Causeway School

TEACHING ASSISTANTS

TA 1

£13,844 - £13,973 pa pro rata

Permanent posts for 30 hours per week

INFORMATION FOR

APPLICANTS

CONTENTS

  1. Letter from Headteacher
  2. Job Description
  3. Person Specification

Dear Colleague September 2015

Post: Teaching Assistant

Thank you for your interest in this post. I hope that you find the enclosed information useful.

The Causeway School is an 11-16 comprehensive school of approximately 800 students. The school is just 16 years old, built in 1998 and is co-located with Hazel Court Secondary Special School.

It is a privilege to be Headteacher of The Causeway School and I am committed to making it an even more exciting place to learn, where all our students achieve far more than they thought it was possible when they joined us.

We believe every student can achieve exceptional outcomes. As well as achieving academically, we want them to be happy, fulfilled and successful – both at school and when they leave us to continue their education or join the world of work. Our role is to help every Causeway student become skilled, confident and committed – able to grasp new opportunities and challenges, now and in the future.

“Students display good attitudes to their learning, to each other and their teachers when in class and around the school.” Ofsted Dec 2012

“Teachers use their good subject knowledge and information about students to plan well for their individual needs, use questioning skills to check on progress and set a lively pace to engage students in their learning” Ofsted Dec 2012

“I have had the opportunity to experience first-hand the level of ambition for young people and the commitment of staff. There is a real energy in the school, a serious intention to create something exceptional and a desire to do it in partnership with students, parents and the local community. It is a school where interesting things are going to happen.” Innovation Unit

You would be joining the school at an exciting time in its development and we are therefore seeking to appoint a committed and dynamic candidate.

The Post

Teaching Assistants form part of a team who work in all areas of the school and support students with either learning or behaviour difficulties. They work in lessons, one to one or with a small group of students as directed by the teacher, Director of Inclusion or SENCO.

The Person Specification for this post is enclosed.

Your application

Completed application forms should be sent to Mrs E Gardner, by the closing date of Midday Wednesday 30 September 2015, with interviews during the week of 05 October 2015. Applications may be sent by E mail to: ; or posted to The Causeway School, Larkspur Drive, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN23 8EJ.

Please complete the standard application form accompanied by a letter of application. We are unable to consider CVs in place of application forms unless you are a candidate with a disability and a CV is the most convenient method of applying. Please ensure you relate your skills, experience and abilities against each of the requirements listed in the person specification.

Please note, Causeway School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undertake a criminal record check via the DBS.

Interviews will take place the week after the closing date. If you have not heard by that time you should assume that, on this occasion, your application has been unsuccessful. Having read this information we hope that you will decide to apply for the post but wish you good luck in your future whatever you decide.

Yours sincerely

G W Payne

Headteacher

The Causeway School

JOB DESCRIPTION

POST: Teaching Assistant TA1

GRADE: Single Status Scale 2

RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Inclusion & SENCO

Main Purpose of the Job

To support students with either learning or behavior difficulties; work in lessons, one to one or with a small of group of students as directed by the teacher or Special Educational Needs Coordinator.

Main Functions

1To aid students to learn as effectively as possible both in group situations and on

his / her own by, for example:

  • Clarifying and explaining instructions
  • Ensuring the student(s) is able to use equipment and materials provided
  • Motivating and encouraging the student(s) as required by providing levels of individual attention, reassurance and help with learning tasks as appropriate to students’ needs
  • Assisting in weaker areas, e.g. speech and language, behaviour, reading, spelling, numeracy, handwriting/presentation etc
  • Using praise, commentary and assistance to encourage the student to concentrate and stay on task
  • Liaising with class teacher, SENCO & other professionals
  • Assist in the dissemination of information to teaching staff
  • Providing additional nurture to individuals when requested by the class teacher or SENCO
  • Consistently and effectively implementing agreed behaviour management strategies
  • Helping to make appropriate resources to support the student(s)
  • Assist with the toileting of students on a rota system
  • Help pupils with toileting and dressing, paying particular attention to hygiene
  • Meeting students’ physical needs while encouraging independence e.g. help students to change for PE lessons or swimming, clean and reassure students after accidental soiling of clothes, help with mobility around the school

2To establish supportive relationships with the student(s) concerned

3To promote the acceptance and inclusion of the student(s) with SEN, encouraging students to interact with each other in an appropriate and acceptable manner

4Monitor the student’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.

