Senior Teaching Assistant

Job Description
Senior Teaching Assistant

POST:

Senior Teaching Assistant

LOCATION:

Rutherford School, 1a Melville Avenue, South Croydon CR2 7HZ

HOURS:

HOLIDAYS:

Monday to Friday - 8.30am to 4.00pm (unless late finish due to whole
school staff meeting)

Term time only working plus up to 2 weeks Summer Club. Holidays to
be taken in the school closure periods

HEALTH:

Successful applicants will be required to have a medical.

RESPONSIBLE TO:

Head teacher

REPORTING TO:

Teacher in Class

ROLE OF RUTHERFORD SCHOOL:

Rutherford School provides specialist education for learners aged 16–25 with Profound and
Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD), complex medical needs, and severe sensory impairments.

The school delivers a bespoke curriculum informed by:

  Routes for Learning
  The Engagement Model
  Preparation for Adulthood outcomes

Our approach is highly personalised, multidisciplinary and holistic, enabling every learner to
achieve their maximum potential, develop communication, independence and wellbeing, and
actively participate in their community.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

To work as a senior member of the class team, modelling outstanding practice and supporting
colleagues to deliver high-quality, consistent provision for learners with PMLD.

The role involves:

Leading by example in practice and expectations

  Supporting learning, communication, care and therapy programmes

  Promoting learner engagement, independence and wellbeing
  Ensuring consistent implementation of communication, sensory and therapeutic

approaches
Lead a class in the absence of the class teacher.



Senior Teaching Assistant Job Description March 2026 Rutherford School

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  Model outstanding practice in supporting learners with PMLD
  Support, guide and coach Teaching Assistants within the class team
  Promote consistency of communication, care and learning approaches
  Lead by example in maintaining high expectations for learners and staff
  Support the teacher in the day-to-day organisation and running of the class
  Lead classes in the absence of the teacher
  Plan and deliver whole school enrichment activities including Summer Club
  Proactively identify and respond to changes in learners’ needs
  Contribute to a positive, reflective and solution-focused team culture

TEACHING AND LEARNING

  Support the delivery of personalised learning programmes based on:

  EHCP outcomes
  Routes for Learning
  The Engagement Model
  Facilitate engagement through:
  Sensory-based learning
  Meaningful and motivating activities
  Structured and predictable routines
  Adapt activities in real time to meet learners’:

  Physical needs
  Sensory processing needs
  Cognitive and communication levels

  Support learners to:

Initiate
  Respond
  Sustain engagement
  Develop independence and choice

COMMUNICATION

  Model and consistently implement total communication approaches, including:

  Objects of reference
  Symbols
  Switches
  Eye gaze
  AAC systems

  Support learners’ expressive and receptive communication
  Ensure communication systems are used consistently by all staff
  Promote learner voice, choice and autonomy

CARE AND MEDICAL NEEDS

  Provide high-quality personal care with dignity and respect
  Support learners with complex medical needs, including:
  Feeding protocols (including dysphagia guidance)
  Postural management

Senior Teaching Assistant Job Description March 2026 Rutherford School

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  Respiratory support (as trained)

  Follow:

Individual healthcare plans


  Risk assessments
  Care plans

  Maintain high standards of hygiene, safety and wellbeing

THERAPY AND MULTIDISCIPLINARY WORKING

  Support and deliver therapy programmes as directed by:

  Physiotherapists
  Speech and Language Therapists
  Occupational Therapists
  Nursing staff

  Embed therapeutic strategies into daily routines and learning
  Work collaboratively with professionals to ensure integrated provision

BEHAVIOUR AND REGULATION

  Support learners’ emotional regulation through:
  Consistent, proactive approaches
  Sensory regulation strategies
  Predictable routines

  Anticipate and reduce potential distress
  Respond appropriately to behaviours that challenge

ASSESSMENT AND RECORDING

  Contribute to accurate and meaningful assessment of learner progress
  Support recording using school systems (e.g. Routes for Learning, engagement tracking)
  Provide evidence for:
  EHCP reviews
  Annual reviews
  Progress monitoring

PREPARATION FOR ADULTHOOD (16–25)
  Support learners to develop:

Independence skills


  Life skills
  Communication for real-life contexts

  Support:

  Community access
  Work experience
  Enterprise activities

  Promote dignity, inclusion and active participation

CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT

  Contribute to structured, safe and engaging learning environments
  Support organisation and preparation of resources
  Maintain high standards of classroom presentation and safety

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SAFEGUARDING

  Maintain a clear understanding of safeguarding responsibilities
  Recognise that learners with PMLD may be unable to communicate concerns
  Remain vigilant at all times
  Report concerns in line with school safeguarding procedures

HEALTH AND SAFETY

  Follow all health and safety procedures
  Use appropriate moving and handling techniques
  Report incidents, accidents or concerns promptly

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  Attend staff meetings, training and supervision
  Plan and organise Summer School, special events and celebratory days with the HTA

team.

  Engage in continuous professional development
  Contribute to whole school development and improvement
  Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times

GENERAL DUTIES

  Support learners on educational visits and in the community
  Participate in annual reviews and multidisciplinary meetings
  Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role as directed by the Headteacher or

Leadership team

NOTE

This job description is not exhaustive and will be reviewed annually to reflect the evolving
needs of the school. The post holder is expected to be flexible and responsive to change.

The above job description is designed to give an overview of the tasks and responsibilities for
this position it is not intended to be exhaustive. The Head Teacher or designated Line Manager
will  meet  annually  with  the  post  holder  to  review  and  ensure  that  this  position  remains
relevant and in accordance with the evolving needs of the School.  The selected individual will
be expected to embrace such changes and rise to the challenge of developing their skills over
time.

Agreed by:

Post holder

Name:

Manager

Name:

Signature:

Signature:

Senior Teaching Assistant Job Description March 2026 Rutherford School

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