Teaching Assistant - Half term Contract

This is a seven (7) week position as a Teaching Assistant at the Old Vicarage School, to cover from 1st June 2026 until 10th July 2026.

Please note that we are additionally advertising a permanent, part time Teaching Assistant role commencing September 2026.

You will be required to work a minimum of 3 days per week, although the position could be up to 5 days per week for the weeks specified above. Our hours are 8.00am to 5.00pm each day of term.

OLD VICARAGE SCHOOL

Position: Teaching Assistant

Principles

In the fulfilment of all responsibilities and duties, a Teaching Assistant should show a commitment to the aims, policies and ethos of the Old Vicarage School, and strive to uphold these through personal conduct and effective relationships with colleagues and pupils.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of a Teaching Assistant to:

·       Assist in the teaching of a class of children, undertaking associated pastoral and administrative duties and general responsibilities as agreed with the Head of School.

·       Assist in maintaining good order in the classroom and around the school, with due regard to the school’s policy on behaviour and discipline.

·       Provide a good role model for children.

·       Safeguard the Health & Safety of self and others in accordance with the school’s Health and Safety Policy, Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, reporting concerns in line with statutory procedures.

·       Deliver targeted small-group and one-to-one interventions as directed by the Class Teacher.

·       Provide structured support for individual pupils with identified learning, behavioural or emotional needs.

·       Support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), working in partnership with the Class Teacher, SENCo and external professionals where appropriate.

·       Adapt resources and learning materials to support access to the curriculum.

·       Support pupils’ social and emotional development, modelling positive behaviour and language at all times.

·       Reinforce learning objectives set by the Class Teacher to ensure understanding and progress.

·       Support pupils with personal care needs where required, in accordance with school policy.

·       Assist in supervising pupils during breaktimes, lunchtimes and other non-classroom activities as directed.

·       Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of school life.

·       Use educational technology effectively to support teaching and learning.

·       Promote safe and responsible digital behaviour in accordance with the school’s e-safety policy.

·       Contribute to the wider life of the school, including clubs, educational visits, school events and, where required, Open Days.

Duties

It is the duty of a Teaching Assistant to:

·       Assist in delivering programmes of work and activities for the children.

·       Be aware of the differentiation within activities.

·       Contribute to the progression of children within and between activities.

·       Assist in the preparation of teaching materials as directed.

·       Prepare classroom resources and equipment in advance of lessons as directed.

·       Keep stock, resources and the room tidy and accessible.

·       Assist in ensuring the room is a happy and stimulating learning environment for the children, as directed.

·       Assist in activities that are matched to children’s individual needs.

·       Assist and contribute to the learning experiences of children.

·       Implement teaching programmes using different methods as directed.

·       Provide feedback to the Class Teacher on pupil engagement, understanding and progress.

·       Maintain accurate records of intervention sessions where required.

·       Support the smooth transition of pupils between activities and different areas of the school.

·       Understand and actively support the school’s policy on child protection, pastoral care, behaviour and discipline, including the use of appropriate praise or sanctions for pupil work and behaviour.

·       Act as an additional safeguarding presence within the classroom, remaining vigilant to any changes in pupils’ presentation or behaviour.

·       Assist in the arrangements made for monitoring and assessing individual children’s performance through evaluation, including formative and summative methods.

·       Support the use of assessment data to inform planning and targeted support, as directed by the Class Teacher.

·       Contribute to oral and written reports to those with parental responsibility and other agencies.

·       Update educational activities through the Tapestry portal.

·       Assist with the supervision of pupils during educational visits, including residential visits where appropriate.

·       Support the induction of new pupils into the classroom environment.

Meetings

A Teaching Assistant is required to:

• Attend meetings as directed by the Head of School relating to the curriculum, administration, organisation and in-service education and training (INSET).

• Participate in relevant pupil progress meetings and professional discussions as required.

Professional Development

Develop personally and professionally through:

·       Reflection on own practice and private study.

·       Participation in continuing professional development (CPD), in-service education and training (INSET) and through appraisal.

·       Participate fully in the school’s appraisal and performance management process.

·       Engage in professional development aligned with whole-school priorities.

·       Maintain the highest standards of professional conduct, confidentiality and integrity always.

·       Act as a positive ambassador for the school and uphold its ethos and values.

Relationships

A Teaching Assistant is required to:

CO-OPERATE WITH

·       The Head of School.

·       All colleagues, both teaching and non-teaching.

·       Subject, aspect and phase co-ordinators.

·       Invited advisers and inspection teams.

WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

·       The Class Teacher to ensure consistency of expectations and support for pupils.

·       Parents and carers, where appropriate, maintaining professionalism and confidentiality at all times.

Conclusion

This document does not provide a comprehensive definition of the post of Teaching Assistant.

The above is not an exhaustive list of duties and is in addition to those set out in the Staff Handbook and Contract of Employment. The schedule is subject to modification or amendment at any time by the Head of School if the needs of the school so require. This document will form the initial focus for the school appraisal procedure and will be integral to any subsequent review.

Other tasks may be considered necessary by the Head of School in view of the changing needs and policies of the school. Some tasks may be modified, delegated or deleted in light of further appointments to the school or changing circumstances, in accordance with the School Development Plan.