SEND Teaching Assistant X 3 positions

We are delighted to be able to recruit three Teaching Assistants to our SEND team. Our SEND department is a small but highly effective team supporting teaching and learning and pastoral needs for pupils within Derby Grammar School. We are recruiting for three roles within the Senior School to support pupils on our SEND register, including those with EHCPs, with SEND needs such as ASD, speech, language and communication, SEMH, and SpLD such as dyslexia, working to close the learning gap between them and their peers.

Role 1: Full time teaching assistant

Role 2: Part time teaching assistant, 21 hours per week

Role 3: Part time teaching assistant, Tuesday to Friday

Other working patterns may be considered, including job shares and combining roles. We encourage applications from HLTAs.

The successful candidates will be experienced teaching assistants with excellent interpersonal and communication skills who understand the importance of meeting the individual needs of pupils with SEND, such as ASD and dyslexia.

Derby Grammar School is an academically selective all-through school from Reception to Sixth Form. Our Senior School (Years 7 to 11) is two form entry, with small class sizes and a family feel. We enjoy positive and constructive working relationships with our students.

Closing date: Friday 1st March

Interviews week commencing Monday 4th March

Specific Responsibilities

• Support designated pupils to play a full role in the life of the school, building their confidence and self esteem.
• Help designated pupils develop social skills.
• Build and maintain a successful relationship with designated pupils, treating them consistently with respect  and consideration.
• Support  pupils’ individual needs and skills.
• Keep the pupil on task in classes and build motivation by modelling good practice.
• Keep records and evaluate the pupil's progress.
• Assist with the development and implementation of support plans.
• Work with the pupil under the direction of the teaching staff.
• Support the pupil through the technique of scaffolding to complete activities within a set time frame.
• Help the pupil record work in an appropriate way and to develop study and organisational skills.
• Implement behaviour management policies in accordance with guidance provided by the  teacher.
• Attend formal and informal meetings with teachers to contribute to planning lessons/activities.
• Prepare materials and resources to support the pupil as necessary.
• Prepare the pupil beforehand for a task, e.g. pre-teaching.
• Supervise practical tasks during subject lessons.
• Carry out structured classroom assessment/observation and feedback outcomes.
• Assist pupils with physical needs.
• If required, supervise the pupil for limited and specified periods, such as break-times and facilitate games and activities.

Professional development

• Participate in the appraisal and performance and development review process, taking personal responsibility  for identification of learning, development and training opportunities in discussion with the line  manager
• Engage in professional development by attending relevant courses and meetings as agreed with your line manager.

General responsibilities

• Maintain good order and discipline among pupils and safeguard their health and safety both at School and on organised events outside school.
• Comply with all School policies, including the School’s Health and Safety policy.
• Operate all equipment safely in accordance with training and report any faults with equipment,  fixtures and fittings to the subject teacher. 
• Assist with escorting pupils on educational visits.
• To respect confidentiality at all times.
• Maintain appropriate records and provide relevant, accurate and up to date information for registers and information management systems.
• Support wider extra-curricular activities in the School.
• Attend and participate in, as required, general School functions, assemblies, meetings, social and cultural events.
• Liaise and promote positive relationships with parents/carers and outside agencies regarding pupil progress and welfare issues.
• Promote the general progress and wellbeing of individual pupils and of any class or group assigned to you, including the monitoring of the personal and social needs of pupils and taking action where required.
• Assist in the promotion of the School’s reputation and in marketing activities.
• Carry out any additional task reasonably requested by the line manager or the Head.

OUR ETHOS

Our ethos at Derby Grammar School is one of "Excellence, Encouragement and Enrichment".

We employ outstandingly talented teaching staff who can ‘bring education to life’ for all pupils. They offer knowledge, experience and enthusiasm in abundance which stimulates a desire to learn. Our stunning Georgian buildings are advantageously fitted with modern learning facilities and specialist equipment, adding to the exclusivity of our academic offering.

Our small community is one of our biggest strengths as it allows all teachers to get to know pupils individually. We are proud of our fantastically flexible yet robust pastoral support system which is able to accommodate the needs and demands of each and every child who comes into our care. We empower pupils and having a supportive environment is central to achieving this. 

One of the many reasons why Derby Grammar School is so special is our ability to offer exclusive opportunities that serve to enhance pupils’ learning experience. We have partnerships with Hot House Music, London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA), Derbyshire Institute of Sport, the Amani School in Tanzania among others. School life is wide-ranging and fun, with endless possibilities to explore new talents.

Derby Grammar School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The School is therefore permitted to ask shortlisted applicants to declare all convictions and cautions on a self-declaration form in advance of attending an interview (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the Disclosure and Barring Service(“DBS”) filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

The School may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants, including social media accounts, as part of their application.

Prior to employment commencing, successful applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers. 

Successful applicants will also be required to produce evidence of qualifications, identity, and the right to work in the UK. Two references will be taken up, one of which will be with the most recent employer. They will also be required to complete our Health Questionnaire. 

All those working at Derby Grammar School share in our responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of the children and young people in our care.