5Give the student(s) feedback on achievements in order to reinforce and develop self-reliance and self esteem

6To support the student(s) in developing social skills both in and out of the classroom

7To provide regular feedback on the student(s)’ learning and behaviour to the teacher/SENCO, including feedback on the effectiveness of the behaviour strategies adopted

8Under the direction of the teacher, carry out and report on systematic observations of students to gather evidence of their knowledge, understanding and skills upon which the teacher makes judgements about their stage of development

9When working with a group of students, understand and use group dynamics to promote group effectiveness and support group and individual performance

10To use the school’s system (SIMS) for recording progress and maintaining student records

11 Where appropriate, to know and apply positive handling techniques

12 To prepare work and activities in advance of the lesson (within employed hours)

e.g. operating AVA equipment as required i.e. photocopier, laminator, making books,

labels, signs and undertaking practical tasks to maintain a good standard of

classroom appearance.

13 To know and apply school policies on Child Protection, Health and Safety,

Behaviour, Teaching and Learning, Equal Opportunities etc

14 Where appropriate to develop a relationship to foster links between home and

school, and to keep the school informed of relevant information

15 To be aware of confidential issues linked to home/student/teacher/school

16 To contribute towards reviews of student(s)’ progress as appropriate

17 To comply with legal and organisational requirements for maintaining the health,

safety and security of yourself and others in the learning environment

18 To take part in training activities offered by the school and the county to further

knowledge (within employed hours)

19 To be willing to support playground/break time supervision e.g. educational

games, homework clubs etc (within employed hours)

20 To accompany teacher and students on educational visits

21 To be a Tutor or a Co-tutor to an assigned group of students

22 To carry out the above duties in accordance with the Education Department’s

Equal Opportunities Policy.

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 reasonably 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.

THE CAUSEWAY SCHOOL

PERSON SPECIFICATION:Teaching Assistant

Attributes / Essential / Desirable
Qualifications and training: / Good standard of general education especially English and Mathematics / IT qualifications
Further educational qualifications
Knowledge, Understanding &
Experience: / Any relevant experience of working with children and young people / Experience of using SIMS to maintain student records
Experience of supporting children in a classroom environment, including those with special educational needs
Experience of using Information Technology to support students in the classroom
Skills and Abilities: / Ability to use language and other communication skills that students can understand and relate to
Ability to establish positive relationships with students and empathise with their needs
Ability to demonstrate active listening skills
Ability to consistently and effectively implement agreed behaviour management strategies
Ability to provide levels of individual attention, reassurance and help with learning tasks as appropriate to students’ needs, encouraging the student to stay on task
Ability to monitor the students’ response to the learning activities and, where appropriate, modify or adapt the activities as agreed with the teacher to achieve the intended learning outcomes
Ability to carry out and report on systematic observations of students’ knowledge, understanding and skills
Ability to assist in the recording of lessons and assessment as required by the teacher
Ability to offer constructive feedback to students to reinforce self-esteem
Ability to work effectively and supportively as a member of the school team
Ability to work within and apply all school policies e.g. behaviour management, child protection, Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities
Good ICT skills
Ability to develop efficient record-keeping systems
Ability to show sensitivity and objectivity in dealing with confidential issues
Ability to present a professional school image
An ability to communicate well with people of all ages.
Personal Qualities: / A commitment to equal opportunities, inclusion and comprehensive education.
A positive and enthusiastic work ethic.
Willingness to positively promote the School’s aims and community ethos.
Willingness to participate in further training and developmental opportunities.
Good health and attendance record.
Ability to maintain confidentiality on all school matters

Criterion assessment by: =application form; = letter of application;  = interview;  test