This job description is indicative of the nature and level of responsibilities associated with the post. It is not intended to be exhaustive; other tasks may be allocated as necessary from time to time. It may be amended at any appropriate time, following consultation between the post holder and a senior colleague, and will be reviewed half-termly.
General Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties and responsibilities will be undertaken:
Welfare and Development
- Build a strong relationship with the pupil, such that they respond appropriately and safely in the event of distress.
- Make a genuine difference to a pupil’s experience in school to ensure they reach their true potential.
- Support the Class Teacher, SENCo and Director of Learning Success in providing a happy, secure, safe and stimulating environment for the pupil.
- Have regard to the School’s statement of aims, policies and schemes of work.
- Liaise with the teaching staff to assist in the monitoring, assessment and recording of this pupil’s social progress systematically, according to the School’s current practice.
- Support the pupil with personal hygiene and feeding.
General Tasks
- Meet and greet the pupil on entry to school (8am) daily ensuring a calm start to the day.
- Assist in supporting sensory regulation to enable a calm state and readiness for learning.
- Work with the pupil in lessons and interventions, ensuring they remain focused and on task. Offer clarification and assistance when needed.
- Supervise the pupil at break and lunch times, including indoor and outdoor play, promoting safe and calm social interaction with peers.
- Supervise the pupil as required on the school campus, both inside and outside the classroom, and on off‑site visits and outings when needed.
- Provide a hand‑over to parents at the end of the school day.
- Liaise with parents at least weekly to ensure they are informed regarding successes and challenges faced.
- Keep clear and detailed records of successes and challenges and add these to the school’s information management system.
- Attend assemblies and Chapel Services as required.
- Be available to attend other school events as required.
Knowledge and Understanding
- Have a strong desire to make a genuine difference to a child’s experience in school to ensure they reach their true potential.
- Understand how a pupil’s learning is affected by their physical, intellectual, emotional and social development and understand the stages of child development.
- Be a patient, determined, nurturing and resilient role model with empathy and experience of additional needs to provide appropriate support.
- Demonstrate excellent communication skills, always displaying initiative and motivation.
- Have a willingness to read and research to learn more about supportive strategies, e.g. zones of regulation.
- Develop a trusting relationship with the child and be willing to develop an in‑depth understanding of their needs, including ARFID.
- Engage in training to safely feed the child via a gastrostomy and know what to do in an emergency.
- Competently implement advice and strategies, including therapeutic techniques/strategies and activities shared by external professionals (e.g., SaLT & OT).
- Be familiar with the Special Educational Needs and Disability Policy and have knowledge of current educational best practice to support pupils with additional needs.
Professional
- Set and maintain high standards of work in supporting teaching and learning, as well as of personal and professional conduct.
- Comply with all regulatory requirements.
- Comply fully with the requirements as set out in the DfE document ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ and any relevant supplementary guidance.
- Comply fully with the requirements as set out in the HM Government document ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ and any relevant supplementary guidance.
- Abide by the School’s current systems and structures as outlined in policy documents, including the First Aid and Health, Health and Safety and Safeguarding and Child Protection Policies, and take appropriate action in accordance with all such documents as and when necessary.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and the pupil’s parents.
- Participate as required in meetings with colleagues and parents in respect of the duties and responsibilities of the post.
- Be punctual and adaptable, and dress in a smart but practical manner.
- Ensure that the principles for the Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development of the child and the principles of the fundamental British Values are actively promoted.
Other Responsibilities
Assist with any reasonable request in connection with the day-to-day organisation of the pupil in their classroom.
Person Specification
Qualifications/Professional Development
- Teaching Assistant qualification or graduate degree in a relevant field
Skills and Experience
- Evidence of recent involvement in supporting pre-school and/or primary-aged pupils with additional needs
- Understanding of how to meet the needs of a pupil with SEN
- Effective communication, listening and written skills
Knowledge
- Sound understanding of safeguarding principles
- Sound knowledge of childhood development
- Knowledge of current good practice for pre-school and/or primary-aged pupils
Personal Attributes
- Ability to form and maintain positive relationships
- Sensitivity to others and the ability to work co-operatively
- Sympathy with the Christian ethos and activities of the school
- A professional manner and appearance
Original certificates will be required as proof of qualification. All other attributes will be assessed using the contents of the letter of application (providing two referees), at interview and through the professional references.
All members of staff are required to promote and safeguard the welfare of children they are responsible for, or come into contact with, and to adhere to, and ensure compliance with, the School’s child protection procedures and staff guidance at all times. The School is an equal opportunities employer.
The post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check (including a Barred List check), a satisfactory online check, a satisfactory medical fitness declaration and satisfactory references. Confidential references will be sought prior to interview.
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