Vacancies

Learning Support Assistant / Forest School Leader

Job Introduction

We have a Learning Support Assistant vacancy to work in our primary school setting (ages 4 – 11). This has the potential to develop into a Forest School Leadership role, working alongside our current Forest School Leader for some sessions within the working week. You will be required to complete the level 3 Forest School training as part of this role, the training/qualification would be funded by the school. The role involves working with children with specific learning difficulties. Experience of working in schools would be beneficial.

The role is for 31.25 hours per week, 8.30am to 3.30pm, for 40 working weeks a year. There might be some flexibility with these timings dependent on availability – please do enquire with the school. The role is on a fixed term basis depending on the needs of the school, fixed until August 2025. The salary offered will depend on the experience of the successful candidate. The start date is subject to discussion with the candidate during the interview, ideally as soon as possible.

We are committed to continued professional development of our staff so if you are someone looking to develop yourself further this role could be perfect for you with the option of beginning an apprenticeship. There are a wide range of teaching assistant qualifications available.

We are looking for candidates who can meet the requirements of the job description below, and the Person Specification.

Job Description

Supporting the Pupils

To develop a knowledge of a range of learning support needs relevant to the school
To develop an understanding of the specific needs of pupils to be supported
To support pupils to learn as effectively as possible in group situations and individually, inside and outside of the classroom.

This may involve:

Clarifying and explaining instructions
Ensuring that pupils are able to use necessary equipment and resources provided
Motivating and encouraging the pupil(s)
Assisting in areas of specific weakness, such as speech and language, spelling, handwriting, number or writing tasks
Helping pupil(s) to concentrate on and finish work set
Meeting physical needs as required whilst encouraging independence
Attending to pupils’ personal and health needs
Developing appropriate resources to support the pupil(s)
Assisting in the management of pupils’ social interactions and behaviour
To become familiar with the objectives of any Education, Health and Care Plan and contribute to target setting to create a personalised learning plan for the children in their care
In conjunction with the class teacher and school SENCo, liaise with outside agencies to ensure that specific advice and support is followed to support the children’s needs
To establish a supportive relationship with the pupil(s) concerned
To establish acceptance and inclusion of the pupil(s) in the classroom
To manage pupil(s) as advised by the SENCo and class teacher
To use methods of promoting / reinforcing the pupils’ self esteem
To ensure the safety of the pupil(s) while in your care
To carry out any specific duties as outlined in the pupils’ Personalised Learning Plans

Supporting the SENCo and Class Teacher

To assist the SENCo to develop a suitable programme of support and then carry out the programme, within the classroom or in a withdrawal situation
Where required, to contribute to Annual Reviews by attending meetings and feeding back on progress in conjunction with the class teacher
To provide, where necessary, written details of pupils’ progress/behaviour to support Annual Reviews and/or other assessment
To participate in the evaluation of any support programmes, with the SENCo and class teacher
To help adapt/ find differentiated materials to enable pupil(s) to access the class curriculum
To report any problems about arrangements or any incidents to the SENCo, or if unavailable, to the class teacher

Supporting the school

Where appropriate, to foster links between home and school
To liaise, advise and consult with other members of the SEN team
To contribute to Annual Review meetings, as appropriate
To participate in relevant professional development
To be aware of / follow school policies and procedures
To maintain confidentiality about home- school / pupil- teacher/ school work matters
To complete any other task as directed by the head teacher.
Supporting the school with Forest School provision alongside the Forest School lead
Deliver Forest School provision with small groups of children alongside the Forest School lead

We can offer:

A working environment in which everyone is valued and understands that they are part of a whole-school team
Resources and training to enable you to carry out your role effectively e.g. with Forest School
Collaboration opportunities to work with colleagues in our school, in similar schools and schools in the locality
Support and guidance so that you develop in your role
A hard-working, trusting team which has the learning, enjoyment and well-being of our children at the heart of everything that we do
Opportunities for career development
Children who love learning
Access to apprenticeships

Enter advert text here.

Applications must be submitted by 12 noon on Wednesday 27^th November 2024 and the interview date will be Thursday 5^th December 2024.

Our application pack can be found on our school website:

https://www.coldencommon.hants.sch.uk/about-us/vacancies/

Please return your application by email or post and ensure that, in your application, you specify whether or not you would like to work during lunchtime. You will still receive your statutory break in the middle of the day.

Email: adminoffice@coldencommon.hants.sch.uk

Phone: 01962712111

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.