Together Trust Education Service
Job Description
Job Title: Learning Support Assistant
Reports to: Teacher in Charge / Ashcroft School
Hours per week: 33.5 term time only
Salary: Scale Points 11 - 13
JOB PURPOSE
The post holder will provide educational support for pupils at Ashcroft School as needed by arrangement with Ashcroft’s Senior Management. The purpose is to raise pupil’s educational achievements and assist in their successful full inclusion into education. Safeguarding children and vulnerable people is a priority for all employees.
NATURE OF THE POST
The post holder will be based at Ashcroft School/Ashcroft Development Centre, which operates as an independent split-site school offering day provision for young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties between 8-16 years, and as an outreach/support centre for pupils aged 5-16 years. The post holder will be part of this busy and diverse team and contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of Ashcroft School as a whole. However, please note, employees are contracted to Together Trust and may be required at some point to work at other appropriate Together Trust units.
You will when required be expected to attend staff meetings, supervision and training. All staff are therefore expected to work in a flexible way and tasks that have not been covered in the job description may have to be undertaken.
At all times, the post holder is expected to conduct themselves professionally, to work within the current legislative framework and adhere to Ashcroft School and Together Trust Practices, Policies and Procedures.
Principal Accountabilities
Support
1.1 To assist teachers in the delivery of Individual Education Plan’s (IEP) either on an individual or group basis
1.2 To support pupils in off-site activities on a one to one basis, e.g. work experience placements, college visits, leisure activities
1.3 To meet as required with the relevant teachers to assist with the planning, implementation and monitoring of IEP’s
1.4 To assist in the preparation and maintenance of resources and the development of efficient retrieval/storage systems for such reasons
1.5 To undertake some administrative duties from time to time as directed.
Inclusion Support
2.1 To support the implementation of individual educational plans and learning programmes jointly prepared by teachers
2.2 To support pupils within a mainstream classroom, on a programme of planned activities as directed by the teacher
2.3 To provide support on a withdrawal basis if required
2.4 To encourage and support attendance
2.5 To liaise closely with teachers and mainstream staff, providing feedback
Team Responsibilities
3.1 To take a full and active role in the development and work of the team
3.2 To assist with the maintenance and management of good pupil behaviour and appropriate standards
3.3 To be a representative of quality Service and act in a professional manner at all times
3.4 To assist with transport of pupils from time to time if required
3.5 To keep up to date records of work with pupils
Person Specification
Note to Applicant: When completing your application form you should demonstrate the extent to which you have the necessary education, experience, knowledge and skills identified for the post.
Essential (E)Desirable (D) /
Short listed Criteria
/Evidenced
Education/Qualifications
· A qualification relevant to a Teaching Assistant supporting pupils in schools and elsewhere· Evidence of further professional development including attendance of in-house training course / E
D / Application Form/Interview
Application Form/Interview
Experience
· Experience of working in a school or with children in another capacity· Experience of working in an SEBD setting / E
D / Application Form/Interview
Application Form/Interview
Knowledge
· A knowledge of school systems, routines and processes· Awareness of legislation affecting Children
· Awareness of residential care issues
· Awareness of the lessons of the McPherson report
· An awareness of current SEBD issues
· An awareness that pupils can display challenging behaviour and are discouraged by past experiences / E
D
D
D
E
D / Application Form/Interview
Application Form/Interview
Application Form/Interview
Application Form/Interview
Application Form/Interview
Skills and abilities
· Good communication and interpersonal skills· Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
· Flexibility and commitment to respond to the needs of Ashcroft School and young people.
· Ability to undertake a full range of tasks, in well organised and planned way, that respects and values the young people as individuals / E
E
E
D / Application Form/Interview
Application Form/Interview
Application Form/Interview
Essential (E)
Desirable (D) /
Short listed Criteria
/Evidenced
Miscellaneous
· Willingness to maintain Continuing Processional Development though gaining relevant qualifications, attending training courses and meetings· Commitment to equality and diversity
· To hold a clean drivers licence for more than one year
· Approachable demeanour
· Willingness to travel and work at other Ashcroft School units / E / √ / Application Form
Additional information
The work at the Trust for those working directly with the service users can on occasion be physically demanding and employees must be able to undertake in full the requirements of the job and requisite training.
For the safety of staff and the service users, training will be provided to assist employees to carry out their role, specifically the Movement & Management of Loads & People, Emergency First Aid and PROACT SCIPr UK training (this provides staff with the skills to carry out the sometimes necessary safe holds in a non threatening way). Employees will be required to fully participate in all training.
Having a disabling condition does not preclude you from working for the Together Trust. However you should make the Together Trust aware of any adaptations required to enable you to undertake the work.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all its staff and volunteers to share that commitment.
The Together Trust is committed to equality and diversity, but is under represented in the work force by men, men and women from ethnic groups and people with disabilities. The Together Trust therefore welcomes applicants regardless of their racial, ethnic or national origin, religion or beliefs, disability, sexuality, age or responsibilities for dependents.
1
LSA
O5/2013