Teaching Assistant

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and committed person who has had experience of working with young children and works with equal efficacy independently and as part of a team. The successful applicant must have a good level of numeracy and literacy skills and be able to support students in reaching their full potential. S/he should also have a good working knowledge of child protection issues and safeguarding and undertake the appropriate annual training.

The ideal candidate will work closely with the class teacher to provide a safe, happy and stimulating learning environment for our Reception boys and to support the whole school and community as needed.  

The School

Falcons Pre-Preparatory School for Boys is a non-selective independent day school for boys aged 3-7 based in Chiswick, London. Academic excellence is at the forefront of every child’s learning experience and every boy should leave our Pre-Prep as a well-rounded, confident and resilient individual. The school delivers a fast paced and stimulating curriculum including a wide range of clubs, sporting activities and educational visits which enhance learning for our pupils.

JOB DESCRIPTION

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for who you are responsible and with whom you come into contact with. 
• To take an active part in the planning and delivery of the curriculum, contributing ideas and helping to organise resources/equipment as necessary.  
• Keep classroom and equipment tidy and clean. 
• Assist in maintaining a bright and pleasing learning environment e.g. helping design and put up displays of children’s work 
• Work confidently with individual children, small groups and sometimes the whole class group. 
• Assist in the development of pupils’ learning at all times i.e. during guided activities and during free play indoors and out. 
• To assist the teacher in observing pupils and recording progress in the appropriate methods used in the early years. 
• Be prepared to deal with toilet accidents 
• Supervise lunch and play times according to the duty rota 
• Positively contribute to the school’s progress and development as a whole 
• Be prepared to attend school inset training and to work additional days at the beginning and end of each term.  
• Support other classes during staff absences  
• Be familiar with the school’s Health and Safety procedures, fire procedures and all school policies. 
• Maintain professional conduct when talking to parents  
• Attend staff meetings and parent meetings which may occur after school hours 
• To fully participate in staff meetings, training and some school events 
• Adhere to and ensure compliance with the school’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy    

Suitable candidates will be:

Essential

• Educated to at least A level or equivalent
• Willing to undergo an enhanced DBS disclosure check
• Experienced working with children in EYFS and KS1
• Experience and commitment to working with parents and carers.
• Supporting and extending children’s holistic development through a stimulating and challenging environment both inside and out.
• Ability to assess priorities
• Ability to work in a team
• Passion and enthusiasm for working with young children
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, both written and oral
• Recognising and respond to individual children’s needs, routines, interests and development
• Literacy and numeracy skills appropriate to the age range
• Ability in managing children’s behaviour and the setting of clear boundaries with the class teacher
• Ability to take initiative and to be flexible
• Ability to solve problems and make decisions as and when the need arises
• Understanding of the developmental and learning needs of young children, particularly within the EYFS
• Knowledge of Health and Safety issues relevant to this age range
• Knowledge of Early Learning Goals and Every Child Matters document
• Awareness of safeguarding issues.
• Motivation to work with children and young people
• Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people
• Emotional resilience in working with challenging behaviours
• Positive attitude to use of authority and maintaining discipline
• Sense of humour
• Have an acceptable level of health
• Good presentation and hygiene
• Must have good attendance record

Desirable

• Qualification for working with children who have Special Educational needs
• Additional training/qualifications to enhance performance in the EYFS
• Experienced in contributing to planning and record keeping
• Experience of working in an educational establishment(school)
• Competent in ICT
• Additional skills such as art/craft/music
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the EYFS curriculum
• Ability to work under pressure

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.

The closing date for applications is Friday 11 February 2022

Interviews: Week Commencing 21 February 2022