Teaching Assistant – SEN Team

Hours: 15 hours per week over 3 days

Terms: Permanent

Full or Part Time: Part-time, Term Time Only,

Line Manager: Deputy Head

Line of Senior Manager Responsibility: Headmaster

Pay: Competitive salary dependent on experience and qualifications

Job Description:

Teaching Assistant – SEN Team

Highfield Priory is a well-established preparatory school and nursery in the Fulwood area of Preston. Established in 1940, the school has an excellent reputation for academic achievement, sporting provision and the arts, alongside a strong commitment to nurturing and supporting every child as an individual.

We are currently seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join our SEN team. This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a friendly, supportive and experienced staff team within a popular and high performing school.

The successful candidate will work closely with teaching staff and the Deputy Head to support pupils with additional educational needs across the school. The role will involve providing both one to one and small group support, contributing to classroom learning and helping to create a positive, inclusive and stimulating environment where all children can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

The position is term time only and ideally suited to someone able to work one full day and two afternoons per week, although flexibility may be considered for the right candidate.

Applicants must hold a relevant Level 3 qualification or HLTA qualification and have previous experience working within a school environment, preferably supporting children with Special Educational Needs. An enhanced DBS check is required for this post. Candidates should have knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding and Child Protection procedures.

Overall purpose of the role is to provide a safe, supportive and caring environment for learning, developing positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues whilst always maintaining strict confidentiality. The successful candidate will support pupils with a range of SEN needs and work collaboratively with staff to ensure appropriate provision, differentiation and inclusion within the classroom environment.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Support pupils with Special Educational Needs both within the classroom and through targeted interventions.

Work closely with the Deputy Head and teaching staff to support the implementation of EHCP targets and personalised learning strategies.

Provide one to one and small group support to children with additional learning, emotional or behavioural needs.

• Assist with lesson preparation, classroom organisation and the adaptation of learning materials where required.

Support pupils’ academic, social and emotional development, encouraging independence, confidence and positive behaviour.

Take responsibility, under guidance, for supervising groups of children and supporting whole class learning activities.

Be proactive in observing, monitoring and recording pupil progress and communicating relevant information to teaching staff and the Deputy Head.

• Help to create a stimulating, nurturing and inclusive learning environment.

Supervise children during break times, lunch times and other school activities as required.

Maintain positive and professional relationships with parents, colleagues and external professionals.

Understand and respect the importance of consistency, routine and structure for pupils with additional needs.

• Maintain and always follow all Health and Safety policies and procedures.

Develop a thorough knowledge of all the school’s operational policies and procedures, ensuring they are always followed and respected.

Follow all routines, duties, timetables, rotas, record keeping activities and any other reasonable duties as requested by the Senior Management Team.

Take responsibility for continued professional development by attending training courses, inset days and meetings as appropriate.

• Maintain confidentiality in all matters relating to children, families, staff and school operations.

Carry out any other duties required by the Head pertinent to the efficient running of the school.

Child Protection and Safeguarding:

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers, online checks and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Please note that in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, an online search will be carried out as part of our due diligence on shortlisted candidates.

Benefits:

Hot lunch provided

Employee discount

Free parking

Health & wellbeing programme

Experience:

School based experience: 1 year (required)

Experience supporting children with SEN: preferred

Highfield Priory is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Ability to commute/relocate:

Preston: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)