Job Description for 1:1 SEN Teaching Assistant

Job Title:Teaching Assistant: 1:1 SEN Support

Line Manager:Headteacher

1 PURPOSE OF JOB

To assist in promoting the learning and personal development of the pupil to whom you are assigned, to enable him/her to make best use of the educational opportunities available to them. Foster an engaged and motivated school community with pupils, staff and parents. Review and develop own professional practice.

2PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

To aid the pupil to learn as effectively as possible both in group situations and on his/her own by, for example:

  • Implement structured learning activities/teaching programmes and support pupil in accessing learning activities under the guidance of the class teacher, providing feedback to pupil in relation to their progress and achievement in order for pupil to realise his/her full potential.
  • Clarifying and explaining instructions
  • Ensuring the pupil is able to use equipment and materials provided
  • Motivating and encouraging the pupil as required by providing individual attention, reassurance and help with learning tasks as appropriate to pupil needs
  • Assisting in weaker areas, e.g. speech and language, reading, spelling, numeracy, handwriting/presentation etc
  • Using praise, commentary and assistance to encourage the pupil to concentrate and stay on task
  • Liaising with class teacher, SENCO and other professionals about personalised provision plans, contributing to the planning and delivery as appropriate
  • Providing additional nurture to individuals when requested by the class teacher or SENCO
  • Consistently and effectively implementing agreed behaviour management strategies. Be able to use a range of positive strategies to deal with classroom behaviour and understand individual behavioural needs to ensure pupil learning needs are met. Follow the school behaviour policy for rewards and sanctions, filling in behaviour forms and awarding certificates as appropriate.
  • Helping to make appropriate resources to support the pupil
  • Manage classroom activities safely ensuring that the physical learning space and the resources in it are conducive to pupil learning.
  • Timely and accurate preparation and use of specialist equipment/resources/materials as required by staff/curriculum/lesson plans etc. whilst creating and maintaining a purposeful, productive and safe working environment to ensure pupil’s learning needs are met.
  • Ensure resources and specialist equipment are maintained, checking for quality/safety and monitor and manage stock and supplies. Demonstrate and assist others in the safe and effective use of specialist equipment/materials to ensure equipment/materials are safely and effectively used.
  • Provide clerical/admin support and undertake basic recording keeping in respect of pupil learning, behaviour management, child protection etc. as directed in order to support teaching and learning.
  • Contribute to the overall work/aims of the school and appreciate and support the role of colleagues and other professionals to enable the school to fulfil its development plans etc.
  • Undertake training and other learning activities and attend relevant meetings (within contracted hours) as required to ensure own continuing professional development.
  • Supervise and monitor playtimes as directed, ensuring that pupil safety is maintained as outlined in the staff handbook.
  • To promote the acceptance and inclusion of the pupil with SEN, encouraging pupil to interact with each other in an appropriate and acceptable manner
  • Monitor the pupil’s response to the learning activities and, where appropriate, modify or adapt the activities as agreed with the teacher to achieve the intended learning outcomes.
  • To support the use of ICT in learning activities and with specific programmes to support learning. (For example – Clicker 6)
  • Where appropriate to develop a relationship to foster links between home and school, and to keep the school informed of relevant information
  • To take part in training activities offered by the school to further knowledge and skills of working with a child with specific learning difficulties
  • To provide individual support, as required, during examination sessions

3. NECESSARY EXPERIENCE

  • Good standard of general education (i.e. NVQ level 1 or equivalent) together with good numeracy and literacy skills
  • Have necessary skills to manage and supervise whole class activities safely and be able to use a range of strategies to deal with pupil behaviour.
  • Successful relevant experience of working with children.
  • Have good working knowledge of relevant policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety, security, equal opportunities and confidentiality.
  • Ability to use specialist equipment/materials and be able to demonstrate and assist others in their use.
  • Be able to devise and implement structured learning activities, under the direction of the teacher, and be able to evaluate their effectiveness and measure pupil progress, giving feedback as required.
  • Ability to relate well to children and adults, understanding their needs and being able to respond accordingly.
  • Good influencing skills to encourage pupils to interact with others and be socially responsible.

4 SCOPE FOR IMPACT

Make a strong contribution to pupil learning, progress and achievement. Teaching Assistants provide support to teachers and schools, allowing qualified teachers to make even more effective use of their time, professional knowledge, skills and understanding.

5JOB CONTEXT

TAs will be expected to work effectively with individual pupils under the direction and supervision of a class teacher. TAs will contribute to, and need to demonstrate skills in, planning, monitoring, assessment and class management. TAs would also be expected to work as part of the school team and contribute to plans to ensure the school meets its aims.

The post holder must work within the relevant policies, code of practice and safeguarding legislation, reporting any concerns immediately to the appropriate person.

The post holder must have good communication skills to be able to inform, persuade, inspire and motivate pupils and provide feedback to other professionals and parents as required.

This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up. The post holder may be required from time to time to undertake other duties within the school as may be reasonable expected, without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. This is a common occurrence and would not justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.