Teaching Assistant

Introduction

Blackheath Prep is an independent prep school for just over 370 students aged 3 to 11. Founded in 1996, it occupies a beautiful five-acre site close to Blackheath village. Its original Georgian and Victorian buildings have been extended and adapted to include large playgrounds and extensive playing fields, tennis courts, cricket nets and a Forest School area. In April 2023 we were delighted to announce our merger with Eltham College to form a family of schools. 

It is a remarkable school with outstanding facilities, a formidable track record in academic success and impressive achievements in Music, Sport, Drama and Art. In January 2024 the school was inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate and received outstanding feedback on every aspect of the school.

The Role

Blackheath Prep is seeking to appoint a dynamic, enthusiastic and inspirational Teaching Assistant. The successful candidate will be required to provide in class support to children in Key Stage One as a Teaching Assistant and it is envisaged the postholder will be based in either Year 1 or Year 2.

At Blackheath Prep, the collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, self-expression, unique capabilities and talent that our community holds represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our achievements as well.

We expect and enable:

·        Members of staff to act as role models for the children and their families through curriculum content and conduct which demonstrates our commitment to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

·        Commitment to ensuring that all members of our community can see themselves in the texts and topics through which we deliver our broad and balanced curriculum.

·        Teamwork and participation, permitting the representation of all groups and perspectives within our unique community.

·        Regular INSET and opportunities for development which keep practice current and research informed.

Every member of staff at Blackheath Prep is committed to ensuring that all children are enabled to reach their full potential. We therefore welcome applications from candidates who demonstrate an ability and genuine desire to see children shine and exceed their own and our expectations of them.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will have experience of working as a Classroom or Teaching Assistant in a primary school setting and have a commitment to fostering a love of learning for all children. The candidate should be able to work on their own initiative and as part of the wider team, helping to support pupils in their lessons and the class, as and when necessary.

Other valuable qualities include enthusiasm, understanding, organisational ability, a capacity to work hard, and the ability to stay calm and good humoured under pressure.

A pleasure in the life of a thriving, busy school, and the ability to act as an approachable, sympathetic and principled role model will be likely to characterise the successful candidate.

Most importantly, the successful candidate must have a genuine interest in the evolving needs of young people and a strong commitment to children’s academic and personal development from Nursery to Year 6.

A full job description and further information relating to the post can be found on the school website and in the applicant information pack.

Terms of Appointment

• The post is available from September 2024 on a permanent, term time basis.
• Hours of work are 8am - 4:30pm Monday to Friday during term times.
• A competitive salary is offered reflecting the level of experience to date.
• Benefits include school fee remission, life assurance and pension scheme
• Wellbeing benefits include free annual eye test, annual flu vaccination and access to our Employee Support helpline
• Travel benefits include Season Ticket Loan and Bike2Work scheme
• Free staff lunch is provided during term time

How to Apply

Please send by email a completed application form and equal opportunities form, together with a covering letter to Emma Over, HR and Recruitment Assistant: recruitment@blackheathprep.co.uk 

Closing date for applications is 9am, Tuesday 7th May 2024.

Interviews will be held on Monday 13th May.

***Please note that the recruitment campaign might end earlier as the applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis so please do not delay in applying***

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.