Learning Assistant

Reports to: Headmistress

Working hours: 8am to 5pm (40 hours per week - full time)

Contract: Permanent

Salary: 22k - 24k

Location: Peregrines Nursery School at Falcons School for Girls, Putney

MAIN DUTIES:

• To support the class teacher at all times.
• To work with the class teacher to foster a warm, caring and friendly environment for the children within the classroom. 
• To work with the class teacher in preparing work for the children and assisting as required within the classroom
• To carry out delegated tasks set by the class teacher.
• To help ensure that pupils make the maximum amount of progress possible in each lesson.
• To take particular responsibility for hearing the children read on a daily basis, updating their reading records and generally monitoring that they are reading books at a level appropriate to their needs.
• To maintain discipline in accordance with school policies at all times, and to encourage positive practice in relation to general behaviour and approach to school life.
• To work as part of a team with the teachers, other Learning Assistants and the rest of the school staff.
• To maintain cordial and informative relationships with parents.
• To provide support for the children in a broad range of situations both on and off-site.
• To ensure that activities are carried out in a safe and responsible manner, in accordance with statutory responsibilities, and to advise the class teacher of any concerns over any matters including children and equipment;

 OTHER DUTIES: 

• To attend Staff Meetings and INSET days as appropriate.
• To participate in (and, where appropriate, contribute to) the general well-being of the Staff and School so as to maintain and improve the performance of the school for the benefit of all concerned. 
• To support the pupils and school as a whole, by attending school productions, functions and any events as requested. 
• To keep abreast of all policies of the School and to be aware of problems with individual pupils so that communication between colleagues for their general well-being is consistent. 
• To contribute to termly school reports where the Learning Assistant has supported the child’s learning.
• To share in the responsibility for covering colleagues in their absence.
• To attend professional development courses to further knowledge and expertise as and when appropriate.
• To promote and safeguard the welfare of children for whom you are responsible or with whom you come into contact in the school. It is your responsibility to adhere to, and ensure compliance with, the school’s Safeguarding Policy at all times. If at any time you identify any instance that a child or young person is at risk you must report your concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or the Headmistress. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Skills, aptitude, knowledge and experience

Essential

• Ability to work independently, using own initiative;
• Ability to evaluate own learning needs and actively seek learning opportunities;  
• Ability to relate well to children and adults including colleagues, other professionals and parents; 
• Ability to demonstrate and promote good practice in line with the ethos of the school; 
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, whilst ensuring children, colleagues, parents and carers are respected and listened to; 
• Ability to communicate effectively with adults and children; 
• Good written, verbal and non-verbal communication. 

Desirable

• Proven experience of working with children;   
• Experience of working in a school environment; 
• Experience of working as part of a team; 
• Confidence in using IT systems.

Personal qualities

Essential

• Proactive and positive team player, able to work constructively as part of a team; 
• Enthusiasm for learning and working with children; 
• Caring, friendly, approachable, open, welcoming, and personable;
• Able to maintain confidentiality at all times.  

Qualifications

Essential

• Level 3 TA Diploma
• Willingness to participate in other development and training opportunities  

Desirable

• Relevant qualifications
• Safeguarding Awareness course
• Pediatric First Aid certificate 

Application closing date: Wednesday 7 December 2022

The school reserves the right to appoint before the deadline.

APG is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Please click the link below for further information on employing Ex-Offenders:

Policy on employment of ex-offenders.pdf (alphaplusgroup.co.uk)

for further information on employing Ex-Offenders:

Policy on employment of ex-offenders.pdf (alphaplusgroup.co.uk)