Further Information About The School

St Nicholas is a school for students aged 4-19 yearswho have severe or profound learning disabilities, including autism and complex medical health care needs.

There are currently 11classes of up to 9 students, arranged broadly by age and learning needs.The school curriculum is based on the National Curriculum, as we are ambitious for our children to learn and achieve. Adaptations are made to both the content and learning experiences to meet students’ specific needs and provide learning pathways that ensure progress. The school experience regularly sees our students out and about in the community for independence and study.

St Nicholas School is based on 3 sites in Chippenham. The majority of students will be at the main site located just off the Malmesbury Road. Post-16 students have use of our new 6th form college (Poplar College) on Cocklebury Road, Chippenham and our recently acquired bungalow for life skills learning in Long Ridings, just adjacent to the main school building. Teaching and support staff could be based at any of the sites and this could be subject to change.

We are committed to giving all of our students individualised, high quality learning experiences within a supportive and caring community.Many of our pupils have additional disabilities which can affect their ability to learn – such as autism, challenging behaviour, physical impairments, sensory impairments, medical needs. Staff interests and strengths will be encouraged and supported. Teaching Assistants need to be willing to work with any group of children in the school, and with any child, whatever their needs.They need to be willing to participate in all elements of the job, including swimming and carrying out intimate care tasks.

We value our relationships with Parents and Carers and other Agencies in pursuit of our goal of giving our learners the best learning experience we can.

Teaching Assistants are a vital part of our class teams, and we provide continuous training to develop their skills. Previous experience, or a child care qualification, are not essential, but may be used as criteria in the short listing process. The presentation of your application will carry significant weight during short listing.

The safety and wellbeing of pupils at St Nicholas is of paramount importance and we will therefore be rigorous in following best practice for safer recruitment.

Please include with your application the email address of your referees if possible (work and personal). References will be taken up before interview if you are shortlisted.

Please state clearly which post(s) you are applying for on the application form

Job Reference Number TA1 - 30hours permanent – SLD TA

Job Reference Number TA2 - 30hours Maternity Cover – Autism TA

Job Reference Number TA3 - 12 hours permanent – Autism TA

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS TUESDAY 18thNOVEMBER 2014