interact and work co-operatively with others and engage all pupils in activities
• Promote independence and employ strategies to recognise and reward achievement of self-reliance
• Provide feedback to pupils in relation to progress and achievement
• Screen students for learning difficulties
• Run interventions groups

SUPPORT FOR THE TEACHER  

• Organise and manage appropriate learning environment and resources 
• Within an agreed system of supervision, plan challenging teaching and learning objectives to evaluate and adjust lessons/work plans as appropriate 
• Monitor and evaluate pupil responses to learning activities through a range of assessment and monitoring strategies against pre-determined learning objectives 
• Provide objective and accurate feedback and reports as required on pupil achievement, progress and other matters, ensuring the availability of appropriate evidence 
• Record progress and achievement in lessons/activities systematically and providing evidence of range and level of progress and attainment
• Work within an established discipline policy to anticipate and manage behaviour constructively, promoting self-control and independence
• Supporting the role of parents in pupils’ learning and contribute to/lead meetings with parents to provide constructive feedback on pupil progress/achievement etc. 
• Administer and assess/mark tests and invigilate exams/tests
• Production of lesson plans, worksheet, plans etc.

LINE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES WHERE APPROPRIATE  

• Manage other teaching assistants 
• Liaise between managers/teaching staff and teaching assistants 
• Hold regular team meetings with managed staff, within normal contractual hours 
• Represent teaching assistants at teaching staff/management/other appropriate meetings 
• Undertake recruitment/induction/appraisal/training/mentoring for other teaching assistants

PERSON SPECIFICATION  

Employees will need to demonstrate the following requirements in order to perform each of the main activities of the job safely and effectively

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE 

• Can use ICT effectively to support learning 
• Full working knowledge of relevant policies/codes of practice/legislation 
• Working knowledge and experience of implementing national/foundation stage curriculum and other relevant learning programmes/strategies
• Good understanding of child development and learning processes
• Understanding of statutory frameworks relating to teaching 
• Ability to organise, lead and motivate a team
• Constantly improve own practice/knowledge through self-evaluation and learning from others
• Ability to relate well to children and adults
• Work constructively as part of a team, understanding classroom roles and responsibilities and your own position within these