Teaching Assistant

From the advert

We are a thriving school, with a committed staffing team, a supportive community of parents and fantastic children.

We are seeking to recruit a motivated and energetic TA or Special Needs Assistant. The hours of the role are a maximum of 32.5 hours per week but we are open to part-time applicants. You will be expected to work 38.6 weeks a year including 3 INSET days (i.e. term time only).

Previous experience working in a similar role would be desirable. However, this role would also suit a candidate looking to gain some classroom experience as a Teaching Assistant ahead of a future teaching course. If you're looking for a supportive school that has the potential to offer you a future platform for your education via the SCITT scheme, then this could be the role for you.

About the Role

To work under the overall direction of the Deputy Head and class teacher, to provide routine support to the teacher in the care of pupils and management of the classroom. You may be required to provide language and learning support to a specific pupil who requires particular help to overcome barriers to learning. You will ensure the safeguarding of, and promote the welfare of ,all the children in the school community.

• Accompany teaching staff and pupils on visits, trips and out of school activities as required
• Encourage the pupils to interact with others and engage in activities led by the teacher

• Work as part of a team to ensure that the well-being, behaviour and personal development of pupils enhances their learning opportunities and life skills

• Assist in the delivery of structured support to identified pupils in accordance with specific work programmes designed and supervised by individual teachers
• Use routine supervision and care skills to support a specific SEN pupil, ensuring their safety
• Support a specific pupil by assisting in day to day learning through in-class support, both independent and small group work
• Monitor progress and contribute to future planning
• Work as part of a team in maintaining classroom organisation and discipline through the implementation of the school’s behaviour management strategies
• Provide support to ensure pupils achieve learning goals

• Provide detailed and regular feedback to teachers and SENDCo on pupils’ achievement, progress, problems etc.

• Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health and safety, security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person

About You

You should:

• Like children and have a genuine concern for and understanding of children
• Be willing to contribute to the ethos of the school
• Be discreet and observe confidentiality inside and outside Potters Gate
• Have an optimistic and positive outlook and a sense of humour
• Be able to work as an effective team member, be supportive of colleagues and also be able to use their own initiative
• Be reliable and punctual
• Be able to follow instructions and undertake routine tasks
• Be patient and have perseverance and flexibility and have a positive approach to change
• Possess enthusiasm and a desire to expand your skills
• A good general education including GCSE English and Maths at Grade C or above, good levels of written and spoken English, Maths and confidence using IT

About Potters Gate

Potters Gate Primary School works alongside St Andrew’s Infant School with an executive leadership. The two schools have a long history together which continues to be evident with the very close working relationship that exists today.

At Potters Gate, children have the opportunity to form lifelong friendships and make an excellent start to their education. We are very proud of our school which offers an environment where staff, families and governors work together to ensure the best possible education for all our children.

As a Church school we have a distinctive character where Christian Values are promoted in all aspects of school life. We encourage all members of the school community to promote a Christian ethos where care and respect is shown to everyone. As a Church school there are strong links with the Parish Church of Saint Andrew's.

Potters Gate holds a Gold LOTC award meaning that we have been recognised for our outstanding LOTC (Learning Outside the Classroom) provision. We believe that learning beyond the classroom enables our learners to be active which readily develops the learning skills of enquiry, investigation, communication, problem solving, evaluation and collaborative learning.

Potters Gate is a member of The Good Shepherd Trust, a multi-academy trust serving 24 schools within the Diocese of Guildford across Surrey and Hampshire. Our trust comprises both primary and secondary schools, schools affiliated to the Church of England and others who are not. Our purpose is to grow and maintain a strong network of schools within a highly supportive and sharing network: we know that schools are better when they work together, sharing common values and goals.

The Good Shepherd Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We ensure that all our employment practices reflect this commitment

The interview process for the TA role will include reading to a small group of children, followed by a small group discussion.

Please note that we reserve the right to interview on application should a suitable candidate apply and we have the right to withdraw this advert prior to the closing date. You are therefore strongly encouraged to apply for the role as soon as possible.