Teaching Assistant - Prep School

St Helen’s is an academically selective independent girls’ day school of more than 1200 students aged 3-18, set in beautiful green space in Northwood, Middlesex. 

THE PREP SCHOOL

Caters for approximately 490 girls aged 3-11 years.

Structure:

The Head of Prep School is supported by a Deputy and Assistant Head and there are leaders with responsibility for each Phase of the Prep School: EYFS (Nursery & Reception), KS1 (Years 1 & 2), LKS2 (Years 3 & 4), UKS2 (Years 5 & 6).

There are separate Subject Leaders in English and Mathematics with other Subject Leaders having responsibility across the Primary Phase.

EYFS and Key Stage 1

The pre-prep Section of the School is based in two buildings which have been tastefully converted into spacious, age-appropriate accommodation. Girls enter St Helens EYFS at 3+ (which comprises three Nursery classes of 16), with a further 12 girls joining at 4+ (making three Reception classes of 20). They are housed in Little Gables. Years 1 and 2 have three classes each of 20 pupils and they are based in Gables.

EYFS and KS1 consists of approximately 230 girls aged from three to seven years. The broad and balanced education which we provide caters for each girl as an individual in terms of her personal, social, and emotional development and engenders academic potential through play, exploration, active learning, creativity, and critical thinking. Each individual is encouraged to be self-motivated and independent, and students thrive in this secure and happy environment. Every class in these stages benefit from the support of a full-time Teaching Assistant. There are also Welfare Assistants who are part of Nursery and Reception at St Helen’s. Catering for the girls and staff is provided within St Helen’s by a dedicated team, managed by an experienced chef manager.

The curriculum provides a firm foundation on which to build in KS2 and beyond. In Nursery and Reception, the teachers follow the principles of the Early Years Foundation stage. In KS1 & KS2, the teachers follow the National Curriculum as a basis, but extend and broaden this as appropriate in order to provide further challenge. Girls also learn Ballet and French.

There is a Library in each building, containing an extensive stock of fiction and non-fiction books. We encourage the girls to develop both library skills and an appreciation and love of literature through reading and visiting the library regularly. We have invested in ICT provision and the girls have access to laptops and iPads.

Before and after-school Co-Curricular activities are regarded as an essential part of the girls’ experience from KS1. All teachers are expected to run a club each term. There are also very active School and Eco-School Councils.

THE POST

St Helen’s Prep school is looking to expand their team of permanent, full time Teaching Assistants across all phases. These roles would start September 2023 and are term time only.  

The main purpose of this role is to assist the teaching staff in ensuring pupils aged 6 – 11 are learning in a safe, supportive, and healthy environment in which they can both broaden and enrich their understanding of the world and enhance their social skills.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the reasonable direction of the Head/Deputy Head of Prep or any other teacher having appropriately delegated authority, the Assistant Teacher shall carry out the following professional duties: 

·      To work with pupils in a classroom, year group or one to one, under the supervision of teachers at particular times and venues determined by the Deputy Head of Prep

·      To promote independent learning, help build pupils’ confidence and enhance self-esteem

·      Use strategies, in liaison with the teacher, to support pupils to achieve learning goals

·      To assist with such tasks as tidying cloakrooms, checking classrooms, classroom administration such as collating and filing of children’s’ work, photocopying or putting up displays (this is not an exhaustive list).

·      To participate in a rota of duties such as gate duty, coach duty, break and lunchtime duties.

·      Supervise safe arrival and departure of pupils ensuring effective communication between parents and pupils.

·      Take care of pupils taken sick or have had accidents, referring them if necessary to the Nurse or Welfare Assistants as appropriate.

·      Attend staff meetings when required.

·      To undertake any other appropriate tasks as requested by the Deputy Head of Prep.

·      Attend training as required, including INSET days at the start of and during each term.

·      To follow responsibilities as defined in the Health & Safety Policy

·      To promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people with whom s/he comes into contact and adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy

·      To support and promote the school’s ethos, aims and objectives.

·      Assume other duties which may be reasonably required or delegated by the Deputy Head of Prep from time to time.

THE PERSON

It is essential for the successful candidate to have the following qualifications, experience, and personal attributes:

·      GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths at L4 or above

·      Recognised level 3 childcare qualification e.g., supporting Teaching and Learning in schools NVQ/CACHE/BTEC

·      Able to work effectively as part of a team.

·      Able to take responsibility and show initiative.

·      Demonstrates a warm and caring approach towards the management of children.

 It is desirable for the successful candidate to have the following qualifications, experience, and personal attributes: 

·      Experience of working with children across KS1 & KS2

·      Knowledge of Health & Safety standards required in a school setting.

·      An understanding of their role in terms of safeguarding pupils

·      Positive attitude 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Closing date: 8am Monday 12th June 2023

Please apply as soon as possible as shortlisting/interviews will progress up until the closing date. Should a suitable candidate be appointed, we reserve the right to close the advert early. 

Due to the volume of applicants, we receive, if you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume we will not be progressing your application further on this occasion.

St Helen’s school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, as detailed in Part 3 (Safer Recruitment) of the KCSIE 2022 guidance document. Applicants will be asked for proof of right to work in the UK and undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the disclosure and barring service.