Teaching Assistant - Pre-Prep

Our mission is to develop happy, confident and successful children who are well prepared for their future.

Westbrook Hay

Founded in 1892, Westbrook Hay is a thriving co-educational independent Prep school with 370 pupils from 3-13 years who enjoy a broad curriculum, achieve excellent results and have the all-important confidence to succeed. There is a strong ethos to be a welcoming, all-inclusive family community that provides the best for, and expects the best from everyone. The school has recently been rated ‘Excellent’ by ISI and has grown to near capacity, waiting lists are in operation in most year groups.

Teaching Assistant Pre-Prep Vacancy

We are looking for an enthusiastic, caring and flexible individual to join our Early Years, Year 1 and 2 team in a general teaching assistant capacity on a full-time basis to start in September 2023. The role comes with a range of opportunities, from assisting with early and after-school care and playground duties to working in the classroom alongside an exceptional team.  

The successful candidate will have experience of working with children in a school or nursery, a Level 3 qualification approved by the government in the Early Years Foundation Stage is essential.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring Health and Safety matters are always adhered to and more specifically in accordance with the school guidelines. The successful candidate will also participate fully in the school’s Performance Management programme.

All members of Westbrook Hay Prep School are fully supportive of the aims and ethos of the school and share pastoral responsibility. They are expected to promote the general educational and social welfare of individual pupils and classes (whether directly or indirectly) in relation to their position at the school.

General

The safety and well-being of the children in school is paramount and it is the Teaching Assistant’s responsibility to promote and safeguard the welfare of children for whom they are responsible, or with whom they come into contact with. Adhering to and ensuring compliance with the school’s Child Protection Policy Statement is both essential and crucial. If while carrying out their duties, the Teaching Assistant becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the school, it is their responsibility to report any concerns to the school’s Designated Senior Lead for Child Protection, or a Deputy DSL.

 Working Hours (Full time)

Three days per week working 7:30am until 4:00pm

One day per week working 7:30am – 4:30pm (assisting with our after-school care)

One day per week working 7:30am – 5:30pm (assisting with our Westbrook Plus provision

Playground Supervision

·        Provide play supervision across all age groups and during child-initiated learning;

·        Be responsible for the Health and Safety and welfare of the children within the playground environment, liaising with the relevant duty staff in case of emergency;

·        Be enthusiastic and encourage the children in all activities; and

·        Be fully conversant with Westbrook Hay’s Policies and Procedures (including but not restricted to Health and Safety, Welfare, Child Protection etc.) and observe and implement them accordingly.

The Teaching Assistant will be expected to:

 ·        Be flexible and work as a member of a team;

·        Assist where required with planning, delivering and implementation of activities;

·        Be flexible and willing to assist in any area of the school as reasonably requested;

·        Support and assist the Class Teacher, including observation and assessment;

·        Be pro-active in the children’s learning;

·        Prepare a wide variety of activities and clear them away;

·        Supervise any number of children under the supervision of the Class Teacher;

·        Encourage the children to reach their potential;

·        Support and assist the children in line with our Wellbeing / Intimate Care policies;

·        Provide the Class Teacher with feedback regarding children’s welfare and development;

·        Attend courses and follow current training initiatives;

·        Attend relevant parent’s evenings and staff meetings when requested;

·        Accompany children on school trips and drive school buses when required;

·        Fully conversant with all school Policies and Procedures (including but not restricted to Health & Safety, Welfare, Child Protection etc.) observing and implementing them accordingly;

·        Attend Speech Day, Sports Day, Family Fun day, Open Mornings and any other relevant School event, as required.

·        Attend all School Inset days; and

·        Assist in any other area of the school as and when required.

Safeguarding

The safety and well-being of the children in School is paramount at all times. Staff are responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children for whom they are responsible, or with whom they come into contact. Staff will adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Child Protection Policy at all times. If in the course of carrying out their duties, a member of staff becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School, it is their responsibility to report any concerns to the school’s Designated Senior Lead for Child Protection or the Headmaster.

Equality and Diversity 

Westbrook Hay is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees and pupils. This means that employees are treated fairly, irrespective of sexual orientation, ethnic origin, religion, disability, age, gender, marital status or other reason. Staff are expected to always comply with the provisions set out in law and school policies on equality and diversity.

Application Process

The deadline for the receipt of applications is 12:00 on Friday 28 April 12:00. To apply for this position, please complete an application via the TES website or use the application below. Further information or any enquiries can be requested from our HR Officer, Mrs Rachel Franklin (rachel_franklin@westbrookhay.co.uk). Unfortunately, we are unable to offer pre-application tours of the school. 

We would like the individual to start in September 2023.