Higher Level Teaching Assistant - New Waltham Academy

1. PURPOSE OF JOB:

Higher Level Teaching Assistants are appointed to work with pupils over the whole age range as part of a team under the general direction of the line manager and the general supervision of a classroom teacher/senior staff.

To support all pupils, including those with SEN, with their learning and personal care needs; to work with other staff to further pupils’ independence and to enable them to access specific areas of the curriculum. The postholder will also organize and undertake other related duties to support learning, personal and social development.

2. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Plan and prepare lessons with teacher, participating in all stages of the planning cycle, including in lesson planning, evaluating and adjusting lessons/work plans and assessing standard according to age group.

2. Provide detailed verbal and written feedback against academic expectation lesson, pupil responses to learning activities and pupil behavior, to teachers and pupils.

3. Organize and safely manage the appropriate learning environment and resources.

4. Develop an in depth understanding of the specific needs of individual and or groups of pupil(s), i.e. phonics teaching.

5. Provide guidance, assistance, information and support to engage all pupils in learning activities to enable informed choices and about education and life opportunities.

6. Carrying out routine administrative tasks i.e. photocopying, basic record keeping and basic IT skills.

7. Evaluates individual pupil contribution and provide feedback to the teacher and other colleagues suggesting alternative methods of differentiation that respond to identified needs.

8. Preparing and clearing up classroom materials and learning areas

ensuring that they are available for use.

9. If required presents displays in the allocated learning environment to enhance the learning experience and celebrate the achievements of pupils and provide information.

10. Organize and participate in the supervision of individual and groups of pupils in dining, playground and circulation areas throughout the day. Endure that pupils are engaged in appropriate activity and intervene to maintain high behavior standards and ensure wellbeing, safety and welfare.

11. Participates by supporting educational visits and outings to enhance the pupils’ learning experience.

12. Attends appropriate training courses to respond to identified needs, support the school and contribute to ongoing professional development.

13. Attends appropriate meetings to maintain an awareness and understanding of current issues within the school and to provide and receive information, contribute to and inform discussion.

14. Provides pastoral care for pupils who are sick.

15. If requested to provide supply cover foe whole classes under the direction of the class teacher.

3. SUPERVISION/MANAGEMENT OF PEOPLE

No direct supervisory responsibility other than familiarization of procedures to colleagues.

Provides information, advice, support and guidance to colleagues.

4. CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION

1. Learning is an environment where new situation will arise every day. The postholder must seek to develop positive relationships with pupils.

2. Stimulation and creative presentation of displays when required

3. Implement routine options and alternatives of differentiation that respond to identified needs.

4. Works with individuals and small groups of pupils to identify choices and options to inform goals and targets that the individual and school can work towards.

5. Guidance if necessary is available from senior colleagues, school policies and procedures, Provision Maps, EHCPs and lesson plans etc.

5. CONTRACTS AND RELATIONSHIPS

Teachers – to work with the teacher in the planning, preparation and delivery of a broad and balanced curriculum, relevant to each pupil’s individual needs or groups of children.

Contribute to monitoring and reporting pupils’ progress and supporting learning activities.

Pupils – to support, assist and enable them to access the curriculum and develop social and independence skills to their fullest ability. Deliver allocated specific learning activities.

Other staff – to work as part of a team with all pupil related staff to keep them informed of areas of concern and pupils’ needs, particularly when handing over at the end of a session or day.

Parents – to exchange personal information concerning individual pupils and provide routine guidance and advice related to pupil(s) learning but only at the request of the Classteacher or Senior Leadership Team.

6. DECISION

Discretion – The degree of discretion for the postholder is constrained by relevant school policies, procedures, best practice and professional guidance. The postholder will determine decision from a range of known options.

The postholder may be consulted to contribute towards developing new policies and procedures.

Any areas of concern related to child protection issues must be immediately reported to the Child Protection Coordinator or Headteacher.

Consequences – The postholder works under the direction or supervision of a teacher/line manager. Any decisions will have a measurable effect for the pupil and on the education provision within the school.

Constructive and effective support of the pupil can enhance the pupils’ physical and academic development.

7. WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work Demands

The postholder will normally work within an agreed routine which may vary dependent upon the needs/behavior of pupils.

Physical Demands

Physical effort if needed may be required in assisting pupils with daily routines, e.g. mobility, transfer, personal needs, lifting and handling of basic equipment, setting our classrooms and learning environments. Employee to be aware of accessing appropriate training.

Working Conditions.

The post holder will work within the School environment with some periods of outdoor activity when supervising pupil(s) activities.

Work Context

The post is predominantly classroom based and some risk is posed to the personal safety of the postholder. There will be some lifting of pupils or equipment. In some instances there may be a risk of infection from exposure to pupils’ bodily fluids.

8. KNOWLEDE AND SKILLS

Good standard of education particularly literacy and numeracy skills.

Completion of Higher Level Teaching Assistant or equivalent qualification or significant experience.

Routine administrative and ICT skills including timely record keeping.

A good understanding of the education process, and a working knowledge of the relevant aspects of National Curriculum and an awareness of current government initiatives.

An ability to support, deliver and differentiate the relevant aspects of the curriculum to individuals and small groups of pupils.

Awareness of the regulatory framework relevant to schools and pupils.

Good communication, motivation and interpersonal skills.

Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with pupils and all adults.

Caring skills in terms of pupils’ physical and emotional needs.

Ability to support individuals or small groups of pupils in a range of areas of the curriculum.

Detailed knowledge of school policies and procedures in relation to all areas of school life. Take responsibility for keeping aware of all updates to policies.

Team worker – able to work positively and provide guidance and support to others as part of a team.

9. GENERAL

Other Duties – The duties and responsibilities in this job description are nor restrictive and the postholder may be required to undertake any other duties which may be required from time to time. Any such duties should not however substantially change the general character of the post. This is at the direction of the class teacher, member of the Senior Leadership Team, Line Manager or Headteacher.

Equal Opportunities – The post holder must carry our his/her duties with full regard to the Academy’s Equal Opportunities Policy.

Health and Safety – The post holder must carry out his/her duties with full regard to the Academy’s Health and Safety procedures.