Teaching Assistant

Located in rural Suffolk, Bramfield House School is an independent residential special educational needs school for boys aged 7 – 16 years who have social, emotional, mental health, communication difficulties and associated challenging behaviours.

The School has a committed and innovative multidisciplinary team, extensive site and excellent facilities to support both learning and extra-curricular activities; we are in a great position to provide our pupils with the best education and care possible. We need highly-motivated and enthusiastic individuals who want to make a real difference.

We offer induction, supervision, support and training opportunities.

Bramfield House 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 successful applicants will be required to undertake a DBS Enhanced Disclosure.

We are committed to Equal Opportunities and welcome applications from all sectors of the community.

Purpose of Post

• To work as part of ‘one team’ to assist in the every day education and care of young people with special education needs.
• Providing support for pupils within the classroom with the aim of supporting independence. 
• Assisting the teacher in the delivery of the curriculum.
• Providing specialist SEN, subject or other support to pupils.

General Responsibilities
The TA will:

• Establish and maintain individual relationships with pupils that are consistent, caring and understanding.
• Assist individuals or groups of pupils within the classroom and the residential environment with their learning, both academic and behavioural/social.
• Liaise with education and care colleagues regarding issues, concerns or achievements of pupils.
• Contribute to weekly Circle Time, and half-termly pupil planning and reviews, including Progress Reports and Multielement Plans.
• Work one-to-one or with small groups of pupils on specific programs (e.g. behavioural or literacy intervention) when required.
• Prepare materials required for classroom teaching as directed by the teacher, including photocopying when required.
• Supervise of pupils going to and from class at transition times and when in need of time out.
• Work with pupils at break and lunch times in offering support and supervision with recreational activities.
• Ensure the classroom/workplace is adequately equipped with stationery, pens, paper etc., and well presented.
• Present suitable personal standards of behaviour to pupils and act as an appropriate role model.
• Write up or word process incidents and other matters of interest/concern promptly and to an acceptable standard.
• Maintain confidentiality in all matters relating to the school, its staff and pupils.
• Act with courtesy and professionalism in all contact with pupils, their families and other agencies.
• Listen to pupils, identifying needs and concerns and, according to established procedures, passing on any matters in the area of Child Protection and Safeguarding.
• Attend training days and staff meetings to fulfil core competencies as directed by the school, including Team Teach, Child Protection and Safeguarding

Duties and Accountabilities
The TA will:

• Adhere to the policies and procedures that guide practice and fulfil the Statement of Purpose at Bramfield House School.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the school.
• Ensure that Safeguarding, Child Protection and confidentiality legislation is adhered to.
• Maintain a current drivers’ licence.

Team Work and Collaboration
The TA will:

• Work proactively and positively with pupils and staff, liaising with colleagues across a multi-disciplinary team (Care and Education) to ensure individual pupil needs are met.
• Work as a team member and identify opportunities for working with colleagues and sharing the development of effective practice with them.

Other duties and responsibilities
The job description can never be fully exhaustive of unforeseen changes or circumstances.  It is expected that staff will, within reason, respond to unforeseen circumstances and emergencies as they arise, commensurate with their qualifications, experience and the situation.

Confidentiality

It is expected that all Bramfield House School employees understand the nature of our work is confidential and details about our pupils and their families, associated services, pupil records and activities/incidents at the school should not be divulged to members of the public.  If there is a breach of confidentiality, this may result in disciplinary action being taken.