Learning Assistant

Full time, term time only

Starting ASAP

Headington Rye Oxford Prep School stands in its own beautiful 12-acre secure and secluded site, complete with wooded playground area and wonderful outdoor surroundings. In a warm, safe and nurturing environment where individuals come first, Headington Rye is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, pastoral support and an impressive range of extracurricular opportunities.

Executive Summary

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Learning Assistant for Key Stage 1, with NVQ Level 3 in childcare. The successful applicant will join a dedicated and dynamic team and work alongside teachers and other Learning Assistants in the department. He/she should have a passion for working with children, a genuine commitment to children’s needs and a willingness to take a full and active part in the life of the School.

The hours of work are 7.45 am - 3.45 pm Monday to Friday, term-time. We would ideally like the successful candidate to be able to work a longer day on Mondays from 8.15 am – 6.00 pm however this is not essential and we will consider all applications.

Role Description

The Learning Assistant is a full-time, permanent, term time position starting as soon as possible.

Key Responsibilities

• take responsibility for the social and emotional wellbeing and the welfare and safety of the pupils in the class, keeping teachers informed of important issues
• support teachers with the learning and development of the pupils, including assisting with reading, writing and maths activities, as well as encouraging other learning skills, such as collaboration and perseverance
• support teachers in promoting and fostering a happy and safe classroom ethos and a stimulating learning environment, including the management and preparation of resources
• plan, prepare and deliver small group activities as required, including daily phonics and maths activities
• engage with and supervise children during outdoor activities such as break times and Forest School sessions
• cover supervision of classes as required
• escort children to and from the Senior School site when required
• follow the School’s safeguarding policy, attend relevant training and read updates

Person Specification

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• experience of working with children between the ages of 3 and 11, ideally in a classroom setting
• an understanding of child development
• NVQ Level 3

Desirable

• Forest School qualifications
• First Aid qualification
• previous experience of working as a Learning Assistant

Personal Attributes and Skills

• excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• energy, enthusiasm, a positive manner and sense of humour
• good initiative and willingness to be flexible
• patience and a sense of calm when needed
• sympathy with the values and ethos of the School

Terms of Appointment

Type of Contract

The Learning Assistant is a full-time, permanent, term time position starting as soon as possible. The hours of work are 7.45 am – 3.45 pm Monday-Friday, or from 8.15 am - 6.00 pm on Mondays if possible.

Benefits

Pension

Contributory membership of the School’s Support Staff Pension Scheme with a School contribution of up to 9.95 per cent upon successful completion of six months’ service.

Fee remission

In accordance with the School’s policy, which may be subject to change, up to 50 per cent fee remission for pupils attending Headington Rye Oxford and up to 20 per cent fee remission for boys attending Magdalen College School (under a reciprocal agreement) and subject to the terms of their policy. Fee remission is calculated on the number of weeks and hours worked and is pro rata for part-time staff who work at least 50 per cent of a normal working week.

Prorated Salary

The prorated salary for a full academic year (approximately 33 weeks @ 7.5 hours per day) is £20,057 - £21,020 per annum. Please note: The exact prorated salary for the remainder of this academic year will be calculated once a start date is agreed.

Additional Benefits

All staff have access to a broad programme of wellbeing activities. The programme currently includes access to the School’s gym and swimming pool, weekly Step and Tone and Zumba classes and regular staff social activities such as Book Club and Staff Choir. Staff also benefit from free access to the Employee Assistance Programme, a free, confidential helpline that offers advice on a range of issues. Free restricted parking is available for all staff on site.

Appointment Process and How To Apply

Applicants should submit an application form and a covering letter detailing their skills and experience to recruitment@headingtonschool.com

• Applications will only be accepted from candidates completing the application form in full. CVs will not be accepted in substitution for completed application forms. However, they may be sent in addition to the application form.
• We will seek references on shortlisted candidates and will approach previous employers for information to verify particular experience or qualifications, before the interview. References will ask about your suitability to work with children.
• If you are invited to interview you will receive notification outlining the interview process and guidance regarding the documentation you are required to provide.

Closing Date: Please apply immediately

Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis and we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts early depending on the volume of applications we receive. We therefore encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as once we have closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit your application form.

All appointments are subject to satisfactory completion of all employment checks, ie references, Disclosure and Barring Service, medical questionnaire, Right to Work in the UK.

Headington Rye Oxord is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and DBS and barred lists checks. The School expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.