Job Introduction

Tweseldown Infant School is looking to recruit a Higher Level Teaching Assistant. The HLTA will:

• Work with class teachers to raise the learning and attainment of pupils
• Teach whole class sessions 
• Promote pupils’ independence, self-esteem and social inclusion 
• Give support to pupils, individually or in groups, so they can access the curriculum, take part in learning, and experience a sense of achievement 
• Work closely with our Special Needs and Disability Co-ordinators (SENDCos) in delivering interventions

Duties and responsibilities

Teaching and learning

• Demonstrate an informed and efficient approach to teaching and learning by adopting relevant strategies to support the work of the teacher and increase achievement of all pupils including, where appropriate, those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
• Promote, support and facilitate inclusion by encouraging participation of all pupils in learning and extracurricular activities
• Support the teaching of a broad and balanced curriculum aimed at pupils achieving their full potential in all areas of learning
• Use effective behaviour management strategies consistently in line with the school’s policy and procedures 
• Support class teachers with maintaining good order and discipline among pupils, managing behaviour effectively to ensure a good and safe learning environment
• Organise and manage teaching space and resources to help maintain a stimulating and safe learning environment
• Observe pupil performance and pass observations on to the class teacher
• Supervise a class if the teacher is temporarily unavailable 
• Use ICT skills to advance pupils’ learning 
• Undertake any other relevant duties given by the class teacher
• To cover and lead class teaching (under supervision) as and when appropriate
• Direct the work, where relevant, of other adults in supporting learning 

Planning

• Contribute to effective assessment and planning by supporting the monitoring, recording and reporting of pupil performance and progress as appropriate to the level of the role
• Read and understand lesson plans shared prior to lessons, if available
• Prepare the classroom for lessons
• Use their area(s) of expertise to contribute to the planning and preparation of learning activities, and to plan their role in learning activities 
• Use allocated time to devise clearly structured activities that interest and motivate learners and advance their learning
• Plan how they will support the inclusion of pupils in the learning activities

Working with staff, parents/carers and relevant professionals

• Communicate effectively with other staff members and pupils, and with parents and carers under the direction of the class teacher
• Communicate their knowledge and understanding of pupils to other school staff and education, health and social care professionals, so that informed decision making can take place on intervention and provision
• Contribute to meetings with parents and carers by providing feedback on pupil progress, attainment and barriers to learning, as directed by teachers 
• With the class teacher, keep other professionals accurately informed of performance and progress, or concerns they may have about the pupils they work with
• Understand their role in order to be able to work collaboratively with classroom teachers and other colleagues, including specialist advisory teachers
• Collaborate and work with colleagues and other relevant professionals within and beyond the school
• Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues, in particular our SENDCOs

Health and safety

• Promote the safety and wellbeing of pupils, and help to safeguard pupils’ wellbeing by following the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and our school’s child protection policy 
• Look after children who are upset or have had accidents 

Professional development

• Help keep their own knowledge and understanding relevant and up-to-date by reflecting on their own practice, liaising with school leaders, and identifying relevant professional development to improve personal effectiveness 
• Take opportunities to build the appropriate skills, qualifications, and/or experience needed for the role, with support from the school 
• Take part in the school’s appraisal procedures

Other areas of responsibility

Safeguarding

• Work in line with statutory safeguarding guidance (e.g. Keeping Children Safe in Education, Prevent) and our safeguarding and child protection policies 
• Promote the safeguarding of all pupils in the school

The HLTA will be required to follow school policies and the staff code of conduct.

Please note, this is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the role. It is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that the TA / HLTA will carry out. The postholder may be required to do other duties appropriate to the level of the role, as directed by the headteacher or line manager.

Person specification

 Notes:

This job description may be amended at any time in consultation with the postholder. 

Safer Recruitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.